This piece of plant material is too old for producing a good cutting.

What you need is younger growth - the stuff at the tip. I can't tell from your photo how long the youngest growth was.

If you ask the owner of the tree, I am sure they would let you cut off some fresh pieces. Cut off slightly longer lengths than you need so that when you are ready to make the cuttings, you can give them a fresh cut. So maybe select 6" lengths to be cut down to about 4" when you make the cuttings.

It was at an apartment complex and I wouldn't know who to ask. But I will try. Thank you.