A $1.2 million commitment from Neubauer Family Foundation will support dozens of students from families of employees with the Philadelphia Police Department, the SEPTA Police Department and the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Joe Neubauer joins Temple President John Fry to sign a gift agreement that will lead to the creation of The Neubauer Family Foundation Philadelphia Police and Firefighter Scholarship.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
A $1.2 million gift to Temple University from the Neubauer Family Foundation will provide scholarship support for dozens of students whose parents or guardians serve as first responders in the City of Philadelphia.
“No words can ever fully express our gratitude to first responders for the incredible sacrifices they make in service to others, but that is why I am especially excited about today’s historic announcement,” said Temple President John Fry. “Their gifts have brought about transformational change in the fields of education, public safety and the arts. Today’s announcement will impact at least two of these.”
The Neubauer Family Foundation Philadelphia Police and Firefighter Scholarship will support up to 30 undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need over the next several years. Eligible students must have a parent or guardian employed by the Philadelphia Police Department, SEPTA Transit Police Department, or Philadelphia Fire Department.
Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, Temple may select up to 10 first-year undergraduate students annually through the 2028–29 academic year to receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided students remain in good academic standing and continue to meet eligibility requirements. Recipients will be known as “Neubauer Scholars.”
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed gratitude for the gift.
“You have just given the city of Philadelphia a reason to say that access to economic opportunity for all is a tangible and real thing,” said Parker. “Thank you to the Neubauer Family for this contribution to the city. It matters.”
The scholarships will help talented students whose families are dedicated to public service pursue their educational goals, said Joe Neubauer, a philanthropist and former Aramark chief executive officer.
Neubauer also emphasized that the scholarship is designed to create lasting, generational economic impact, and expressed hope that their gift will inspire others to invest and follow their lead.
“It’s about recognizing service in a way that’s forward-looking,” Neubauer said. "It’s about saying we see the commitment you’re making to the city and we want to invest in you and your families."
Xavier Martniez of Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood said he was grateful to become among the inaugural cohort of Neubauer Scholars. The incoming Temple freshman also had a message to the Neubauer family: “Thank you for the opportunity. I'm really thankful for it and look forward to becoming an Owl,” he said.
“It’s Police Memorial Week, and for my son to be honored in this way, I’m extremely happy for him,” said Jason Martinez, a SEPTA Transit Police Officer and Xavier’s dad.
Mayor Parker also said the gift makes the city’s police and firefighters feel supported.
“The families of our police department, our fire department, our fast transit public safety officers – they all get access to the opportunities to ensure a higher education for their families,” Parker said. “I can guarantee you that’s not happening anywhere else.”
In addition to financial support, Temple’s Office of the Provost will also assist scholars by connecting them to resources such as academic coaching, the STEM Learning Lab, The Writing Center and the Peer Assisted Study Center.
Temple’s Office of Student Financial Services oversees the selection process for scholarship recipients.
Under the agreement, the Neubauer Family Foundation will provide funding through a multi-year pledge schedule beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2031, with scholarship support tied to enrollment needs.
“I want to reiterate our deepest gratitude to Joe and Jeannette for this incredible investment in Temple University and the City of Philadelphia,” said President Fry. “Their work through the Neubauer Foundation makes a difference, every day.”