Mrs. Erma Briley Victor, a proud member of the Class 1965 is an enthusiastic supporter of Jarvis Christian College. Mrs. Victor graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in English. She later received a Master’s of Education from North Texas State University (renamed the University of North Texas). Upon graduation from Jarvis, she became a teacher in the Dallas Independent School District, from which she retired in 1997 after thirty-three successful years. In 2014, Mrs. Victor served as Interim Alumni Director at Jarvis and held that post until a replacement was appointed.
Mrs. Victor’s joy of giving was inspired by her parents, whose generosity was emulated by many in her immediate family. She is a firm believer in the scripture, “For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required….” To live up to this scripture, she shares her time, talents, and treasures. She has validated her beliefs in her loyalty to and support of Jarvis, to which she credits her success.
Since graduation, she has been a consistent organizer and leader in the Dallas Jarvis National Alumni Chapter. Nationally, she is a lifetime member who served two terms as secretary, two terms as parliamentarian and later as president. During her tenure she participated in various fundraising activities, principally as co-chairman of the Dallas Heritage Scholarship Banquet, which provided scholarships for deserving students. She spearheaded a committee to raise funds to purchase a fifty-two passenger bus (The Alumni Express). When the choir performed in New York City, she purchased fabric and sewed thirty-three dresses for choir members. Later, she led a drive to purchase fifty robes. Each year, she solicits scholarship funds for students to participate in the Advanced Summer Enrichment Program (ASEP). She purchased outfits and shoes for young ladies who were representatives of the Pre-Alumni Club. She has donated clothing and shoes to needy students. Annually, she holds a Gumbo Party for the Dallas Jarvis National Alumni Chapter at her home which raises over $2,000 per year for the Jarvis Christian College-United Negro College Fund (UNCF) annual fundraising goal. During the past twenty three years, she has given over $100,000 to Jarvis Christian College.
Mrs. Victor participated in the campus Hands on Mission, which entailed painting, cleaning and preparing residence halls for the incoming fall students. She worked with the Board of Visitors in building a children’s playground for children of Jarvis students. Additionally, she participates in various campus committees.
Her enthusiasm for Jarvis eclipses her support for many other worthwhile charitable organizations, including Visiting Nurses Association, Bethlehem Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.
Acknowledgement of her wonderful good deeds and altruism resulted in the following recognitions: Extra Mile Award (Skyline High School), Heritage Scholarship Award (Dallas Jarvis National Alumni Association), Distinguished Alumni (Jarvis Christian College), Pioneer Hall of Fame honoree (Jarvis Christian College), and National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Distinguished Alumni Citation of the Year Award and the 2015 Preeminence Award for Philanthropy (Jarvis Christian College).