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This week, I had the distinct pleasure of awarding Charna Larkin an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, in recognition of her longstanding dedication to the advancement of civic literacy and American history at Florida Atlantic. The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, Feb. 20, prior to the annual Alan B. and Charna Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency, served as a tribute to her extraordinary philanthropy and engagement with the University and the broader community throughout the years.

Charna’s involvement at Florida Atlantic began more than 20 years ago when she and her late husband, Alan Larkin, partnered with the Department of History to establish the Alan B. and Charna Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency. Through a significant $1 million gift, along with a 75% state match, a $1.75 million endowment ensured her family’s legacy would benefit students and the community for generations. In addition to this signature event, their gift supported the Alan B. Larkin Presidential Book Series, which has published five books to date, and the Alan B. Larkin Family Fellowship, which supports one graduate student each year.

In 2022, Charna took her generosity to new heights by donating her rare Presidential Signatures Collection to Florida Atlantic’s S.E. Wimberly Library, in collaboration with the Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. This precious collection, which was gathered by her dear Alan throughout his lifetime, includes letters signed by each American president from George Washington to Donald Trump. Priceless in its personal and historical significance, the value it brings to our students and University community is immeasurable. To enhance this remarkable gift, Charna also generously funded the design and construction of its home in the future Alan B. and Charna Larkin American Presidential Study and provided an endowment for the ongoing care and maintenance of the collection.

The opportunities Charna has created at Florida Atlantic have transformed lives and led to a renewed interest in American history, the presidency and civic engagement for our students and community. Through these efforts, her legacy will forever be linked to her meaningful philanthropy, enduring commitment to education and profound reverence for American history.

Congratulations, Charna! We are grateful for the decades of support and friendship from you and your family, and we are very proud to call you an honorary alumna.