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Social Responsibility Legacy and Action


Passion, Purpose, and Service

With each new school year, Guilford renews its commitment to advancing positive social change.

The College's history of real-world engagement dates back to when the Underground Railroad's path ran through the College Woods. That same determined integrity continues at Guilford today. Our students, faculty, and staff pursue a range of socially responsible programs designed to meet the challenges facing the school, the greater Greensboro community and ultimately the world.

Students live Guilford's Core Values every day. By working with such organizations as Interfaith Peace and the Islamic Center of the Triad, they seek to foster understanding and cooperation throughout Greensboro.


A group of ECAR volunteers. Photo by Kat Miller ’16.
Every Campus A Refuge

ECAR is an initiative founded by Guilford Professor Diya Abdo that calls on colleges and universities to host families fleeing the violence of war and welcomes displaced people from across the globe.

Bonner scholars interact with people across Greensboro.
Empowering Education

Through the Bonner Center for Community Service and Learning, students provide English lessons, job training, computer literacy and more to local immigrant families. Guilfordians are proud to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Members of Brothers Doing Positive pass out roses.
Affecting Positive Outcomes

Brothers Doing Positive, a project of the Blacks Unifying Society group, connects upperclassmen with first- and second-year male students. The advisers introduce their younger peers to resources and volunteering experiences at local schools and throughout Greensboro.


Guilford Students Making a Difference

Soy un Lider [VIDEO]
Soy un Lider [VIDEO]

Soy un Lider is a daylong conference hosted by Guilford College that provides resources and college application assistance to members of the international…

What is Black Lives Matter? [VIDEO]
What is Black Lives Matter? [VIDEO]

Guilford College students and the co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter Patrisse Cullors share their perspective on what the BLM movement is. Patrisse visited…


Leading the Way Forward


Organizations including the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE), the Multicultural Leadership Scholars Program, the Center for Principled Problem Solving and Excellence in Teaching, and the Bonner Center develop students' skills for becoming powerful change agents.

Soy Un Lider attendees wearing red shirts take a big group photo in Dana Auditorium.

New Designs on Sustainability

Originally constructed in 1885, the 2008 renovation of Archdale Hall fused LEED certification with historic preservation. Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for its high-efficiency electricity, low-water use and recycling systems, the building stands as a testament to Guilford's process and promotion of stewardship.

Keeping it Green

Incorporating two of our Core Values — stewardship and justice — a hiking trail combines sustainable building methods with Guilford's Underground Railroad Project.

Innovations in the Field

The Sustainable Food Systems major blends hands-on work at the College Farm with studies of preservation and fermentation.

Noteworthy Ecology

In a Sierra Magazine poll of 202 colleges and universities, Guilford ranked seventh for its green initiatives in the food sustainability category. Notable actions include operating a campus farm, waste composting, and support of local agriculture.