“Salwa is a fantastic student and has contributed much to the Honors Program and to campus. Determined to find a way to stay at Guilford, Salwa has applied (and now won) several competitive scholarships and grants,” says Director of the Honors Program Heather Hayton.

“We’re so grateful for all of the financial support she has received, from individual faculty, from the local Quaker community who have been especially generous, from the Sherwood Anderson Scholarship, and now from IIE. We have so many students in need right now, but this story has a happy ending.” 

The IEE Award came from a nationwide call to support up to 300 international students facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With over one million international students in the USA, this award pool was highly exclusive.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial difficulties for many. Through all of this, Guilford’s faculty have come together in support of the College’s students. Heather has been an incredible champion for this student, helping her make ends meet and supporting her in her Honors studies. Associate Professor of History Zhihong Chen even opened her home to the student, so that she had a safe place to live, free of cost.

"International students are incredible members of our Guilford community, and Salwa is a shining example! Her motivation to reach her goals and overcome any obstacle in her way is truly inspiring,” says Daniel Diaz, Director of Director of Global & Off-Campus Initiatives and International Student Advisor. “Receiving the IIE award, as well as support from other awards and our greater community, further prove that she is outstanding. With so many of us struggling in these times, it is encouraging to see successful Guilfordians making their dreams come true.”