Temple University Athletics has received a top honor for its impactful community engagement efforts.
Temple Athletics has been named a 2024 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, the Philadelphia Foundation and other local partners.
The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia measures and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities—setting the standard for civic engagement in the region.
“We are honored the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce recognized Temple Athletics as a standard bearer for civic engagement,” said Temple University President Richard Englert. “The department’s efforts are part of Temple’s long-term commitment toward making a significant social impact within the community. I could not be more proud of everyone who played a role in helping the university receive this special recognition.”
The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees were officially honored on June 27 during an Honoree Reveal Celebration hosted at the Cira Centre.
The 2024 Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees represent private and public companies, nonprofits, agencies, and institutions of more than 10 employees operating in the 11-county region. They were selected based on four dimensions of their community engagement program: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and impact measurement.
"I would like to thank our student-athletes, coaches and staff for their commitment to giving back to the community as well as the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce for recognizing that commitment with this prestigious honor," said Temple University's Vice President and Debbie and Stanley Lefkowitz '65 Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson. "I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of Associate Athletics Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Student-athlete Development Prince Moody and Coordinator of Leadership Operations Tia Withers for their hard work in coordinating these initiatives."
With more than 525 student-athletes across 19 varsity sports, the Temple University Athletic Department seeks to impact lives through sports, education and community collaboration. The department has a robust portfolio of civic engagement initiatives, including the Temple Experience, which introduces local youth to diverse educational opportunities, and a collaboration with Team IMPACT, a national organization which unites children facing serious illnesses with college athletic teams.
The Temple University Athletic Department also hosts the MLK Day of Service, which welcomes more than 600 volunteer participants, including staff and student-athletes, to exemplify Temple’s dedication to positive change through public service projects. This initiative addresses social and economic inequalities through partnerships with organizations in underserved North Philadelphia communities.
Temple joins three other universities in receiving this recognition including Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University.
"The Chamber is proud to recognize Temple University Athletics as a 2024 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia," said Chellie Cameron, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber. "Each of this year's honorees are valued members of Greater Philadelphia's business community, exemplifying what it means to be a positive corporate citizen and demonstrating the power of service. We thank Temple University Athletics for their efforts to drive impact and congratulate them on this tremendous achievement."