There’s no denying that it’s been a historic year for Temple University. From research breakthroughs to higher-than-ever rankings to a record-busting freshman class and athletic achievements, 2015 has been extraordinary. As the year comes to a close, here’s a look back on some of the moments that have strengthened Temple’s momentum.

 

U.S.News & World Report ranked Temple University at No. 115 among national universities. Temple’s jump in the rankings—one of the largest single-year spikes in school history—places it among the top 25 gainers in the nation among public national universities. In the past five editions of Best Colleges, Temple has risen an unprecedented 17 spots, making the university the No. 1 gainer in Pennsylvania and the No. 7 gainer nationwide among public national universities in the top 200.

 

Temple’s ascent in 2015 was further fueled by research findings across disciplines. Researchers from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine led studies that found a common antidepressant could reverse heart failure and that mirrors may reduce pain related to phantom limb syndrome. A study published by the Fox School of Business suggests that Uber has reduced drinking and driving fatalities in California. And the university was included in the top 100 of the National Science Foundation’s research rankings, reflecting the growth and heightened reputation of Temple’s programs. 

 

With the Visualize Temple and Verdant Temple plans approved, the university began work upgrading and building new facilities on campus. A centerpiece of the plan is a new, state-of-the-art library in the heart of Main Campus. 

 

In August, Temple welcomed the large and accomplished Class of 2019. The 4,900 new students came from a record pool of more than 30,000 applicants, which is just one of the records set by the class. In November, the university hosted its largest-ever admissions open house, showing that interest in attending Temple continues to rise. 

 

It was a banner year for Temple Athletics. Men’s Basketball Head Coach Fran Dunphy was named Coach of the Year in the American Athletic Conference, women’s cross country runner Blanca Fernandez became the first conference champion for Temple and the football team has experienced unprecedented success. But the most meaningful achievement came off the field: Temple student-athletes scored an 85 percent graduation success rate.

 

The national spotlight shined bright on Temple—and Philadelphia—this year. Temple made its mark on the World Meeting of Families that brought Pope Francis and global attention to the city. ESPN took notice of the university’s upward swing and chose Independence Mall for the backdrop of its College GameDay program, which featured Temple’s football game against Notre Dame. And the Temple Option, the university’s innovative test-optional admissions pathway, was recognized by The New York Times.