Three distinguished leaders, including two of the university's most respected alumni, will be recognized for their outstanding contributions in the fields of law, education and science at the university's 126th Commencement ceremony. The event takes place at 10 a.m. May 16 in the Liacouras Center at Temple's Main Campus in Philadelphia.

Words of optimism and encouragement punctuated Temple’s 125th Commencement, as more than 8,600 graduates were conferred degrees during a morning ceremony at the Liacouras Center. “Nothing will stop us,” said student speaker LaToya Stroman, a School of Communications and Theater graduate. “Because of all that we have been through we are here today. Because Temple University believed in us we are graduating today."

Preparations for the university's 125th Commencement began in earnest yesterday, as crews set cherry and white chairs in a Temple "T" pattern in advance of the 10 a.m. Thursday event in the Liacouras Center.

For the second year in a row, Temple will be offering students the opportunity to recycle their graduation gowns, which will be donated to next year’s graduates. Gowns will be collected at locations around Main and Ambler campuses after Commencement on Thursday, May 10. In exchange for donating their gowns, students will receive a 15 percent discount coupon redeemable at the Temple University Bookstore.