Knowing the recipe for a drink is never enough for Juyoung Kang, TFM ‘02. She studies the story behind those ingredients and traces the origins of beverages to unexpected places. “I want my drinks to have layers,” Juyoung says. “If your drink doesn’t have heartbeats, it doesn’t do anything.” Growing up, Trenae Nuri, KLN ’10 tagged along to her mother’s classes at the College of Public Health. She’d never imagined she’d one day be an Owl herself. Now, she’s back on campus with her own kids, sharing her experience and remaining deeply connected to the Temple community. Walter Johnson, FOX ’57 has spent his entire life thinking ahead. It’s how he rides his bike through Philly at 90 years old and how he navigated a career as one of only a handful of Black computer systems engineers at IBM Philadelphia in the 1960s. For Walter, being exceptional has been a necessity in a world that rarely allows mistakes. This 1-hour webinar walks through real examples of how professionals are applying AI to streamline workflows, enhance creativity and make better decisions at work. You will also learn more about Temple’s certificate programs in AI prompting and AI automation, built in partnership with Ziplines Education, and get a 10% discount code toward enrollment in these programs. As president and co-founder of River to Tap, Kimberly Ajy, ENG ’95, is leading the way in water resources engineering. But her greatest legacy may be the one she’s building through mentorship and scholarship—helping tomorrow’s innovators thrive. From quiet corners of Temple’s Paley Library to the eerie halls of Hell House LLC, Stephen Cognetti, TFM ’04, turned his love of filmmaking and fear into a cult horror legacy. What began as a class assignment has become an enduring symbol of Philly pride. For Katie Fish, TYL ’21, designing the city’s iconic voting sticker was just the start of a career rooted in Philadelphia. Investment advisor and author Joslyn G. Ewart, EDU ’80, commits $3 million for first academic deanship for a non-professional school at Temple. From Monday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, campus was alive with Cherry & White pride as we celebrated Homecoming & Family Weekend in true Temple style! The week was packed with high-energy events, unforgettable moments, and Owl pride at every turn, culminating in our biggest tailgate of the year and a thrilling Homecoming football showdown. In recognition of the historic $55 million gift, Temple’s College of Public Health will now be known as the Christopher M. Barnett College of Public Health. Check out all of the alumni-owned businesses that are taking part in this year's Temple festivities! A comprehensive look at the tools, programs and support Temple offers to help alumni thrive at every stage of their career journey, because your success is a lifelong priority. Temple marks its best fundraising year ever with over $133 million raised—driving transformational scholarships, research, and community programs, while setting the stage for even greater impact ahead. Homecoming & Family Weekend wouldn't be complete without Tyler School of Art and Architecture's annual Art Market, featuring alumni and student artists. Recent Tyler grad Lindsay Archer's award-winning mural connects communities across Philadelphia, earning her $10,000, a Phillies first pitch and a year she'll never forget. What began as a chance job at a cheese shop led Jake Heller, CLA ’19, to an award-winning career as a cheesemaker—proving that success and passion can come from the most unexpected journeys. For Jane Glassman, EDU '66, relationships, intuition and a passion for art have led to a career filled with highlights and adventure. Lydia Sermons, KLN ’87, credits her success to those who saw her potential—and she’s now doing the same for a new generation of Temple Owls. From his early days as a percussionist to leading acclaimed choirs and performing with world-renowned orchestras, Dan Schwartz, BYR ’09, ’11, has crafted a versatile and inspiring career in music—proving that success often lies beyond the traditional path. Journalism graduate George Hirthler, KLN ’73 turned a passion for storytelling into a global career—branding Olympic bids, writing international campaigns, and honoring the legacy of peace through sport. The new limited-edition Temple University Starbucks Discovery Series mug is here, and we have all the details on how and where you can get one! As one of the few women of color in leadership, Rashonda Harris, FOX ’12, ’16, embraced the label “purple sheep” and made it her mission. Through Purple Sheep Consulting, she champions DEI with global partners, mentors emerging leaders, and recently endowed a scholarship to support the next generation of Owls. Iranian-born graphic designer Dora Moghaddami, TYL ’25, recently showcased her work highlighting immigrant Temple alumnae making a difference. Drawing on her own journey, she uses illustration and storytelling to celebrate underrepresented voices and foster connection as an AAPI artist. Evonne Amaka Nwankwo-Igomu, CST ’01, EDU ’03, boasts an