Major Gift Establishes Endowment for International Studies
(from L to R) Carol Walters, Peter Walters, and E&H President Rosalind Reichard
Gift From Alumnus Honors Saliba
Emory & Henry College celebrated Thursday the creation of an endowment for international education, which is made possible by the generosity of a 1970 E&H graduate and his spouse.
Peter and Carol Walters, joined E&H President Rosalind Reichard in signing an agreement establishing the the Samir N. Saliba Endowment for International Education. The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with College’s annual Charter Day celebration.
Peter Walters currently serves as chairman of the Board for Guardian Industries, a diversified global manufacturing company with headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. It is a leader in the production of float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive markets.
Carol Walters has served as President of Walters & Associates, Inc. since 1989. The firm specializes in assisting public and nonprofit institutions in organizing and executing financial transactions. Her experience at Walters & Associates, Inc. has included obtaining funds for major real estate projects, assisting the State of Michigan in the sale of tax exempt securities and managing ratings for sale of public debt.
“Through their generous support, Peter and Carol have provided the resources to significantly advance Emory & Henry’s program in international studies while honoring a beloved professor whose vision has established the College’s reputation for excellence in international education,” said Greg McMillan, vice president of institutional advancement at Emory & Henry.
The endowment honors Dr. Samir Saliba, a longtime professor of political science and international studies at Emory & Henry. A former academic dean and interim president, Saliba developed the current program in international studies at Emory & Henry in the 1990s. When it was established, the program received wide praise for its ingenuity and vision.
Saliba, who was present during the signing ceremony, praised Walters for his understanding of the need for an international education that prepares students for citizenship in the world. "I'm unbelievably honored by this," he said of the endowment.
Saliba is a 1997 recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award given by the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia. He began teaching at Emory & Henry in 1964. In 1991, he was designated Hawthorne Professor of Political Science, and, since 1995, he has been the Meyung Professor of International Studies and director of the school’s Center for International Studies.
