Be the Warmth: Ray Smeriglio's Guiding Principle for Success

Looking back, Ray Smeriglio, KLN ’16, almost can’t believe he went anywhere for college other than Temple University. But back in 2011, when he was deciding where to go as a high school senior, Temple was barely on his radar. His sister had gone here, and he wanted to strongly forge his own path. At the time, he had gotten accepted to a few other local schools, planning on majoring in physical therapy. Two events, however, quickly ended up changing his entire trajectory. He ended up getting an acceptance letter in the mail from Temple—even though he had never applied. “To this day, I still don’t know who it was!” He also got news that he wasn’t going to get financial aid for the school that was his leading contender. After a long talk about financials with his dad, he ultimately decided to go with Temple since it was the most fiscally affordable option. While it wasn’t how he’d originally planned it, Ray says the decision to go to Temple ended up being “the best decision of my life.”

Ray at a Temple football game.

Ray at a Temple football game.

Ray originally focused on athletic training at the beginning of his first semester, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right field for him. He had planned on not getting very involved his first semester in general, just focusing on classes and getting used to campus. “That didn’t last very long,” he jokes. After his first semester, he quickly dived into becoming a tour guide and an orientation leader, experiences he found transformative. After staying in athletic training for three semesters, he then moved to the Fox School of Business International Business program. However, that was short-lived as well, with an additional move into marketing. While not a perfect fit, he could tell he was getting closer to knowing exactly what he wanted to do, and after officially transferring into Klein, he knew he finally found his home.

After graduation, and in the time since, Ray has built an impressive resume that includes roles at Temple, Villanova, Saxbys, the City of Philadelphia and now Comcast. He adds that there’s been a throughline connecting all the positions: the intersection of investment and opportunity. “When you bring dollars and support to a certain area, it’s crucial what you can do for any particular group.” The intersection fully came to life at his position with Comcast’s Life Zones. “I’ve been blessed to build a career off of being the person that can help usher in, direct and build resources to make sure when an organization or person invests, we invest in what the person needs and what a community actually needs rather than what we think they need.” Ray says he owes a lot of his success to networking and meeting incredibly impactful people at Temple. “Every single job I’ve had has been through networking and connections. I have a problem saying no to new, fun things!”

2016: Ken Acker, EDU '89 and principal of Ridley High School, was ambushed by the Temple Pop Up Pride crew, led by Ray, in a cafeteria of more than 400 students.

Ray at a Rebuild Philadelphia event.

Ray at a Rebuild Philadelphia event.

"When you’re talking to people, be the warmth. Be the person that says good morning or see you later. If you can be the warmth, you’ll be wildly successful and you'll be loved.”
Ray Smeriglio

Ray also returned to the nest after graduation to be an adjunct professor, a decision that he made after speaking with one of his professors who had asked him to speak at his communications class. “We had a great discussion and he asked if I was interested in teaching my own class, a communications seminar class for sophomores. I [dived] right in, and it was one of the best choices I ever made.” He adds that it was incredibly fulfilling being able to prepare his students for the real world. “Watching new generations of young people or nontraditional students in various circumstances come in with an appetite to learn, but also share their story, is my greatest honor.”

Ray with the letter he received to join PA Gov. Shapiro's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ affairs.

Ray with the letter he received to join PA Gov. Shapiro's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ affairs.

On a personal level, Ray is also proud of his continuing work within the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, he was appointed to serve on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. “It’s an excellent honor; I think Josh Shapiro is an unbelievable ally and advocate for queer folks and LGTBQ folks across Pennsylvania.” The appointment was especially poignant for Ray, given his own story. “For me personally, Temple was a place for me where I came in the closet and then came out. I felt unbelievably supported, and that experience taught me to give back any way I can.” He says it’s been a gratifying experience to help advocate for queer people across the commonwealth, especially young people.

Outside his laudable resume, Ray has stayed a prolific member of the alumni community. For him, it means “a million different things.” He points to Quinta Brunson’s recent speech at Temple’s Commencement ceremony, in which she put it succinctly: Temple people are good people. “It means the world to me; it’s my life. It’s been a support system when I’m down; it’s been some of my best friends for life. It’s been a network of individuals of all generations. My partner will even tell you he feels like an honorary member of the Temple family at this point.”

Ray at an event for Comcast Lift Zones.

Ray at an event for Comcast Lift Zones.

Looking back on his time at Temple, he, like many other Owls, fondly recalls Richie’s as his go-to spot for dining. “Breakfast sausage wrap, every single day. That’s why I gained so much weight in college!” He also pinpoints his all-time favorite memory as a student, the Temple-Penn State football game in 2015. “I was the in-game host for Temple football and Temple basketball at the time. When we sold out the Linc, under Matt Rhule, there were 70,000 people for that game. Being on the field, yelling on the mic to the crowd, getting them pumped, and then us winning was one of the most electric feelings I’ve ever experienced.”

Ray at a Rebuild Philadelphia event in 2023.

Ray at a Rebuild Philadelphia event in 2023.

Through all his experience thus far, Ray has one overarching piece of advice for students and those going out into the real world: Be the warmth. “What I say to my students, to myself and my teams, is that when you’re in a room or when you’re talking to people, be the warmth. Be the person that says good morning or see you later. Be the person that asks someone to grab lunch or coffee or about their day. If you can be the warmth, you’ll be wildly successful and you’ll be loved.”

What does the future hold for Ray? More of what he’s doing right now. “I love what I do. I’m very lucky to work in the area that I do. Continuing to focus on how to make an impact for people no matter their circumstances, where they live or how much money they make. I’m excited about that.” He adds that growing his family over the next couple of years is also a priority, with his partner, NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle. “I’m loving where things are at, and I’m just going to let the world continue to take me where it needs to take me.”