Meet Guilford's Honors Students
Guilford’s Honors students are curious, self-motivated, and smart. They're also campus leaders, active citizens, and world travelers. From Day One at Guilford, they change the world around them. Read more about their research, their travels, and their dreams — and find out what makes them tomorrow’s leaders.
Learn more about the Honors Program, including scholarship and study abroad opportunities, or contact Program Director Heather Hayton at honors@guilford.edu or 336.316.2397. You can also contact the program's liaison in the Office of Admission, Kyle Wooden '11, at admission@guilford.edu or 336.316.2100.
From Ghana to Guilford
From Ghana to GuilfordEnglish and Media Studies major Salwa Ahmad ’21 took a leap of faith when she left her home in Ghana. She excelled at Guilford, earning a Rachel Lindner Leahy ’14 Award and a spot in N.C. State University’s Master of Arts in English program.
Future Physician
Future PhysicianFor Health Sciences and Biology double major Exel Valle-Estrada ’21, the American Dream has become a reality. He recently studied at the selective Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine Annual Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program.
Psychology Personified
Psychology PersonifiedPeople are Josie Schoenberg’s ’24 top priority. The Honors student from Dunwoody, Ga., is a natural fit at Guilford, where she’s enjoying theater productions and her Psychology major.
Wheels for Roots
Wheels for RootsHannah Arnett ’21 lives life off the beaten path. The Exercise and Sport Sciences major and Biology minor plans to roam the country after graduating early. So what does she do? She buys an old school bus to renovate into her next home.
Joyful Learning
Joyful LearningEnglish major Gillian Sherman '19 returned to her home city of Manhattan, New York, for the MAT program at Bank Street College of Education. She's focusing on general and special education for elementary school students.
Cultivating Her Calling
Cultivating Her CallingInitially drawn to Guilford for a (former) dance program, Biology and Health Sciences double major Robin Bigaj ’19 found that she appreciated the sciences. Her current focus is an experimental holistic garden she started with a friend.
Animal Advocate
Animal AdvocateKaylee Zabava ’21, a Biology and Health Sciences double major, says she's ready for veterinary graduate school because of the strong academic advising at Guilford and her dedication to gaining as much veterinary experience as possible.
An Element of Fun
An Element of FunDon McTaggart ’21, a Chemistry major with minors in Math and Computing, Technology, and Information Systems, is now part of a doctoral chemistry program that’s focused on renewable energy at UNC Chapel Hill.
Well Grounded and Ready to Soar
Well Grounded and Ready to SoarJuliana “Jules” Evans-Anfom ’19 of Frederick, Md., an Exercise and Sport Sciences major, Art minor, and soccer player, is pursuing a doctor of physical therapy degree through a joint program at UC — San Francisco and San Francisco State University.
Life Through a Lens
Life Through a LensPeace and Conflict Studies major and Art minor (photography) Annalee Durland-Jones ’22 said her attendance at a three-day symposium was one of the many ways professors found opportunities for students like her to engage during the pandemic.
Man of Substance
Man of SubstanceBrooks Stemple '22, an Economics and Accounting double major and football player, turns an invaluable internship with JP Morgan Chase in Texas into a full-time job offer — before graduation.
Finding Her Edge
Finding Her EdgeEnglish and Media Studies and Education double major Alesha Garcia '22 received the Eugene Thompson Scholarship for her strong ability and distinct passion for connecting with others to find success. She plans to become a secondary-school English teacher.
Framing Her Future
Framing Her FuturePsychology and Sociology and Anthropology double major Rebecca Hamilton-Levi '18 found her calling to the camera at Guilford. Two of her documentaries won awards at a campus festival, and she's started her career as the videographer for Friends Journal.
Leading by Example
Leading by ExampleCommunity and Justice Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies double major Mattie Schaefer ’20 discovered their leadership potential at Guilford. They're now pursuing a Master's in Higher Education at the University of Vermont.
His Chemical Romance
His Chemical RomanceChemistry major Connor Huntwork ’17 says his work as a research associate at Duke University, as well as the education he received at Guilford, prepared him well for graduate school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.