Dear Students and Colleagues,

This weekend, Americans across the county will gather to celebrate Independence Day and reflect on our nation’s founding. For Philadelphians, this year’s holiday is an especially momentous occasion as our city—the birthplace of our nation—has taken center stage in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

For Temple University, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated. As Philadelphia’s public research university, it is an opportunity to honor our shared history, engage thoughtfully with the challenges of today and embrace the opportunities of the future.

Our Founding Fathers laid the foundation for our country’s core values of freedom and civic engagement 250 years ago. They did not always agree. They debated many aspects of forming our nation and were often divided in their perspectives. Despite those differences, they united around the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; ideals that continue to shape our nation today.

Those same ideals continue to guide us here at Temple. Our mission of opportunity, engagement and discovery, as well as our commitment to providing students with access to an excellent and affordable higher education, reflects that.

Please enjoy a relaxing and festive holiday weekend.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President