Manor College Grad with a ‘Big Heart’ Fueled by Desire to Help Others

Posted on

Jessie Dupre (Philadelphia/Swenson Arts and Technology H.S.) graduates from Manor College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Jessie Dupre finished a six-part Netflix crime documentary and wondered to herself, “How many children have been failed by the system? How many kids suffer through abuse and they can’t do anything about it?” 

The documentary, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, chronicles the death of Gabriel Fernandez. The eight-year-old boy was abused and tortured over a period of months by his mother and her boyfriend. Fernandez died after a beating from his mother in May 2013. 

While Dupre watched crime documentaries before, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez left an indelible mark on the soon-to-be Manor College graduate. 

“There’s some people who have children, can’t parent, and take advantage of children,” Dupre said. “It shows how much we need to pay attention to children, especially when they are suffering. I have so much compassion and sympathy, I believe I can help be the change when it comes to changing that system.” 

Dupre takes the first step in that change this May when she completes her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She first found Manor College through an internet search. Manor was closer to her Northeast Philadelphia home and a shorter bus ride than most other colleges. 

Dupre began her college career during the pandemic and as a freshman. She noticed how faculty would reach out to her to check in, even if Dupre wouldn’t respond. Once the campus opened up the following year, her personality did as well. 

She got involved on campus, including running track and cross country, and joined Rotaract, a service organization. Through Rotaract, she met Professor Mary Sims. 

“At the time, I was just trying to come here and go home as a commuter,” Dupre said. “Then we served attendees at the local food bank, and (Sims) started talking me up to other people there. I thought to myself, ‘Oh My God, Professor, you really care.’ She pushed me.”

Mary Sims, Dean Emeritus at Manor College, described Dupre as a hard worker who never gives up. “She is always this positive presence,” Sims said. “I know she will do incredible things with her degree and her talent.” 

After graduation, Dupre will become a Correctional Officer with the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thorton, Delaware County. “It’s a chance to get my foot in the door,” Dupre said. “Corrections is an intimidating and challenging place. This job lets me see things now, to go through it.” 

As she prepares for the next steps in her life, Dupre said it’s the connections at Manor that she’ll miss the most. “It’s so beautiful,” Dupre said. “They don’t look at you as a number, they look at you as a human being. They see potential in you help you see how far you can go in life.” 

Meet Our Graduates
More on Commencement 2025
More on Manor College