President Ann Weaver Hart has announced the creation of a steering committee to develop a strategic vision for commemorating the university’s upcoming 125th anniversary. The mission of the committee is to provide leadership, coordinate activities and facilitate the celebration of Temple locally, nationally and internationally.

“2009 will be a time to celebrate Temple University — a time to look back at the university’s rich history and affirm the mission of founder Russell Conwell and to look forward to our exciting future,” said Therese Dolan, co-chair of the steering committee and interim dean of Tyler School of Art.

Co-chairing the committee with Dolan are Loretta Duckworth, the Temple University Alumni Association’s representative to the Board of Trustees, and JoAnne Epps, newly appointed dean of Beasley School of Law. Representatives from the university’s schools and colleges and several centers have also been selected. Staffing the committee will be Stuart Sullivan, senior vice president for Institutional Advancement; Melissa Coopersmith, the president’s chief of staff; and Ingrid Thack, executive director for alumni and development communications.

The anniversary year promises to be an exciting one for Temple. In 2009, Temple will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies for four new building projects: Alter Hall, a new building for Tyler School of Art, a new Medical School building and a renovated Baptist Temple. Additionally, the year will mark the culmination of Temple’s Access to Excellence campaign. Since the campaign began in July 2002, more than $290 million has been raised in gifts and pledges toward the goal of $350 million.

The yearlong celebration will begin on Martin Luther King Day, Jan 19, 2009. On that day, Temple will also be simultaneously carrying out its role as the official host of Martin Luther King Day in Philadelphia.

“Planning our 125th anniversary launch to coincide with Martin Luther King Day seems appropriate because Conwell’s vision of access to excellence and opportunity corresponds with King’s ideals,” Dolan said.

The committee is also charged with selecting and implementing graphic identity standards and guidelines for promoting the signature anniversary events to be held throughout the year.

“The 125th anniversary will be a time to shine a strong light on all of Temple’s accomplishments,” Dolan said.