DALLAS, TX — Jarvis Christian University was proudly represented at the 2025 Dallas UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, one of North Texas’ most prominent fundraising galas supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Among those in attendance were Board of Trustees Chair Torry Edwards and several members of the university’s leadership team.
Held at the Omni Dallas Hotel, the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball brought together dignitaries, civic leaders, philanthropists, and supporters of HBCU education for an evening of elegance, celebration, and philanthropy. The annual event serves as a key fundraising initiative for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which provides scholarships to students and financial support to 37 member institutions, including Jarvis Christian University.
“Attending the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is always a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share in supporting the mission and sustainability of HBCUs,” said Torry Edwards, Chair of the Jarvis Christian University Board of Trustees. “Jarvis Christian University has been a proud UNCF member institution for decades, and this event gives us the opportunity to show appreciation for our partners while strengthening ties with others who believe in the transformative power of education.”
The evening featured a formal dinner, live entertainment, and a program spotlighting the accomplishments of HBCUs and their students. Prominent business leaders and elected officials from across the region were in attendance, underscoring the importance of the event as both a philanthropic and civic engagement opportunity.
The Jarvis delegation used the event as an opportunity to connect with fellow HBCU presidents, corporate partners, and prospective donors. Rev. Dominique Grate, Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Development who leads the university’s advancement strategy, noted the significance of this platform for relationship-building and visibility.
“This is a space where missions align and partnerships are born,” said Grate. “Our presence here signals to the broader philanthropic community that Jarvis is a place of momentum, impact, and innovation.”
The university continues to benefit from UNCF scholarships and capacity-building initiatives that support students’ academic persistence and institutional growth. During the 2024–2025 academic year alone, Jarvis students received significant scholarship support from UNCF-funded programs, helping to make higher education more accessible and affordable.
As Jarvis Christian University moves forward with the quiet phase of its capital campaign and prepares for its public launch in Fall 2025, events like the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball reinforce the vital importance of strategic partnerships and generous philanthropy in advancing the institution’s mission.
