Philly Born, Temple Made: Alum Opens Doors Through New Scholarship
For Craig Mullen, STH ’05, giving back meant more than writing a check. His new scholarship is about building something lasting—a community, a network, a family.
From his first days of elementary school to his final days as an undergraduate student at Temple University, Craig Mullen’s academic journey has been anchored by one influential constant.
“I’m a public school kid, through and through,” said Craig, who grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, attending the city’s public schools from kindergarten through his college career. “That mentality—accepting others for who they are, seizing every opportunity that’s presented—that’s something I felt that moment I arrived at Temple, and it made me who I am.”
“I tell people I’m Philly born, but Temple Made,” said Craig.
Despite working at the intersection of health tech and financial tech for the last 20 years, a departure from the sports management degree he received in 2005, Craig’s ties to Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management remain as strong as ever. As former president of the school's student association, and eventually, president of its alumni association, Craig has remained a proud ambassador and champion for his home school.
“I believe in giving back to where you came from,” he said.
“My career path might have veered in a different direction, but I like to remind people, I live in hotels, I live in airports, I take clients to sporting events,” added Craig, who currently serves as executive director at JPMorgan. “Sharing that perspective, I think it’s opened a lot of people’s eyes to how expansive the industry really is.”
After years of volunteering his time and talents, Craig has taken his commitment one step further, recently establishing the Mullen Family Scholarship Fund, an endowed scholarship supporting students within the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
From left: Craig Mullen, his daughter, Jianna, his son, CJ, and his wife, Jenna.
From left: Craig Mullen, his daughter, Jianna, his son, CJ, and his wife, Jenna.
For Craig, a three-sport high school athlete who worked throughout his years in school, this scholarship was designed to recognize accomplishments and achievements beyond GPA alone. It was a decision he and his wife, Jenna, made together—and one they hope will resonate for generations, including future Owls like their son, CJ, and daughter, Jianna.
“In high school, I was an average student, but I worked hard—I was involved in sports, in clubs, I held a job” recalled Craig. “I wanted to create something that acknowledged and rewarded students who have to work—maybe they’re not bookworms—but still want to learn.”
According to Craig, these shared experiences are central to his desire to create this award—and what he hopes sets it apart goes beyond financial support.
“It’s a monetary award, but it’s also community,” he said. “You’re not just part of Temple or part of the school, you’re part of something bigger now. You’re a Mullen Family Scholar.
“I hope these recipients realize they’re part of another family now, and as it continues to grow they’ll be connected to an even larger network of peers and alumni who reflect the values that this award was built on,” Craig said.
“It’s nice to have extra funds, but it’s better to have people to lean on who have been there before,” he added. “That’s the legacy we wanted to leave.”
Scholarship support is a chance to transform lives and invest in the next generation of Owls. The Mullen Family Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students within the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. Join us in our mission to make a Temple education more affordable by closing a very real financial gap for many students and families.
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