Last year, in the wake of the tragic passing of former Temple University President JoAnne Epps, the university created the JoAnne A. Epps Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship, which was designed to support students who enact the values Epps embodied. One year later, the scholarship fund and its ability to positively influence lives has received a substantial increase in support from the Board of Trustees. 

Spearheaded by the efforts of board Vice Chair Phillip Richards and Chair Mitchell Morgan, all voting members of Temple’s Board of Trustees have committed to contribute to the scholarship fund.  

“Temple’s Board of Trustees do so much to support this university, with this act of generosity serving as just the latest example,” Temple President Richard M. Englert said. “It is the perfect way to both honor JoAnne and ensure that her legacy of supporting students continues well into the future. I want to thank all our board members for continuing to make such a significant positive impact on this institution.” 

Board members have committed to more than $1 million for the fund, and this includes a $500,000 gift from Richards that was made to kick-start the effort on behalf of the board. 

“Mitch and I just really wanted JoAnne’s story to live on,” Richards said. “On so many occasions, when you look back in 50 years, wonderful people are not remembered, and we did not want that to happen with JoAnne. She was just a remarkable person.

“In an age of division, she had a gift of being able to bring various parties together where everyone would leave the room thinking they had won,” Richards added. “We want JoAnne’s memory to be forever entrenched, and we want her devotion for students to live on forever.” 

The JoAnne A. Epps Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to incoming or current students with demonstrated financial need, with a preference for students who have shown a commitment to their community through service, leadership and social justice work or aspire to pursue careers that benefit the public good. Prior to making his gift to the fund, Richards reached out to Morgan to see if he would help encourage other board members to make gifts, as well. 

“Phil really initiated this, and said, ‘This is something I would like to do,’” Morgan said. “I encouraged him not to make this gift anonymous, because his sponsorship would be significant in inspiring others to make gifts to the fund.” 

From there, Richards and Morgan started making calls. 

“There was not one person who said no. There was not one person who said I will think about it. There was unanimity from the Board of Trustees when it came to supporting this cause,” Richards said. “Their love for JoAnne made this an easy ask.” 

In her nearly 40 years at Temple, Epps was unwavering in her support for students. This scholarship ensures that she will continue to support students forever moving forward. 

“JoAnne didn’t go to Temple, but she was Temple Made,” Morgan said. “She also helped make Temple the great place it is today, and there is no better way to honor her than through this scholarship.”