illustrious career that has spanned continents—blending science, public health and community impact through global roles focused on improving healthcare systems and advancing equity around the world. It's that time of year again! We celebrated the spirit of hard work and resilience once more at Temple during our fourth annual Temple Made Days. Temple Made Fest celebrated Temple's entrepreneurial spirit by showcasing businesses owned by Temple alumni, current students, and former students on Saturday, April 5th - check out the participating businesses! As a student in the College of Liberal Arts, John Trone, CLA ’79, found the competence—and confidence—to excel as a business leader and entrepreneur. Today he’s ensuring more students have that same opportunity to realize their dreams as Temple graduates. Temple alum Lauren Munroe, KLN ’16, has built a successful career in the music industry, staying connected to her roots while helping fellow alumni like Ben Thomas, FOX ’18, along the way. Selected works from Philadelphia’s vibrant public art scene, created by talented Temple graduates, showcase a dynamic fusion of creativity, culture, and community engagement, highlighting the city’s rich artistic diversity and the significant contributions of its local artists. Driven by a passion for journalism and storytelling from a young age, Cassie Semyon, KLN ’18, has risen to become one of the youngest on-air political reporters in Washington—and she's just getting started. From his early interest in science to his influential roles at the Franklin Institute and his prestigious honor this year from Smith Memorial Playground, Michael Burch, EDU ’88, is the personification of dedication to education and making a difference in one’s community. As a journalism student at the Klein College of Media and Communication, Howard Bryant, KLN ’91, never doubted his passion—or his purpose. Now, he’s paying tribute to the place it all started with a new scholarship for students who aim to follow in his footsteps. Celebrate Valentine's Day with us as we share sweet stories of Temple University couples who found their perfect match on campus. Celebrate Black History Month with a collection of stories about our outstanding black alumni and donors. In honor of the new year, we're celebrating the achievements of Temple alumni who have turned their passion for health and wellness into successful businesses, creating a positive impact on their communities. A look into Stella the Owl’s life as an educational animal and beloved temple mascot Relive all the best and most impactful moments of 2024 with a recap of stories from our alumni and donor news center, Temple Beyond. The Temple University Black Alumni Alliance Endowed Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a student with financial need. This past August, we collected valuable alumni feedback that will play a key role in shaping future initiatives and programs. Here is a roundup of the key survey findings. Check out TPN’s new initiative to celebrate the good career news our alumni have to share! As Small Business Saturday draws near on November 30th, we’re excited to spotlight the remarkable Temple University alumni who have turned their passions into thriving businesses and creative ventures. Since being named a 30 Under 30 honoree in 2020, Jeffrey Meris, TYL ’15, has expanded his artistic practice, engaging with themes of ecology, embodiment and care through ambitious projects, including his upcoming inclusion in Prospect New Orleans. This weeklong celebration of cherry and white spirit that took place Monday, Oct. 14–Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, culminated in our biggest tailgate of the year and the Homecoming football game where the Temple Owls took on the Tulsa University Golden Hurricane. #TempleMade is not just a concept, but a true mantra for an alum like Stephane Jean-Baptiste, KLN ’06, who directed his entrepreneurial spirit into a wildly successful company that allows him to pursue his dreams, honor his Haitian American culture, and support future generations of Temple students. Whether it’s with a work of horror, science fiction, mystery or other speculative fiction these genre-bending Owl storytellers will satisfy your thirst for a thrill. After nearly five decades of dedicated service to Temple, Richard Englert reflects on the cherished memories and significant accomplishments that continue to enrich our connection to Temple and its mission. Alumni members of the marching band return each year to reunite and perform at Homecoming and Family Weekend, showcasing the lifelong connection that band members forge during their time at Temple. We spoke to a few of the band members who return every year about why it’s so important to them. Join us for a nostalgic look back as we chat with Temple’s first Black Homecoming Queen, Deborah Carn, CPH ’74. Take a look back at all the achievements, successes and accomplishments in fiscal year 2024. Fall is now upon us, which means it's time once again for Temple's annual Homecoming and Family Weekend! It's a