09/21/2026
After Jhireme Harper-Ruffin’s riveting and inspiring feature at this year's Scholarship Awards Celebration, we knew his story deserved another moment in the spotlight. Jhimere recently graduated from Old Dominion University magna cm laude with a degree in finance and a minor in real estate. During his time at ODU, he served as President of both the finance club and the real estate club.
When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, Jhimere shared that graduating with honors while simultaneously growing as a leader, professional, and entrepreneur stands out the most. Jhimere credits ACCESS with playing a transformative role in his journey. Through ACCESS, he gained more than financial support, he gained a support system that encouraged him, challenged him, and helped him believe that his goals were possible.
One of the greatest leadership lessons Jhimere has learned is that leadership is not about position, it’s about responsibility. Whether leading student organizations, serving in leadership programs, or mentoring students through LinkedIn and personal branding workshops, he has embraced the importance of creating opportunities, serving others, and leading with integrity. As he looks ahead to a career in commercial real estate and real estate investing, Jhimere hopes to use his influence to create opportunities, build communities, and inspire others to believe that their circumstances do not determine their future.
His advice to the next generation of ACCESS Scholars: “Dream bigger than your current circumstances. Find your community. Use your voice. Stay authentic. And never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, because growth often happens there.”
We are incredibly proud of all that Jhimere has accomplished and look forward to all that is still ahead. Congratulations, Jhimere, we celebrate you today and always!
