Alumnae Perspective
Zelma Brooks Washington, Class of 1962, member of the Jarvis Christian University/SCI National Alumni Association, and the Dallas Alumni Chapter, Dallas, TX
Special Giving Areas of Interest
Gene and Zelma Brooks Washington Endowed Scholarship, UNCF Jarvis Drive, Jarvis Strong, Graduation Aid, Early Start Summer Program, Pre-Alumni Council, and Pioneer Hall of Fame and Preeminence Awards Gala
One of the first things I remember being taught at a very young age was to express “thanks” to any person who gave me a gift, a compliment or did something positive for me. This was a ritual expressed by my parents, teachers and other adults who were influential in my life. Jarvis was one of the colleges that offered me a scholarship during my senior year of high school along with a campus job. Both were needed to help me to attend college. Therefore, when I give financial contributions to Jarvis, I am saying “thanks” to the college officials and to those individuals who gave contributions to Jarvis. Their contributions helped me financially.
There are several students attending Jarvis who need financial help just as I did. My hope is that my contributions will help to provide the academics, experiences and skills that will help them become productive citizens in their communities.
Some of the earlier colleges established for African Americans are no longer in existence due to several reasons and the lack of finance was a major cause. Jarvis is only 100 plus years old, and the goal is to continue the legacy of educating “the Head, the Hands and the Heart”. For Jarvis to accomplish its mission, the alumni members must give financial support. Therefore, it has become a personal priority for me to help Jarvis ensure its legacy by supporting it financially.
I believe in the words of Flora Evans, “In helping others, we shall help ourselves for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”
Most of all, I am thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed on my family and me. Therefore, I am elated to be able to give to help others, just as other individuals helped me. These are some of the reasons I support Jarvis financially.