To the Temple community, 

It is with sadness that we write to share that former Temple University Board of Trustees member and Chair Daniel H. Polett, HON ’98, passed away on Oct. 2. He was 89. 

A successful businessman and friend to both the Temple and North Philadelphia communities, Dan joined the university’s Board of Trustees in 1992, and from 2006 to 2009, he served as its chair. Even after he stepped down as an active member, his engagement with the board would continue as he was then serving as an honorary life trustee. 

The circumstances surrounding Dan’s appointment to the board remain a truly entertaining tale. As Dan recalled on several occasions, then-President Peter Liacouras told him, “There were so many lawyers on the board, they could use a business perspective.” It was the start of a wonderful relationship between Temple and Dan, a relationship that remained intact up until the former trustee’s passing. 

We invite you to learn more about Dan and his legacy here at Temple in this Temple Now piece. 

In closing, we want to express our condolences to all who knew and loved Dan, especially his wife Margo, his family and closest friends. He will be deeply missed by the entire Temple community. 

Sincerely, 

Richard M. Englert 
President

Mitchell L. Morgan 
Chair, Board of Trustees 

Phillip C. Richards 
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees