Give. Share. Contribute.  

These are the words Susan Connor, doctoral capstone coordinator and assistant professor of instruction in occupational therapy, added to her email signature last week on Sept. 19, to celebrate the legacy of former Temple University President JoAnne A. Epps on the one-year anniversary of her passing. It’s one of the many life lessons that Epps is known for.  

And it’s a sentiment that echoed throughout the Temple’s campus during the fall Convocation when first-year students received T-shirts adorned with those words and various additional “Eppsisms”—including “Be curious,” “Always see possibilities” and “Learn from failures.” These slogans are more than catchy phrases; they are calls to action, gentle nudges towards living a life full of purpose. 

“It’s a daily reminder to me and others,” said Connor of the new addition to her digital sign-off. “As members of the Temple community, it’s so important for each of us to engage with others and give back in ways that we are each capable of—which is different for everyone—and that’s something that JoAnne knew and lived by.” 

Sept. 19, 2023, was a day that brought deep sorrow to a community that had cherished President Epps’ leadership and vision. Epps was more than just a university president; she was a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration and a beloved figure to many. Her leadership was marked by a commitment to progress, community and inclusion, and her untimely passing left a void that seemed insurmountable.  

This year, on the anniversary of her passing, the Temple community marked the occasion by celebrating and reflecting on Epps’ enduring influence. 

In a poignant message to the university, current Temple President Richard M. Englert urged students, faculty and staff to honor Epps’ legacy by actively engaging in the community and embodying her guiding principles. 

Englert’s message motivated Connor to change her email signature, and it sparked other actions as well.  

Wayne Williams, assistant professor of instruction in accounting and faculty advisor for the Temple chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), shared his admiration for Epps, highlighting her role as a mentor. “She inspired our Temple NABA Owls to take bold action and push themselves towards success," he stated. “Epps’ commitment to fostering a supportive and ambitious environment resonates with many students and faculty, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with tenacity and purpose.”  

Director of Neighborhood and Community Affairs Andrea Swan described how Epps serves as a guiding light in her work every day. “I think of her constantly as I continue efforts to connect our neighbors to the many resources that Temple has to offer,” said Swan.  “There are opportunities for us as Temple ambassadors to get to know our neighbors and understand this region’s rich history.  We should continue to collaborate, educate and empower those who live and work in North Philadelphia.”   

Film and media arts major Mariana Linares Flores, Class of 2025, expressed her determination to carry Epps’ spirit forward. "I will continue to support other students and professionals and always remember that true leadership lies in serving others," she said. Flores articulated a commitment to learning from failures and confronting challenges, echoing Epps' teachings. "I want to carry the spirit of President Epps in seeing the possibilities in every challenge," she said. 

In a fitting tribute, President Epps’ portrait—which was recently unveiled at a private event—will be hung later this fall in Sullivan Hall along with the portraits of other past presidents. The university has also established two memorial funds in her honor. The JoAnne A. Epps Beasley School of Law Scholarship and the JoAnne A. Epps Undergraduate Scholarship are designed to support students who enact the values Epps embodied: service, integrity and leadership. These scholarships will provide critical support to students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and public good, ensuring Epps’ impact on education and justice endures. 

One year ago, the Temple community vowed that Epps and her spirit would continue to guide it. That promise has transformed into actions that embrace the principles she championed.