The Temple and Philadelphia communities will come together to celebrate Dr. Jason Wingard’s inauguration as the university’s 12th president this Sept. 15–17, leading into Homecoming and Family Weekend 2022.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and broadcast journalist and Temple Trustee Tamron Hall, KLN ’92, are among the hosts and special guests for inaugural activities. The schedule of events begins with an on-campus coffee for students on Monday, Sept. 12, and continues with bold conversation from thought leaders on Thursday, the formal investiture and gala celebration on Friday, and culminates with this year’s community tailgate and Homecoming football game on Saturday, Sept. 17.

“I am honored to be officially inaugurated as Temple’s 12th president during this pivotal moment in the evolution of higher education,” Wingard said. “We at Temple have a critical role to play in creating pathways of access and preparing the talent of the future—a diverse group of graduates who will be the engine of a diverse American economy. As part of this mission, Temple will continue to serve as a major regional employer, innovator and force for community good.”

A key celebratory event includes the first instance of the Talks@Temple global thought leadership series, which will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m., in the Temple Performing Arts Center. The event will feature President Wingard and leaders tackling the intersection of the future of work and the future of learning.

The Rite of Swing Jazz Café will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, at 4:30 p.m. at the Temple Performing Arts Center. The Jazz Café features Boyer College student ensembles, Boyer College faculty ensembles, local and regional professional ensembles, and national touring acts.

“As we celebrate President Wingard’s dynamic presidency, we also shine a spotlight on Temple’s bright future as an accessible, global center of academic excellence,” said Mitchell Morgan, chair of Temple’s Board of Trustees.

The celebration continues later in the evening on Sept. 16, with the Cherry & White Access Gala, to be held at 7 p.m. at Philadelphia’s famed Metropolitan Opera House. The gala is a fundraising event to benefit Temple University students in their pursuit of a college education. Entertainment and presentations at the gala will showcase Temple’s excellence in performing and visual arts.

Wingard took office in July 2021 as the first Black president in Temple’s 137-year history. He came to Temple after serving as a dean and professor at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. Dr. Wingard’s career and research span academia and business. He also served as chief learning officer of Goldman Sachs and vice dean of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and held cross-functional executive roles at Stanford University, ePals, the Aspen Institute, Silicon Graphics and the Vanguard Group.  

Wingard’s leadership of Temple comes at a key time, as the institution is welcoming its most ethnically and geographically diverse class in its history this fall. The Class of 2026 is comprised of 51% students of color, which marks a 6% increase from last year.

“I personally am incredibly pleased to see how Temple University is taking diversity seriously at all levels, from the highest administrative level all the way down to our student composition,” said Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, president, Faculty Senate.

“The official inauguration of Dr. Wingard marks a moment of opportunity for our university. He is an incredible asset to the Temple community and I’ve enjoyed working with him this past year. I see great things ahead for the future of Temple University.”

Since taking office, Wingard has made a point to actively engage with the student community. He can regularly be found spending time traveling around campus and visiting classes where he engages with students.

“The students are very happy to have President Wingard. He’s been active, involved and engaged. He really makes dedicated efforts to get to know the students,” said Gianni L. Quattrocchi, president, Temple Student Government.

“I think his inauguration marks the start of a return to normal for campus, as we reemerge from the post-pandemic world.” 

Rounding out and amplifying the inauguration events is Homecoming and Family Weekend, which will bring out alumni, community members, faculty and students. The TU Philly Fest featuring beverages, food and entertainment will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. The festival’s purpose is to connect with Temple’s neighbors and community. The Homecoming game itself will kick off at 2 p.m., with the Owls taking on the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights.

Temple’s athletic programs offer opportunities to bring alumni, students and supporters together to share experiences that extend beyond the field. The Temple community is expected to turn out in full force for Homecoming to show their Owl pride during the football game.

“I’m really excited for the start of this season,” said football Coach Stan Drayton. “In addition to the excitement of the season, there is always an extra emphasis that occurs in conjunction with Homecoming weekend—this year even more surrounding Temple.”

“With President Wingard’s inauguration and the proximity of rivalry with Rutgers, the atmosphere should be electric,” he said. “I expect the Linc to be rocking.”

Registration information about the upcoming activities is available at inauguration.temple.edu.

- Ayana Jones