Great Grads 2025: Purity Gumede

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When Purity Gumede walks across the stage as the 2025 Valedictorian of Johnson C. Smith University she will embody a dream born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

“This moment is summing up my whole life,” she said. “My parents always told us they didn’t have material inheritance to give us—but they gave us the inheritance of education."

The promise of the Johnson C. Smith University education brought  Gumede to Charlotte from half-way across the world. She arrived as a James B. Duke scholar, 8,083 miles from home.

“My JCSU experience has been a roller coaster,” she said. “There have been highs and lows, but all of it has helped me grow. I’ve had to adjust to a new culture, battle homesickness, and carry the grief of losing my father during my senior year of high school. But I made it—with faith, community support, and the belief that my journey had purpose.”

For Gumede, arriving at JCSU was more than a physical journey—it was a leap of faith. During her trajectory, Gumede became a strong voice on campus—serving in leadership roles, participating in research programs and hackathons. She made a lasting impact as a peer math tutor,  a highlight of her JCSU years.

“It was so fulfilling,” she said. “Even now, students I helped years ago still come up to me and say thank you. That means everything.”

Gumede is an academic success story. She also found great motivation in hands-on learning, securing internships and meeting the mark as a well-rounded compassionate competitor.

“I believe in lifting as you climb,” she said. “If I can change one life or help one person, it makes it all worth it.”

Next, Gumede will take on a full-time role in data analytics with Bank of America.  Long term, Gumede  plans to pursue  a Ph.D. and create inclusive systems in technology. 

“My dream is to become the most impactful version of myself... to honor those who made my journey possible."

As a soon-to-be JCSU alumna, Gumede will continue to lift as she climbs.