On Wednesday, March 21 the 2012 International Awards Ceremony was held where Alaa Tayeb won the Homer Higbee International Education Award at MSU.

Alaa Tayeb is an impressive student leader who has consistently reached out to help others understand Saudi culture and support a wider vision of international understanding.  

A founding member of the Saudi Student Organization (SSO) at MSU, Tayeb was first elected president of the organization during his sophomore year.  SSO has been very active in creating opportunities for students and members of the community to learn about Saudi culture.  Under Tayeb’s leadership, SSO organized a food drive for the Greater Lansing Food Bank, and helped to raise money just after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. These activities earned SSO recognition as the "Emerging International Student Organization of the year" from the International Student Association.

Tayeb was also instrumental in bringing together eight student organizations to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The event was open to all students and provided an opportunity to learn about the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. He also created an educational video to teach non-Muslims about Eid, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. 

As a tirelessly advocate for cultural exchange, Tayeb is an enthusiastic supporter of international understanding. He regularly attends events hosted by other nationality clubs, participates in the weekly Coffee Hours and volunteers to help with numerous cultural events on campus. He is known for his selfless, kind, thoughtful and generous character. 

Tayeb inspires all who meet him. The way in which he embraces the world demonstrates qualities of a true global citizen, making Alaa Tayeb an outstanding candidate for the Homer Higbee award.