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Galloway, N.J.  - From serving as a Student Senator, a brother of Kappa Sigma, and a Resident Assistant to holding a position as a Student Assistant in the Office of the Dean of Students & Financial Aid, Carl Archut Jr. ’16 made the most out of his undergraduate experience at ������Ƶ.

Now serving as the associate director of Development for University Initiatives at the University of Florida, Archut credits his undergraduate experiences for his continued interest and career in higher education.

“When I first started at ������Ƶ, I didn’t know where I wanted to end up in life, but what I did know was that I wanted to help others,” said Archut. “And through my involvement as a student leader I discovered how I could make my goal of helping others a reality by working in higher education.”

Although he lives on the opposite end of the East Coast, Archut remains an active and engaged alumnus, frequently volunteering and attending and hosting alumni events. This level of engagement is what earned him ������Ƶ’s “Outstanding Young Alumni Achievement Award” in 2019.

Behind his ambition and motivation to give back and pay it forward for others, is a special driving force: Jenelle T. Archut, his grandmother, who he lovingly refers to as “Mom-Mom”.

“My Mom-Mom was one of the first to be there for my Dad when my mother left,” said Archut. “From that moment on, she played an incredibly active role in our lives.”

Archut recalls how his grandmother went out of her way to attend every milestone event in his life, making it her top priority. 

“From recitals, birthdays, holiday parties and award ceremonies to graduations and grandparent day celebrations – you name it and she was there,” said Archut. “In ways too many to count, without even meaning to do so, she became the mother I never had.”

Inspired by his grandmother’s generous spirit and unwavering support, Archut established the Jenelle T. Archut annual scholarship in 2018, and in 2020, pledged a gift for $25,000 to create an endowed scholarship in her honor.

“I wanted to create something that would carry on her legacy in perpetuity and pass on the unconditional love and support she consistently shows to others,” said Archut.

The Jenelle T. Archut Endowed Scholarship Fund will benefit first-generation students with proven leadership in any campus club or organization. 

“To see an active and engaged recent alumnus like Carl give back to his alma mater is truly inspiring,” said Dan Nugent, Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of the University Foundation. “But what stands out even more is how he created this opportunity to ensure other first-generation students have a support system and means to also succeed at ������Ƶ.”

Being the first in his family to graduate from college is a source of great pride for Archut, and by creating this opportunity, he wanted to ensure other “first-generation students know they are worth it.”

When asked what his hope is for recipients of his scholarship, Archut stressed the importance of hard work and philanthropic service.

“As the youngest of 13, my Mom-Mom never had a chance to pursue her dream of becoming a missionary overseas,” recalled Archut. “But as a woman of faith, she has given our family the guidance, encouragement and comfort of a wise and seasoned missionary at home; and my hope is that this award will inspire recipients to mature into good citizens who treat people with kindness and respect.”

For more information on creating an endowed scholarship at ������Ƶ, go to the ������Ƶ Foundation website.

- Reported by Alexandra Sandberg

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Contact:
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Galloway, N.J. 08205
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609-652-4593
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