In anticipation of America’s 250th birthday celebration, the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation has launched the Phambassadors program to recruit Philly enthusiasts to share the city’s story with an anticipated influx of tourists. Interested students, faculty and staff can learn more at PhamPhest, an on-campus event on Wednesday, April 1, in the Howard Gittis Student Center.
Temple students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join a new civic pride program to promote the city of Philadelphia to visitors.
Photo by Betsy Manning
How would you spend a perfect day in Philadelphia? Whether it’s late-night cheesesteaks or early morning runs along the Schuylkill, ringing the bell at Citizens Bank Park or cheering “go birds” with fellow fans at the Linc, exploring new cuisines in the Italian Market or admiring world-famous paintings at the art museum, the City of Brotherly Love offers countless experiences worth raving about.
Now there is an opportunity to share that insider’s knowledge with the rest of the country and world through the Phambassdor program, developed by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC).
Launched in April 2025, this civic pride program aims to empower more than 10,000 residents over two years to proudly share why they love Philadelphia. Temple alum Kathryn Crandall, STHM ’25, helped to develop the program during her internship with the Philadelphia Visitor Center.
Representatives from the Phambassador program will be on campus on Wednesday, April 1, for PhamPhest to connect with the most die-hard Philly fans at Temple and share more information about how they can get involved. The event will feature free food, a DJ, photo opportunities, games, giveaways and a special appearance from one of Philly’s favorite mascots.
“As a two-time Temple alum and former employee, it has always been clear to me that Temple is the beating heart of university life in Philadelphia,” says Jacki Mowery, Phambassador program director at PVCC. “It was a natural fit to bring this recruitment event to Temple’s campus to establish our first ever university-style cohort for the program. We want to give Temple students front-row access to these exciting events coming to the city this year.”
While there is always reason to celebrate Philly, 2026 will be a standout year for the city. From hosting festivities for America’s 250th birthday to hosting the FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star game and more, Philly is preparing for a major influx of local, national and international visitors. These visitors will be looking to learn more about Philly’s story and discover the best experiences the city has to offer. That’s where Phambassadors come in.
There are a variety of ways to engage as a Phambassador, including posting your Philly favorites online, attending events in the city or taking on a leadership role in shaping the city’s future. There is no age restriction, entry fee or residency requirement—anyone who loves Philly is encouraged to join.
“Phambassadors is a citywide movement for Philadelphians who are champions of the city,” says Crandall, “It’s for anybody who loves the city and is committed to representing Philadelphia.”