celebration of cherry and white for one and all. As we look forward to this year's festivities, let's take a trip down memory lane! Check out all of the alumni-owned businesses that are participating in this year's Temple festivities! Tyler School of Art and Architecture's Art Market is back once again as a part of this year's Homecoming and Family Weekend programming. Check out this year's artists. Five years after being among the first cohort of Temple’s prestigious 30 Under 30 award, Maggie Andresen, KLN ’17, remains as dedicated and steadfast as ever in her work as a human rights advocate. An avid Temple Athletics supporter, Amy's frequent attendance at tailgates held by the alumni association ahead of every home football game, including during Homecoming and Family Weekend, highlights just how impactful alumni involvement can be. Rian Wallace, STH '11, went from a Super Bowl-winning football career to finishing his degree at Temple and starting Bare Hand Love Cuisine, a catering business he’s now thriving in after 10 years. In honor of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, we're taking a look at the triumphant and acclaimed Owls who have participated in games past. We sat down with the co-founder of REC Philly, Dave Silver, KLN ’13, to learn more about the building blocks of his entrepreneurial spirit and why he remains indelibly proud to be #TempleMade. Nicholas Rago's philanthropy has sparked a transformative legacy at Temple, empowering alumni to carry forward a cycle of empowerment through scholarships. Summertime is here, Owls! We're taking a look at alumni-owned businesses down the shore and all over New Jersey — and don't forget, you can always find more alumni-owned businesses in our Alumni Business Directory. Madeleine McShane, CPH ’22, and Megan Gochenauer, Class of 2026, reflect on their experience being Phillies ball girls, highlighting their love for the game, the Phillies, and the Philadelphia community. With an impressive resume and successful career in community investment and advocacy, Ray Smeriglio, KLN ’15, embodies resilience, mentorship and the enduring impact of being #TempleMade. Through unwavering determination and relentless hustle, Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, TFM ’07, has built a successful film and television career staying true to his Philly roots and commitment to storytelling excellence. After nearly two decades of not only working with some of the biggest names and brands in fashion and entertainment, but also starting his very own clothing empire, James “Jimmy” Gorecki, KLN ’06, has now found himself back where it all started—and he couldn’t be happier. Erlina Ortiz, TFM ’12, co-founder of Power Street Theatre, reflects on her Temple journey as she prepares to debut her first musical Siluetas, at Temple Theaters where it all began. Through her award-winning work as a filmmaker, and her return to Temple to bestow the knowledge she’s accrued, Anula Shetty, TFM ’97, a first-generation South Asian immigrant, has made it part of her mission to uplift the stories of the underrepresented, especially in Philadelphia. Shalimar Thomas, KLN ’08, a true Temple Made leader, exemplifies the power of education, passion and community engagement in driving meaningful change. Through her tireless efforts as executive director, North Broad Renaissance continues to thrive as a symbol of progress in Philadelphia’s vibrant landscape. The annual weeklong event was all about Owls uniting and showing their pride in what it means to be #TempleMade. John (Jack) Livingstone's, FOX ’49, journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the indelible mark one can leave on their community. A proud alum, Jack’s generous philanthropic support of Temple through the Livingstone Undergraduate Research Award, his lifelong dedication to knowledge accessibility and his novel approach to fostering library engagement have helped shape the educational journeys of many students and enriched the cultural fabric of Monmouth County and beyond. At Temple University, the legacy of Joshua Winheld, KLN ’00, CLA ’10, lives on as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for other Owls facing physical obstacles. Through the Winheld-Newcombe Scholarship established by Joshua’s aunt and uncle, Steven Goldstein, CLA ’76, and Sue Gordon, his story becomes a symbol of hope and opportunity for those who dare to dream despite adversity. Inspired by the scholarship that helped make his own education possible, Christopher Alwine, FOX ’90, has made it his mission to repay the generosity he benefited from more than 35 years ago. The pathbreaking gift from Debbie and Stanley Lefkowitz, CST ’65, will endow the athletic director position. With the Debbie and Stanley Lefkowitz ’65 Director of Athletics position, Temple is now one of only nine public Division I institutions to have an endowed athletic director position. Celebrate Women's History Month with a collection of stories about our exceptionally talented alumnae from our news center, Temple Beyond. Discover the Temple Women's Network (TWN) and its impactful mission, offering alumnae opportunities to connect, learn, grow and uphold Temple's legacy of excellence and service. Sabriaya Shipley, TFM ’18, has only been out of Temple for a little over five years, but her resume is nothing short of extraordinary. With a palpable passion for arts, the theater and connecting with her community, she shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Just in time for Valentine's Day, meet Ksenia and Michael Power, whose love story began as a chance encounter right here at Temple in 2016. If you're looking for proof to always try new things, look no further than Ashley Carter, CPH ’07. From entering Temple as a biology major who didn't like working out, to now, owning her own health and fitness business, she's the embodiment of why it's worth being open-minded to fresh opportunities. The Temple University Black Alumni Alliance is an alumni organization that is all about giving back and working together to move forward while having fun. Here’s everything you need to know to join the force. A Temple alumna’s entrepreneurship journey in a sustainable fashion that celebrates South Asian culture while making a lasting impact on the fashion industry and beyond. Her next stop? Designing for a contestant in Miss World in 2024. Relive all the best moments of 2023 with our recap of stories from our alumni and donor news center, Temple Beyond. Check out a few of the alumni working in the creative space below who are taking their careers to new heights. Check out all of the #TempleMade grads who won in this years Pennsylvania elections. In a world where higher education is increasingly globalized, fostering diversity and expanding access to transformative study-abroad experiences is a priority. It’s a dream for many students, yet financial barriers may hinder this becoming a reality. During the pandemic, a symbol of hope and commitment emerged for some Temple students: the Access to Temple Rome Scholarship. The Edgar Ortenberg Bowed String Instrument Scholarship Fund honors the life and legacy of renowned violinist and former Temple faculty member, Edgar Ortenberg. In October, the Temple University community came together to showcase the charitable impact of the university's most dedicated and visionary donors. Pioneering the path towards a diverse teacher pipeline, The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is delighted to declare the acquisition of a substantial $1.4 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. At just 26 years old, Carli Showmaker, KLN ’19, already has her own video production company, crediting the skills she sharpened during her four years at Temple. And she’s not slowing down any time soon. As Shaun Bradley, EDU ’19, has risen through the ranks from becoming a Temple Owl to a Philadelphia Eagle, he has truly exemplified what it means to be #TempleMade. From time management skills to lighter course loads, everyone has one thing that they wish they had to help them through college. For some, even paying for school can be the hardest part of pursuing higher education. Check out all of the alumni-owned businesses that are participating in this year's festivities, happening October 2-8! Journeying from China to Philadelphia to study at Temple nearly 10 years ago, Ellen Zhang, TYL ’17, now gets to showcase the pride she has in her heritage as arts and culture manager at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Tyler School of Art and Architecture's Art Market is back once again as a part of this year's Homecoming & Family Weekend programming. Here are some of the artists you’ll see at this year's event! This 30-minute webinar will help you build a plan for your job search and show you how to leverage your TPN resources to show why being Temple Made makes you the strongest candidate. And find out all about the additional alumni benefits you have access to now that you’re a Temple grad. Jordan Spector (CPH ’15) always had two passions: sports and art. Making Temple's football team was a dream come true, but an injury cut his time short. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading him to pivot back to the world of art creation. Temple celebrates alumni-owned breweries ahead of Homecoming and Family Weekend’s Crafts & Drafts. Matt Bouton, FOX '09, joined Halo Top, the light ice cream company co-founded by his brother Doug in 2017. In 2019, the company was sold and Matt became part of the team at Halo Top International and Gatsby Chocolate. He is now the chief financial officer for Japonesque, a beauty and personal care company based in San Ramon, Calif. Kevin McAlpin, KLN ’04, is not only living proof that sometimes it’s “all about who you know”, but that classic saying also has a requisite of hard work and determination. With that Temple tenacity and a move down south, Kevin has built a storied career in the sports radio world. Eric Schroeckenthaler, Fox ’20, the co-founder of Qunify, takes us through creating an inclusive community organization that aims to build LGBTQ+ spaces beyond just the bar scene and dream bigger together. Catherine Morris, STH ’08, had a passion for event management before she even knew what it was called. When she created the non-profit Boston, Art, Music and Soul Festival (BAMS), she created more than just a festival; it was a cultural movement. The year 2008 was a transformative—and consequential—one for Angela Giampolo, LAW ’08. She graduated from Temple in January, and by summer, a chance encounter with friends led her to start her own law firm, and shape what her true calling would ultimately become. TES 2023 scholars are not only academically driven, but they also exhibit a huge passion for collective change. With the help of friends, the alumni community and his own determination, Reggie Becton, KLN ’15, took a big risk – and chased his music dreams. In 2023, Genevive "Gigi" Walker (CLA '97) reunited with a former high school friend to start a podcast that not only brought them closer together, but gave her an outlet to converse and listen, using all the knowledge and skills she had gained since graduation. All while she started her own business at the same time. With a positive spirit and an unexpected return to the nest along the way, Erin Dwyer, CLA ‘16, ‘22, now finds herself in a role that she’s always imagined. Are you ready for a complete career change? Beyond just a new job, are you looking to transition into an entirely new industry? This webinar will help you learn what it takes to shift into a new career. You’ll hear from Temple alumni who’ve made career transitions on their expert strategies for success. What do you really need to highlight on your resume? And how do you clearly explain all your skills and experience in a job interview? Join this webinar to learn how to leverage two key systems, Jobscan and Big Interview, brought to you by the Temple Professional Network and the University Career Center. What do you really need to highlight on your resume? And how do you clearly explain all your skills and experience in a job interview? Join this webinar to learn how to leverage two key systems, Jobscan and Big Interview, brought to you by the Temple Professional Network and the University Career Center. What do you really need to highlight on your resume? And how do you clearly explain all your skills and experience in a job interview? Join this webinar to learn how to leverage two key systems, Jobscan and Big Interview, brought to you by the Temple Professional Network and the University Career Center. Job searching can be an overwhelming process. What are the most effective activities? How do you stay organized and on track so that you reach your career goals? Join this webinar to learn how to access thousands of job postings aggregated into one place (so you never have to hop from job board to job board); how to research your target companies; identify networking contacts (and their email addresses); and store all your application documents in one organized place. This 30-minute session will show you how to leverage Temple’s exclusive job search organization platform Career Shift, brought to you by the Temple Professional Network. Antonio Romero (EDU ‘10) always had a passion for teaching people, whether it be in a classroom setting or just in his local neighborhood. With tenacity and humility, he’s been able to not only turn his passion into a career and beyond, but help evoke the change he wants to see – from the ground up. Temple Alumni featured on ABC’s Shark Tank. The grant will help spread the benefits of learning through play by making real, systemic change to educational policies and institutions. Podcasts from the Boldest and Brightest Owls. Temple alumna and Harlem Globetrotter, Fatima “TNT” Maddox-Lister, KLN ’07, balances basketball and giving back. A night of donor appreciation and life-changing impact displays the role of scholarships towards Temple's mission of boundless access to education. $875,000 Three-Year Grant Allows for the Expansion of Temple Education Scholars. Nearly 20 years ago as a Temple undergrad, Hector Nunez, KLN ’05, had dreams of creating an online community that could highlight all of Philadelphia’s vibrant culture. With persistence, humility and the help of a fellow Owl, Jay Vereen, KLN ’09, he’s been able to create one of the most recognizable social media brands in the city. Temple’s School of Social Work will open an autism lab thanks to Christopher M. Barnett, CLA ’10, CEO of ABA Centers of America. A Temple twist on Vogue's 73 Questions interview. The FOX '18 grad has multiple Grammy nominations and his own recording studio in North Philadelphia - and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Aamira Garba, FOX ’07, found purpose and passion by ignoring the “box checker” lifestyle, investing in herself and encouraging others to do the same. Check out our conversation with Ben Thomas As a mother of three children and owner of three businesses, Felicia Harris-Williams, EDU ’17, is the ultimate mompreneur. While juggling her event production company and youth mentorship nonprofit, a health scare led her to create a tea