Mitchell Morgan, FOX ’76, LAW ’80, chair of the Temple University Board of Trustees, and Tina Sloan Green, EDU ’70, former coach of the Temple women’s lacrosse team, will be awarded with honorary degrees during Temple’s 138th Commencement ceremony, the university announced Thursday. Morgan will also deliver the Commencement address during the ceremony. 

“Chair Morgan and Coach Sloan Green are two of Temple University’s most accomplished Owls, and it is fitting that we will recognize them as this year's honorary degree recipients,” said Temple President John Fry. “I am also excited that Chair Morgan will deliver remarks to the Class of 2025, as his story is one of the most powerful examples of what it means to be Temple Made. I know that our new graduates will all benefit from Chair Morgan’s insights and anecdotes.” 

Temple University’s Commencement ceremony will celebrate the achievements of graduating students and honor the contributions of Morgan, Sloan Green and other guests. Each year, Temple honors distinguished figures by bestowing honorary degrees. Past recipients have included television star Quinta Brunson, African American historian Charles L. Blockson, Bishop Desmond Tutu, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, U.S. Senator Cory Booker and basketball Coach Dawn Staley.   

The ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 7, at 9:30 a.m. in the Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St. 

Morgan’s Temple story is truly one of perseverance and accomplishment. As an undergraduate in the 1970s, he juggled his responsibilities as an accounting student with working a full-time job at his father’s shoe store at Germantown and Lehigh avenues. It was a busy schedule, but it was necessary for Morgan, who paid his own way through college. 

After graduation, Morgan furthered his Temple education, enrolling at the Beasley School of Law while he continued to work full time. He applied the work ethic and determination he honed at Temple to become a leader in multifamily property ownership and management. His company, Morgan Properties, has grown to the third-largest real estate investment and management company in the United States. 

“I have always said that education is the greatest equalizer, and my experience at Temple University reflects that. I would not have been able to accomplish half of what I have if it were not for the incredible education that I received at the Fox School of Business and Beasley School of Law,” Morgan said. “I am honored to be chosen as one of this year’s honorary degree recipients, and I am excited to have the opportunity to share my experience with the Class of 2025. Every year, our new graduates never cease to amaze me, and I know that will be the case with this year’s class, as well.” 

Tina Sloan Green, an iconic figure in the history of Temple Athletics, will also be awarded an honorary degree at this year's Commencement ceremony. (Contributed photo)

This year’s second honorary degree recipient, Sloan Green, is among the most accomplished figures in the history of Temple Athletics. She is the only Temple coach to win three national championships, as she led the Owls to two NCAA and one AIWA lacrosse titles. In 18 seasons, she compiled a 207–62–4 record with a .758 career winning percentage. This includes the 1988 season in which her team finished with a perfect 19–0 record, capped off by a 15–7 victory over Penn State for the NCAA crown. 

She is also a true trailblazer, as she co-founded the Black Women in Sport Foundation to address the lack of representation of Black women in sports. The program has benefitted thousands of young women throughout the years. In recognition of all that she has accomplished, Sloan Green was awarded the 2025 NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award this past December. Also known as “The Teddy,” the award is the highest honor the NCAA confers on an individual. 

“At 81 years old, I thank God for this incredible honor. I’m blessed beyond measure and grateful for the growth, the memories, and the amazing people I’ve met along the way,” Sloan Green said. “Temple helped shape who I am, and I hope to pass on the same opportunities to future generations. Education and opportunity mean everything to me, and I will cherish this moment forever.” 

For more information about Temple University’s 2025 Commencement ceremony, visit temple.edu/commencement.