College Profile: Temple University

I was recently in Philadelphia and decided to tour Temple University. What I discovered was a campus full of surprises and highly engaged students. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Temple offers a dynamic environment where academic excellence meets a spirited campus life. 

Fun Facts:

• Founding Principles: Temple was established in 1884 by Russell H. Conwell, who began by offering night classes to working individuals seeking education. 

• Iconic Symbols: The university's mascot is the Owl, symbolizing wisdom. Its official colors, cherry and white, were adopted as early as 1888, making Temple one of the first institutions to use cherry as a school color. ​

• Global Alumni Network: Temple boasts over 370,000 alumni worldwide, reflecting its expansive impact. ​

• Innovative Library: The Charles Library, opened in 2019, features a robotic book retrieval system and a green roof, blending technology with sustainability.

History:

Temple University's roots trace back to 1884 when Russell H. Conwell began tutoring working-class Philadelphians at night. This initiative evolved into Temple College in 1888 and achieved university status in 1907. Conwell's famous "Acres of Diamonds" speech emphasized finding value in one's own backyard, a philosophy that continues to inspire Temple's mission today.

Traditions:

• Temple "T": Designed in 1983 by Tyler School of Art students, the Temple "T" logo has become a unifying symbol for the university community. ​

• Cherry and White Day: Students and alumni proudly wear the school's colors to show their Temple spirit.​

• Homecoming and Family Weekend: An annual tradition dating back over 70 years, this event brings together students, families, and alumni for celebrations and activities. ​

• Polett Walk Gate: Walking through this gate is a rite of passage for incoming students and a nostalgic moment for graduates.

Student Demographics:

• Total Enrollment: Approximately 37,236 students, including 24,915 undergraduates and 7,428 graduate students. ​

• Class of 2028: Welcomed 4,926 first-year students, marking a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. ​

• Diversity: The student body is diverse, with 48.5% White, 14.7% Black or African American, 13.5% Asian, 8.74% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.77% identifying as two or more races. 

• Gender Breakdown: Among the Class of 2028, 2,807 identify as female and 2,078 as male. ​

• International Presence: 4% of the Class of 2028 are international students from 60 different countries.

If you are looking for an urban campus in a vibrant city, then Temple might be the place for you! For more information, schedule a tour and visit Temple University's official website.