If you’re a member of the Temple community—or even if you’re not—you’ve probably heard an Owl say, “I’m Temple Made.”

It’s more than a catchphrase. It’s a badge of pride among alumni, students, faculty and staff—a shorthand for expressing how the university empowers its vibrant, tenacious community, driving personal growth, career success, transformation and innovation in Philadelphia and around the world.

To Owls, the meaning is ingrained and understood. But articulating what Temple Made means succinctly to others presented a challenge.

Not anymore.

This fall, Temple University officially launched a dynamic new brand campaign aimed at evolving and clearly defining Temple Made, distilling the expression to its essence.

Real Opportunity. Real Results. Real Success is Temple Made.

“Temple is an exciting place to be right now. Our students are here because they want a high-quality education in one of this nation's great cities, and they graduate with the knowledge and experience not only to achieve success, but to be leaders in their professions,” said President John Fry. “That is the story we are telling through this campaign."

On Oct. 8, the new brand message began hitting the streets—literally. Rolling through Philadelphia on SEPTA buses and popping up on billboards, shelters, and trains, the campaign is designed to meet residents and visitors as they travel through the city. Activations at the Bell Tower on Main Campus, Thursday, Oct. 9, and at the Homecoming Tailgate at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 11 will further bring the campaign to life.

Airing on broadcast television, streaming networks, and social media, three commercials each tell the story of a real Temple alum who found their purpose, passion and future—at Temple.

"The best part of this campaign is that it’s about real experiences and real outcomes," said President John Fry. "It’s not about putting a spin on anything, it’s about Temple telling real stories about what’s possible when you’re Temple Made."

The commercials feature students and several alumni who were previously honored among Temple’s 30 Under 30, an annual program launched in 2019, to highlight recent graduates who—through their creativity, drive and determination—embody what being Temple Made means.

And visitors to temple.edu will find more stories about the journeys and successes of Temple’s trailblazing young alumni.

“Temple, and specifically TUTV, changed my life,” said Good Morning America Segment Producer Nic Uff, KLN ’22, who is featured in one of the brand spots. “I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share that part of my story with a broader audience.”

Nearly a year of research, interviews, surveys, and strategy sessions led by Temple’s Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications—and in collaboration with campus partners and higher-ed marketing and research agency SimpsonScarborough—ensured the new messaging would reflect the real Temple experience.

“It was a deep dive into what truly makes the university tick,” said Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Communications Angela Polec, FOX ’07, ’13. “Temple’s brand is solid. Our goal was to evolve the brand messaging to reflect the authenticity and energy found here and to showcase the real achievements of our graduates.

“This isn’t about flashy slogans or stock footage; it’s real people making real impact in Philadelphia and beyond,” Polec added.

Launched in August 2012, the original Temple Made campaign organically took hold, becoming an integral part of the Temple identity. Promotions at the time illustrated the pride and resilience of Temple's students and alumni with messages like "Self Made. Philly Made. Temple Made."

“Temple Made isn’t just a tagline—it’s timeless. It’s part of who we are as a community,” said Polec. “This campaign builds on that legacy by unpacking what it really means to be Temple Made—the confidence, the drive, and ultimately, the success.”

“I love that these new spots show how our network of successful Owls continues to lift up the next generation. Wherever you go, you’ll find Owls—because they’re everywhere." she added. 

Jaldhi Patel, CST ’19,’20, was drawn to Temple for its close-knit sense of community. “Of course, I’m excited to be part of this brand campaign,” said Patel, a clinical research coordinator at a nationally ranked health system. “I love Temple, and I come back and participate in events with students and alumni whenever I can.”

Philadelphia public school teacher Sydney Smith, EDU ’23, can’t wait to hear the responses from her first-graders when they see her face on TV. “It means so much to be able to share my success with them,” she said. “Hopefully, one day many of them will be able to say they are Temple Made, too.”