On Sept. 4, every student at North Philadelphia’s Paul L. Dunbar School received a new backpack as they entered the building to kick off the start of a new school year. 

More than 300 Temple-branded backpacks—loaded with school supplies—were donated to the students through the collective generosity of Temple University’s Board of Trustees. Board Chair Mitchell L. Morgan, FOX '76, LAW '80,  and Trustee Daniel H. Polett, HON '98, were in attendance for the event.

Along with pencils, notebooks and folders, each backpack contained a note of encouragement handwritten by Temple students. Temple student-athletes and Hooter were on hand to distribute the backpacks. 

Once inside, the Dunbar students met in the auditorium to hear from William R. Hite, Jr., the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, and Temple University President Richard M. Englert. 

Dunbar School also will receive new outdoor recess equipment, including balls, hula hoops and jump ropes. A donation of 50 calculators will arrive at the school later in the month.