Meet Jermaine Pharmes, BA'10, MAS'11 Honoring his great-grandmother by helping others
"I wanted to do something to help out however I could."
Fairleigh Dickinson University has always held a special place in Jermaine Pharmes’ heart. Reflecting on his early days at FDU, Jermaine shares, “It was a great feeling! I knew there were leaders at the school committed to helping me toward my goals. My mother is an alumna of the MAS program and always raved about her experience while at FDU. Of course, she was spot on! The University welcomed me with open arms and guided me to the finish line.”
Inspired by his journey at FDU and eager to give back, Jermaine established a scholarship to honor his great-grandmother, Helen Pharmes, who instilled in him the value of helping others. The Helen Pharmes Memorial Scholarship supports underrepresented students from Lincoln and Snyder High Schools in Jersey City. Jermaine hopes the recipients know,
They can do whatever they set their minds to! The scholarship is just a way to assist them along their journey.
Now, as the director of business diversity at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and a real estate agent with Liberty Realty in Hoboken, Jermaine continues to give back. He serves as a Board of Governor for the FDU Alumni Association, volunteers at the Hudson County Rotary Club, co-founded the Empowerment Academy Charter School in Jersey City, and supports the Jersey City Police Activity League.
For those considering how they can give back, Jermaine offers simple yet impactful advice: “Find a way to give something. It could be money, time, or whatever you can offer. Stay connected to the school and find a way to contribute.”
You, too, can transform the life of an FDU student.