Jack Caporuscio has had a unique journey at The University of Olivet, beginning as an English major before taking on the position of assistant director of annual giving and stewardship. As a student, Jack even served as a senior resident adviser, assistant community director, student services and housing student worker, editor of the Garfield Lake Review and president of the Student Government Association. After being so deeply involved in the OC community, it was only natural for Jack to join the College’s staff. He will begin the role full time on April 27.
Why do you love The University of Olivet?
I love The University of Olivet because it gives so much opportunity to its students. Olivet is unique in the way that everyone is willing to help one another. I think this family atmosphere is best embodied through the faculty and staff of the College. I remember early on as a student if I would miss a class, my professor would find me in the KC and ask me if I was doing okay and if there was something that they could help me with. That personal level of care is what made the difference for me when choosing what college to go to as I was exiting high school. The University of Olivet will always have a special place in my heart because of the impact the people here have made in my life.
What is your favorite memory from your time at OC?
It is always hard to narrow it down to one since I have so many during my time as a student. But, if I am forced to pick one, I would have to say it is the English major brunch held every semester at Professor Laura Barlond-Maas’ house, who is also the mayor of the city of Olivet. Once a semester she cooks a meal for all of the English seminar students and hosts them in her home. I think it truly represents the personal learning experience that The University of Olivet does so well for its students. I know that experience in particular always helped to make me feel more welcome in my academic area of study, as well as many other students.
Why are you passionate about annual giving?
I’m passionate about annual giving because it is absolutely vital to the success and the mission of The University of Olivet. I think annual giving is unique in the sense that it can allow The University of Olivet alumni to remain engaged with their alma mater in a way that allows them to give back to the place that they love — which in turn helps current staff and students engage with the alumni of the College, who always have valuable lessons and advice for students. Annual giving is a powerful area that can allow for amazing opportunities to be provided to students at The University of Olivet, as is evidenced by special funds like the Student Assistance Fund, which helps alleviate the financial burden and stress of school for students who need it the most. Ultimately, I am passionate about annual giving because I see it as a way to help the alumni and current students of The University of Olivet through the core value of service.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
I encourage students to attend The University of Olivet because this place has truly made a difference in my life. I tell students that this college is different from others. I always ask students if they would rather learn in a lecture hall full of 200 students or a classroom of 20 students? Usually, the answer is 20 — which is indicative of a student who yearns for the small school experience that OC offers. My main point of encouragement to students to attend OC is that people here care about you and your well-being. The personal care given by the faculty and staff of the College is what makes the true difference in the lives of students. I try to emphasize that point to prospective students because if they see the value in the experience then they will end up loving OC as much as I do.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
I spend a lot of time doing research in our database and creating letters and appeals to the alumni of The University of Olivet. I get to spend a lot of time writing appeals to different alumni, varying decades apart sometimes, which I greatly enjoy due to my English background. I also spend a good deal of time engaging with our partners in different departments across campus to learn what annual fund needs they have for their respective areas, and I try to incorporate those needs in the implementation of our annual fund appeals.
What advice do you share with students?
I always tell students that The University of Olivet is what you make of it. What I mean by that is this place is unique in the way that you can be anything you want here. If you want to be the president of a club, you can start the club yourself. If you want to land an internship in your field of study, all you have to do is ask Student Engagement what opportunities they know of. If you want to create an academic project that has never been done here before, just ask your academic adviser. I want students to know that their potential here is unlimited, so long as they have the ambition and work ethic to pursue their passion to the greatest of their ability.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I look forward to exploring and implementing new tools to grow the annual fund and to better steward our alumni that so generously donate back to the College. I think that utilizing the most modern tools we have at our disposal will help grow the area of annual giving and stewardship to a new level.
What is an interesting or little-known fact about yourself?
I lived just outside of Orlando, Florida for about half of my childhood. My mother was an entertainment manager at Disney World in Orlando, which meant I used to go to Disney after school many days of the week and wander around the park with my siblings. I grew up doing things like going to summer camp at Animal Kingdom in Disney and experiencing many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at the parks. I am also a huge Star Wars and Marvel nerd, and I love to talk about almost any video game. I also am a founder and content creator for a fantasy football website, yet another nerdy tidbit about myself.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
Menu