A Legacy of Resilience: Chapman Senior Sophia Makhail Donates $2,500 Grant to Armenian Genocide Memorial
At Chapman University, the pillars of leadership, service, and global citizenship are more than just academic ideals—they are values lived out by the student body. Sophia Makhail, a senior at the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, recently exemplified this spirit in a profound way. After being awarded a prestigious $2,500 community impact grant, Makhail chose not to use the funds for her own upcoming educational expenses, but instead to donate the entirety of the award to the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial (OC AGM).
This act of selfless leadership highlights a deep-seated commitment to human rights education and ensures that the history of the Armenian people remains a visible, honored part of the Southern California landscape.
Recognition of Leadership and Advocacy
The community impact grant, provided by a local Irvine-based company and its sponsors, is not easily won. It follows a highly selective, merit-based review process designed to identify students who demonstrate exceptional character and a tangible commitment to community engagement.
Sophia distinguished herself through her advocacy for Armenian Genocide awareness. In an era where historical literacy is increasingly vital, Sophia’s work has focused on driving dialogue and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. Her ability to articulate the importance of human rights and cultural preservation earned her the respect of the grant committee.
“Sophia distinguished herself among an exceptional group of applicants through her thoughtful advocacy, integrity, and dedication to community education,” noted a representative from the corporate sponsor. “Her decision to donate the grant to a lasting memorial reflects the kind of leadership and service we are proud to support.”
A Vision of Memory and Hope
The beneficiary of Sophia’s donation, the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial, is a landmark project currently under development at the Great Park in Irvine. Titled A Vision of Memory and Hope, the memorial is scheduled for completion in 2028. Once finished, it will serve as a sanctuary for reflection, offering a dedicated space for the community to connect with their heritage and for the public to learn about the historical weight of the Armenian Genocide.
For Sophia, the decision to support this specific project was deeply personal. The memorial’s centerpiece—a statue depicting a mother holding her child—resonated with her vision of strength and survival.
“The statue of a mother holding her child, once it’s completed, represents how even through the hardest times, we were able to survive and continue moving forward,” Sophia shared. “For me, it shows the strength that’s been passed down through generations and reminds me that we can keep going no matter what.”
By contributing her grant to this project, Sophia is helping to bridge the gap between the survivors of the past and the youth of the future. She hopes her actions serve as a catalyst for other students to recognize their own power to effect change. “I hope this donation encourages other young people to get involved in causes that matter to them and see the difference they can make,” she added.
A Symbol of Generational Continuity
The leadership of the OC AGM has expressed deep gratitude for Sophia’s contribution, noting that her involvement adds a layer of symbolic “living history” to the project. Dr. Kevork Abazajian, Chair of the OC AGM, sees Sophia’s gift as a perfect mirror to the memorial’s intended message.
“The image of a mother and child at the heart of this memorial represents survival across generations,” said Dr. Abazajian. “Sophia’s support is profoundly meaningful, powerfully mirroring that symbolism—a young person ensuring that the memory, meaning, and moral lessons of this history are protected and carried forward.”
In a world where history can often feel distant, Sophia’s commitment ensures that the “moral lessons” Dr. Abazajian speaks of remain at the forefront of the Irvine community’s consciousness.
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