Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Yesterday, Temple University served as the host for the 31st annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service’s regional signature project. This is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the nation, and this marked the first time in more than 15 years that Temple hosted this important event. More than 3,000 individuals were here on campus to support the initiative, and in total, over 100,000 volunteers worked on more than 1,000 projects across the region. 

As I reflect on the day’s activities and how this community clearly demonstrated that Dr. King’s dream is alive and well, I want to express my deep feelings of gratitude. Whether it was through a service project, a job fair or the reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, I was moved by the collective spirit of this community and its commitment to civically engage with our neighbors. Dr. King often spoke about the Greek concept of agape, “a love in which an individual seeks not his own good, but the good of his neighbor; a love backed by a willingness to go to any length to restore community.” It is clear that the Temple community understands the importance of agape, as well. 

To the more than 500 Temple students, faculty and staff who participated, I say thank you. Together, we showed what we are capable of, and I know that Dr. King would be proud. 

Specifically, I want to thank the Office of Community Impact and Civic Engagement, led by Valerie Harrison, for all its work in helping to coordinate efforts across the university. I also want to thank Vice President for Business Affairs and Administration Jonathan Reiter, Senior Director of Campus Recreation John Doman, Vice President of Planning and Capital Projects Jerry Leva, Vice President and Debbie and Stanley Lefkowitz ’65 Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson, and Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer Griffin for the support of their teams in helping make yesterday possible. 

Finally, I would like to thank Todd Bernstein, president of Global Citizen and founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, for his partnership and willingness to bring this event to Temple. 

As we move forward through 2026 and beyond, let’s continue to keep Dr. King’s dream top of mind. Part of Temple’s mission is a commitment to service and civic engagement, and days like yesterday illustrate why that mission will always be of the utmost importance. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry 
President