Temple University cherry "T" logo

Alumni & Friends

Search Keywords

Temple University Oral History

The Project 

Temple University is thrilled to partner with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to collect alumni stories for Temple’s first Oral History Project. PCI specializes in publishing directories and oral histories for educational institutions and other organizations nationwide.

Launched in April 2025, this project aims to capture Temple’s rich history through the voices and memories of our alumni and community.

We look forward to sharing Temple stories through this meaningful project, made possible by the support of our amazing alumni and our partnership with PCI. 

The marketing phase of this project concluded on October 10, 2025. While we’re no longer accepting stories or updates for this project, we invite you to share a personal or professional update anytime by submitting an Owl Update.

Thank you to all the alumni who participated in the Temple Oral History Project! More than 12,500 alumni called in to share their Temple story. The publication is currently at the printer and is expected to arrive in homes before October 2026. Merchandise will also be mailed during this time frame. 

Alumni who purchased digital access to all of the stories will receive an email from PCI on September 1. Look for the subject line “Your Temple University Digital Publication is ready” in your inbox.  

To learn more about the project, visit the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

A collage of images.

What’s Your Temple Made Story?

Every alum has a unique Temple Made story to share. To help spark memories and capture your experiences, Temple University has crafted a set of questions and shared them with PCI. A representative may ask you questions like these and more.

  • When looking back at your time at Temple, how do you think you grew or changed, as a person, while you were there?
  • How did your time here help you with life after graduation?
  • What were some things that made your time at Temple so memorable?
  • and more!

What to Expect

You will receive emails and/or postcards about the project. While the postcard may look different from previous mail you’ve received from Temple, please note that it is an official communication from the institution, distributed by our partner, PCI.

How to Participate

If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Temple University. 

Oral History Project's sample postcards.

Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to Temple University at the conclusion of the project.

  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
     
  • If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email PCI and they will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
    Email: 
     
  • There is no cost to participate in the oral history project. After your interview, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition coffee table book or a digital archive featuring your story alongside other alumni, or other Temple-branded items, but purchasing is entirely optional and not required to share your story.

Should you not receive a communication about the project and would like to participate, please contact the PCI Temple University Dedicated Line.
Phone: 1-855-303-9233
Email: 

Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. CT
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m. CT
Closed Sunday

Frequently Asked Questions

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Temple University. Tell me more about this project.

We have partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to produce an Oral History Publication for Temple University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation for more than 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Temple University and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Why partner with a third party for this type of project?

Creating a large-scale alumni data verification and oral history project takes significant time and resources. By partnering with PCI, Temple is able to leverage their team of trained professionals who are genuinely excited to hear your stories (as are we!). PCI will also assist in compiling these memories into a unique piece of Temple University memorabilia. 

Rest assured, we have only shared your contact information with PCI specifically for this project. PCI will strictly use your details for the Oral History Project and nothing else. 

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time to share your story.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed.

When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk.

Phone: 1-800-982-1590
Email: 

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed. Note: The photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, please email . PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Do I have to buy something?

No, there is no obligation to buy anything. This project is being conducted at no cost to Temple University, with funding provided by alumni who choose to purchase the limited-edition book and digital story archive that will be created at the end of the project. When you are contacted, a PCI representative will share the available book packages for purchase. While you are welcome to buy these items, it is not required to participate in the project. We sincerely appreciate all alumni who support the project by sharing their stories and, if they choose, through a purchase of the book or digital archive.

Can anyone purchase the book or digital archive?

Temple University Oral History publications are available for sale only to Temple University alumni.

When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12–18 months. The estimated publication timeline for both the printed edition and the digital vault was originally May 2026; however, this timeline has been extended to October 2026. All alumni who made a purchase were notified of this updated timeline via an email from PCI in May 2026. 

I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk and they will take care of this for you.
Phone: 1-800-982-1590
Email: 

Contact

If your question or concern is not addressed on this page, please contact Temple University Advancement Engagement.
Email: