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Traditions

Temple’s more than 125-year history is rich in traditions. From the Owl mascot to the Temple “T” to the fight song, Temple pride lives on in its traditions.


 

The Temple “T”: Across Temple’s campuses and down Broad Street, the Temple “T” is the iconic symbol of the university. Designed by students in a graphic arts and design class at the Tyler School of Art in 1983, the “T” represents strength and positive character, with open ends that are symbolic of the free exchange of ideas that is a hallmark of a Temple education.

The Owl: To honor Temple’s beginning as a night school for ambitious young people, the nocturnal Owl was adopted as its mascot. The Owl represents wisdom and knowledge and is known for being perceptive, resourceful and courageous. Hooter the Owl is a part of Temple’s Spirit Squad, making appearances at football and basketball games, alumni events and more. Each February, mascots from all over the city of Philadelphia come to Temple to celebrate Hooter’s birthday at a home basketball game.

Alma Mater:
Onward with Temple, / Banners all unfurled;
Wide flung our standards, / To the winds they're hurled.
Following our Founder / To immortal Fame;
Making true his vision, / Of a deathless name.
Hail! Alma Mater, / Honor, praise to Thee;
We pledge our lives, / Our hearts in loyalty.
Wisdom, Truth and Virtue / Built our Temple great;
Perseverance conquers; / Higher to create.

Sing along with the Alma Mater of Temple University
MIDI
aiff (884 K)

T for Temple U:
"T" for Temple "U"
U-ni-versity!
Fight, fight, fight!
For the Cherry and the White, 
For the Cherry and the White,
We'll fight, fight, fight!

Hear the T for Temple U
MIDI
Vocal: aiff (940 K) or QuickTime (126 K)

The Cherry Crusade: Temple’s most ardent fans, the Cherry Crusade comprises students who paint themselves in Temple colors, make signs, lead cheers and show their fervent support in the front rows for Temple Athletics at football and basketball games.

Acres of Diamonds: In his famous speech “Acres of Diamonds,” Temple founder Russell H. Conwell claims that greatness can be found in our own backyards. He claims, “Greatness consists not in holding some office; greatness really consists in doing some great deed with little means, in the accomplishment of vast purposes from the private ranks of life, that is true greatness.” Temple students and alumni strive to fulfill Conwell’s wish for the university.

Welcome Week: The academic school year begins each fall with Welcome Week, which begins with Temple Fest – a two-day outdoor festival featuring music, food, giveaways and games as well as informational booths sponsored by Temple’s student organizations, campus departments and local vendors. Welcome Week continues with FreshServe, a universitywide day of service. Temple students, faculty, staff and alumni participate in service projects across campus and throughout the neighboring communities. The week concludes with Convocation, a ceremony introducing incoming students to the Temple community and sharing the traditions of the university with the newest generation of Owls.

Homecoming: Each fall, the university community celebrates Homecoming Week and Homecoming Weekend. Culminating in Temple Football’s Homecoming game, Homecoming Week is a series of events for current Temple students. In recent years, Homecoming Week has included a Homecoming Pageant featuring representatives from Temple’s student organizations, a 5K run/walk, the Cherry & White Ball, a pre-game tailgate and many more Temple spirit events. During Homecoming Weekend, alumni are invited back to campus for talks by faculty experts on campus, reunions for affinity groups, campus tours and special educational events. A special pre-game tailgate also is hosted by the Temple University Alumni Association. Additionally, the Gallery of Success alumni awards and Athletics Hall of Fame honors are awarded at ceremonies during Homecoming Weekend.

Alumni Weekend: Each spring, alumni are invited back to campus for a weekend of educational and social events. Alumni Weekend features class reunions, a blowout rock concert, a Main Campus International Street Fair, talks by faculty experts, campus tours, "insider" access to Philadelphia landmarks, and special events hosted by Temple’s schools and colleges.

Cherry & White Day: A celebration of Temple Athletics, Cherry & White Day is held each spring at Temple’s Ambler and Main campuses. Featuring alumni athletic scrimmages, varsity sport exhibitions, a family-friendly tailgate, athlete reunions, the annual Cherry & White football match and more, Cherry & White Day invites alumni to celebrate Temple’s 24 varsity sports programs and to look forward to upcoming seasons.

Spring Fling: As the academic year comes to a close, Temple celebrates the end of a successful year with an outdoor festival across Main Campus. Student organizations, local vendors and university departments set up booths to promote their groups, to offer giveaways, food and drinks and to engage the Temple community. Student bands, DJs and dancing also highlight this spring tradition.