business to inspire women to take control of their wellness with natural remedies. In a new series profiling alumni media professionals, Breland Moore, KLN ’14, explains her meteoric rise through the sports broadcasting world. It dates back to her humble beginnings doing morning announcements in middle school and runs right through her time at Temple. She considers her experience at the university a crucial aspect of her current success as a sports broadcaster at FOX 29. Twelve years ago, LaToya Stroman, KLN ’12, found herself face to face with a Temple University admissions officer, making a promise that would guide the rest of her life. Temple's School of Social Work will open an Autism Lab thanks to Christopher M. Barnett, CLA '10, CEO of ABA Centers of America Edward Buthusiem, CLA '82, establishes a highly selective College of Liberal Arts faculty research award of $50,000. Richie Sklar and Erica Woods hold very different positions at Eastern State Penitentiary, but they share a palpable passion for helping to spread the word on what the facility represents. From educating the public on the criminal justice system, to coordinating a yearly haunted attraction, they both bring a #TempleMade mindset to an iconic Philadelphia institution. 2022 Temple 30 under 30 winner CherRaye Glenn-Flowers, FOX ’15, has worn a lot of hats in the business, tech and sales industries, but her idea for Brownce, a haircare app, stemmed from a passion for empowering the Black and Brown community, her firsthand understanding of a barrier in the beauty industry and the skills she learned while attending Temple University that have helped her create a solution. Selected works from Philadelphia’s Vibrant Public Art by Temple Graduates Twins Maya and Kala Johnstone always had a love for food. But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic, when they retired after working in the educational field for two decades, that they decided to make a full-blown living from it. With plenty of help from both their real and Temple alumni family, they prove it’s never too late to turn that passion into a dream career. Kate Sisk, FOX '12, started Hidden Intimates in 2019, combining her passion for fashion with a commitment to self-love. Looking for something to read by a fellow Owl? Whether you’re more into history, poetry, self-help, memoirs, thrillers or even something for the kids, we’ve got some great works by alumni of Temple University for you to check out below. Owner of Lokal Artisan Foods and French Toast Bites, Charisse McGill has made headlines as the first Black woman to own and operate a business in Spruce Street Harbor Park, as well as the first Black woman to create her own beer in Pennsylvania, and so much more. As she prepares to participate in Homecoming and Family Weekend as a vendor for the third time, here’s a look back at how it all began and why she chooses to stay close to the Temple community. Temple celebrates alumni-owned breweries ahead of Homecoming and Family Weekend’s Crafts & Drafts. Saleem “Taaj” Sabree and Melvin Powell met as roommates at Temple University 13 years ago. Despite being total strangers, they instantly formed a bond that led not just to a friendship but a full-blown business partnership. Most importantly, that partnership was based on a mutual goal of creating a more inclusive space in and for the Philadelphia community. They attribute much of their success to that “Temple spirit.” Phil Stoltzfus (FOX ’04) never planned on getting into the firewood business — especially in an urban city like Philadelphia. However, a unique opportunity and some scrappy entrepreneurial spirit led this alumnus to create a new business, with a little help from his childhood upbringing in Lancaster County. Brooklyn, with the population of a large city, has a large and growing LGBTQI+ community and for a long time many of them found themselves traveling into Manhattan for wellness services and community interaction. After 10 years with one center, Rumohr, now CEO, has now opened a second location in Crown Heights. The Temple Rome Study Abroad Program offers a dynamic, life-changing experience for all ages to immerse themselves in Italian arts, culture and language in the country’s capital; here’s why you should enroll next semester, according to three recent participants. As a student in the College of Liberal Arts, John Trone, CLA ’79, found the competence—and confidence—to excel as a business leader and entrepreneur. Today he’s ensuring more students have that same opportunity to realize their dreams as Temple graduates. Evonne Amaka Nwankwo-Igomu, CST ’01, EDU ’03, boasts an illustrious career that has spanned continents—blending science, public health and community impact through global roles focused on improving healthcare systems and advancing equity around the world. From his early days as a percussionist to leading acclaimed choirs and performing with world-renowned orchestras, Dan Schwartz, BYR ’09, ’11, has crafted a versatile and inspiring career in music—proving that success often lies beyond the traditional path.