Dear Students and Colleagues,

Over the last several days, I have been moved by the collective spirit, expertise and pride of the Temple University community displayed during Temple Made Days and Innovation with Impact. Whether I was enjoying a student performance, listening to a faculty panel or one of the Temple Talks; conversing with a student scholarship recipient or an accomplished alumnus; or attending one of the week’s many other events, the takeaway was the same: this is a community with immeasurable talent and vitality.

As planning for the investiture ceremony began, it was important to me that this would be a celebration of all things Temple, and by having the event coincide with Temple Made Days and Innovation with Impact, I believe we accomplished just that. To all the students, faculty, staff and alumni who either participated in or attended any of this week’s events, I sincerely thank you. I have never been prouder to lead this great institution, and it is an honor to serve as your president. 

As I shared in my investiture address, the current landscape in higher education is shifting. Uncertainty abounds. But I know Temple University will be well equipped to rise to these challenges. This is one of the most consequential public urban research universities in the nation and our mission of access—a mission rooted in meeting every student where they are—will ensure that we stay relevant amidst any challenges that will inevitably arise.

Today, during the ceremony, I also announced a transformative $27.5 million gift from Sidney and Caroline Kimmel that will support the new home for our Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts. The building will now be named the Caroline Kimmel Pavilion for Arts and Communication. This historic gift is the largest in our university’s history, and I speak for the entire university community when I say we are deeply grateful for the Kimmels’ support.

What is most exciting about this pathbreaking gift is that it touches all members of the Temple community—students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors alike—as this new building will serve all those important audiences. Once again, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Sidney and Caroline for making such a significant investment in both Temple and Philadelphia.

In closing, I want to again thank all members of the Temple community for their support throughout this past week. Also, we are not finished just yet. I encourage everyone to attend tomorrow’s first-ever Temple Made Fest. Held from noon to 3 p.m. on Main Campus, the vibrant street festival will showcase businesses owned and operated by alumni as well as current and former students. I hope to see you there. 

Sincerely,

John Fry 
President