A Powerful #TempleMade Love Story

Originally from Ukraine, Ksenia first came to the United States in 2010 to pursue her bachelor’s and compete as a Division I tennis player. In 2016, she made the decision to continue her education and pursue a doctoral degree in Kinesiology in Temple University’s College of Public Health. Little did she know Temple would soon become a part of her and the foundation for her future family.

Michael and Ksenia met as first-year doctoral students at a teaching assistant orientation organized by Temple in August of 2016. Michael was a PhD student in Statistics in the Fox School of Business, and so without the help of the University-wide TA orientation, they would have likely never crossed paths. They often reflect on how fortunate they are, for if either one of them had not attended the orientation or if Michael had not sat directly in front of Ksenia in that Ritter Hall auditorium, they may have never met.

Frequent coffee dates on campus turned into weekend nights watching Michael’s band perform. Then, that winter, Michael traveled to Ukraine for New Year’s to meet Ksenia's family for the first time. They continued to build memories together, taking annual summer trips to Ukraine as well as Ireland where Michael’s family hails from. In fact, in July 2019, they were married in Co. Waterford, Ireland, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family, and of course a few Temple grads!

While Temple had already given so much to Ksenia and Michael, it turns out this was only the beginning. In May 2020, they both received their PhDs, in Statistics and Kinesiology, respectively, becoming faculty members in our departments thereafter. In 2022, their family expanded as they welcomed their first daughter Theresa. Then in 2023, their second daughter Kristina arrived. Moreover, both girls were born at Temple Hospital, where Michael’s mother happens to be a physician!

The Powers emphasize that Temple has given them much to be grateful for: education, career, and most importantly, their family. Michael and Ksenia are honored to give back to Temple by continuing to serve as Assistant Professors in their respective departments. They are the epitome of Temple made, Temple proud!

Do you have a #TempleMade love story you'd like to share? We love hearing what our alumni are up to! Share your news with us, including recent awards, milestones, publications, or just a photo of you showing your Temple pride! Check out our What's New With Whooo? submission form to let us know — and you may be featured in the future! 🦉