The Temple bell tower at Main Campus on a sunny day

From the President

Just a little over one year ago, I took office as Temple University’s 15th president. It was one of the most distinct privileges of my career, as I have always had a deep appreciation for the key role that Temple plays as Philadelphia’s public research university, public health system and one of the region’s most important economic anchors.

Over the last year, that sentiment has only been further affirmed. I have come to find that the Temple community is unified around Temple’s mission and a shared sense of purpose. It is something that we all hold dear, and I know it will be one of our biggest strengths moving forward.

It also speaks to the new Temple brand campaign, which you will read about here within the pages of the returning Temple magazine. This brand campaign distills what all of us already know into something tangible for the whole world to see: Real Success is Temple Made.

This issue of Temple magazine, the first since 2019, tells numerous stories of Temple Made success. And, for evidence, look no further than Christopher Barnett, CLA ’10.

Temple University's 15th president, John A. Fry

Temple University President John Fry

Photo by Joseph V. Labolito

Years ago, he pleaded for admission to Temple, promising to give back in the years to come. He has since gone on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in healthcare, and this fall he committed $55 million to support Temple, the largest gift in the university’s history.

Now, in recognition of his generosity, the College of Public Health has been renamed the Christopher M. Barnett College of Public Health. Chris’ story epitomizes what it means when we say Temple Made. His success is something we can all aspire to, and it is the type of success that we see in so many places across our community.

So, with the holiday season upon us, we have a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on all that has happened over the past year. I invite you to settle in and hope you enjoy reading all the impactful stories that fill this magazine’s pages. Together, we are creating a future filled with promise, pride and the power of what it means to be Temple Made.

John Fry
President, Temple University