Diana Towfeeq wins nursing scholarship
HFC nursing student Diana Towfeeq received some good news while in the middle of studying for final exams: She won a Nursing scholarship!
“It was a stressful time, so the news was a huge encouragement to me and a boost of motivation,” said Towfeeq.
Towfeeq was one of two students (with Shalyn Connolly) in HFC’s renowned Nursing program to win the HFC Nursing Scholarship through the Rotary Club of Dearborn. This scholarship was established in 2002 in conjunction with the Henry Ford College Foundation.
"Dearborn Rotary is happy to help support Diana's and Shalyn's goals of becoming registered nurses through HFC," said Rotary President David Anderson. "Their plans to continue advancing their nursing education are commendable. Their goals of serving their patients, community, and peers reflect Rotary's principle of 'Service Above Self.'"
Towfeeq will use the scholarship during the Fall 2025 semester.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “This scholarship has helped me continue to pursue my education with more focus and less financial stress. It’s an honor to be recognized and supported in this way.”
The selflessness of nurses inspired her to become a nurse
The middle of three, Towfeeq is a lifelong Dearborn resident. Her older brother, Ibraheem, is an HFC alumnus who earned his associate degree in business administration. Her younger sister Nawal is dual enrolled at HFC and Fordson High School.
Towfeeq, who speaks fluent English and Arabic, will graduate from HFC and earn her associate degree in nursing at the end of 2025. She is also completing the RN-to-BSN program through Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, she will transfer to EMU to finish her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Towfeeq spoke about what inspired her to become a nurse and why she decided to continue her education at HFC, which is a family tradition.
“Seeing the selflessness of nurses who help people during some of the hardest moments of their lives deeply moved me. I want to make that kind of meaningful impact: Helping others when they’re most vulnerable and being a source of comfort and strength,” she said. “HFC offers a high-quality education at a much lower cost than many other schools. It’s a place where change and growth are possible without breaking the bank. The College has a strong reputation for nursing education and offers an affordable, quality program that’s accessible and close to home. I also knew students who had gone through the program and had great experiences. It felt like the right place to build the foundation of my nursing career.”
Towfeeq is a nurse extern at Corewell Health. She works on a medical-surgical floor. This unit treats patients recovering from major surgery, suffering from acute illnesses, or managing chronic conditions. Med-surg units are known for being a fast-paced environment.
“Working on a med-surg floor has given me valuable hands-on experience and connects me with the healthcare community,” she said. “We see a wide range of patients. Every day presents new learning opportunities.”
Success recipe: think deeply, study consistently, manage your time
For Towfeeq, HFC nursing instructors Christie-Marie Buck and Shannon Hasper have been very influential.
“They’re incredibly supportive,” she said. “Professor Buck, who taught my Med-Surg II course, made a huge impact on me with her dedication and passion. I also really appreciated Professor Hasper, my instructor for Nursing Fundamentals. Both professors are compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly want their students to succeed.”
Her career goal is to work in the ICU and eventually become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She directs the credit to HFC for allowing her to build a firm foundation in the nursing field.
“HFC has challenged me to think deeply, study consistently, and manage my time well. It’s helped me grow as a student and as a future healthcare provider,” said Towfeeq. “HFC’s Nursing rogram is excellent. It’s very hands-on with great clinical experiences and professors who genuinely care about their students. There are endless opportunities for growth, and you’re constantly encouraged to challenge yourself and apply critical thinking in real-world settings. It has strengthened my clinical judgment, built my confidence in patient care, and helped me become more adaptable and compassionate as a future nurse.”
Towfeeq also gave her advice to students considering enrolling in the Nursing program.
“It’s a challenging program, but every aspect is worth it. You’ll be part of a hands-on, skill-building environment that pushes you to think critically and grow independently. The professors truly want you to succeed and are always there to guide and support you. The knowledge you gain here stays with you; it’s the kind of foundation you’ll carry into every part of your nursing career,” she explained. “Nursing school isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. At HFC, you’ll find yourself surrounded by passionate educators, a supportive community, and countless opportunities to learn and grow. I’m proud to be part of this program, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”