To the Temple University community: 

As June comes to an end, I want to take a moment to address you one last time as president of this spectacular institution.

Working at Temple has been an amazing experience. The many successes I’ve witnessed in my more than 45 years at this university are a credit to the outstanding people who have worked here alongside me, including our faculty, administrators, students, physicians, nurses, coaches, academic advisors, police, facilities personnel, trustees, alumni, supporters and so many others. Thank you for your tireless work to make Temple so incredibly successful during my time as president and in the many other roles I’ve been honored to fill at the university.

It is because of you that Temple has achieved so much, for example: its largest graduating class ever, status as a world-class research university, highest fundraising totals ever, regional leadership in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, national prominence through distinguished scholarships and fellowships for our students and faculty, and continued expansion of services to our wonderful neighbors in North Philadelphia, as well as the city at large and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you’ve done for Temple University, for our vital mission, for the people we serve and for me personally.

There is one person to whom I must give special recognition: my ever-patient wife, Ellie. She has been a constant supporter and true companion over the decades. She loves being a Temple Owl. Temple University and I owe her more than words can say.

I know all of you are as excited as I am to welcome Jason Wingard as Temple’s 12th president. Having had the opportunity to talk with him many times and in depth over the last few weeks, I can tell you that he’s a dynamic individual with a great respect for Temple University, its people, its mission and its potential for the future. I have no doubt that he is the right leader to take our university to even greater heights in the years ahead.

I pledge to do all I can do to help incoming President Wingard and to ensure a smooth transition. I know you will do the same.

This is a time of transition but it is not goodbye. Starting tomorrow, I will return to the role of chancellor. So if you see me around campus, please stop and say, “Hi.” I love you all. 

My very best, 

Richard M. Englert 
President