We need photos of the actuator connectors.
Do you have mating connectors for the actuator since you apparently don't have the 24V dc power supply shown in the catalog ?
Also, I wouldn't recommend using that switching power supply without an AC variac to control the output voltage. You haven't even connected the actuator since December. You should have had enough information to connect it by now. What have you done in the way of obtaining mating connectors for it so you can hook it up ? Can you borrow a variable 24V dc supply from the school?
If not, that is the first thing you should get is a 24V dc adjustable current variable supply so you can test the actuator with no load at lower voltages and ramp up the voltage gradually.