Englert's leadership has guided Temple through significant transitions, reflecting his deep commitment to the university in each accomplishment. Among the milestones of his tenure, he highlights the recent effort to address enrollment challenges. Despite hurdles, the Temple community rallied together, welcomed prospective students, engaged with alumni, and strengthened our outreach efforts.

"I'm proud of how our community united to tackle enrollment challenges. Despite facing significant downturns, we reached our largest number of first-year applications in Temple's history, and actual enrollments far exceeded our goals," stated Englert.

When Temple stands united, remarkable accomplishments can be achieved, and Homecoming and Family Weekend embodies that spirit of unity. It's a celebration that brings our entire community together. "It's not just about students and faculty; it brings back alumni, donors, friends, and even newcomers exploring Temple for the first time," said Englert, "It's an invaluable opportunity for current and future students to connect with alumni who have walked the same paths and succeed; which inspires them in their own journeys."

For many alumni, returning to the nest for Homecoming and Family Weekend also serves as a powerful reminder of their journeys. The excitement of the event is invigorating, drawing alumni back to campus to reconnect with their roots and witness the evolution of their beloved university.

Our spirited homecoming stands out among Philadelphia's universities, attracting around 10,000 attendees on average and impressing visiting teams with our energy and enthusiasm, both during the football game and throughout campus. Homecoming and Family Weekend's various activities offer opportunities for groups and visitors to engage, making it more than just a football game but a community celebration that fosters connections, builds school spirit and highlights the Cherry and White experience.

According to Englert, such a significant portion of our Temple community and neighbors choose to participate because "people embrace Temple's values of opportunity, engagement, and discovery." "We all share a belief that 'the world won't change itself,' and this common mission unites us, inspiring everyone to make a difference," expressed Englert. Even with a strong turnout already, Englert is calling on each of our 370,000 alumni to attend an event this year.

"We need you; We need you to come back to be a signal of Temple pride and to experience for yourself the vibrant Temple University of today, on campus and off. I would like nothing better than to see every alum come back and fill the stadium," asserted Englert.

Englert's enthusiasm for Homecoming and Family Weekend is infectious. As he prepares to bid farewell to his current presidency, he fondly recalls his favorite traditions from this signature event.

"I love walking from booth to booth, seeing students with painted faces, trying to fit into the engineering race car, and watching the Dean of Public Health at the dunk tank. I also love to visit the band and witness the strong Temple connections of the alumni who come back to perform. But my favorite tradition is interacting with the community and taking pictures with everyone," beamed Englert.

Homecoming and Family Weekend are vital celebrations that strengthen our community. Alumni return to embrace our mission, reflecting on the connections we've built. This event not only honors our traditions and our past but also emphasizes the importance of giving back to support Temple's bright future. While supporting the university has always been a part of the celebration, the recent introduction of the donor-centric event, A Celebration of Philanthropy in Action, beautifully underscores this commitment to giving back and celebrating our collective impact.

Englert stresses the transformative power of philanthropy, noting that alumni and donor support creates scholarships and programs that empower individuals to succeed, inspiring them to give back to Temple through their own philanthropic efforts. "It's our ethos," he states, pointing out that the spirit of giving back is deeply ingrained in the Temple experience.

Englert's passion for expanding access to higher education is reflected in his personal commitment through the scholarship he and his wife have established, the Otto and Della Englert Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education and Human Development. He has contributed to and championed many other scholarships and scholarship initiatives such as the Broad Street Finish Line Scholarship and the Cecil B. Moore Scholars Program. Englert also champions initiatives like Made for More and Temple Promise, which aim to eliminate financial barriers for prospective students.

"It's a tragedy that so many talented individuals don't pursue higher education simply because they can't afford it. By removing those barriers, we allow students to become leaders, teachers, healthcare workers, etc., creating a ripple effect that benefits not just them but the communities they serve as well," explained Englert.

In reflecting on his time as president, Englert's thoughts turn to the countless memories he has made. "It's the people who stand out—the students, faculty, and alumni who have dedicated themselves to Temple," he shares. Under President Englert's leadership, Temple has thrived, and as we embark on the next chapter, the future remains bright, driven by the unwavering dedication of our community.

"It's not just me passing the baton; it's over 400,000 Temple community members who embody the mission daily. Watch our faculty in action, listen to campus safety engaging with the community, observe our facilities staff enhancing the campus, and look at our student-athletes, who excel both in the classroom and their sports. We are a community that shares a set of values that others may talk about, but we live them. We are not only Temple made, but Temple makers, each playing their part in shaping Temple's future," declared Englert.

This commitment to our values is especially evident during Homecoming and Family Weekend, which is not just a reflection of the past but a celebration of what lies ahead—an opportunity for everyone to engage, give back, and continue building the legacy of Temple University. "Your presence shows a commitment to the future of our university and the generations of students who will benefit from our collective efforts," noted Englert. As we celebrate this cherished tradition, let us honor Englert's dedication to fostering community, championing scholarship, and empowering future generations by coming together all week to honor the values he has helped foster throughout his tenure.