A Look Back at 2023

Relive all the best moments of 2023 with our recap of stories from our alumni and donor news center, Temple Beyond.

As 2023 draws to a close, we wanted to revisit all of the great alumni success, donor impact and more from Temple Beyond, the news center we launched this year. Owls are everywhere, and the stories below certainly prove it. Enjoy reading about all the impact that our alumni and donors are making on their (and our) community, and we'll see you in 2024 for even more positive outcomes.

Glass Half-Full: How an Alumna Changed Her Perspective and Built Her Own Wine Company

Aamira Garba, Fox ’07, found purpose and passion by ignoring the “box checker” lifestyle, investing in herself and encouraging others to do the same. Originally published January 30, 2023.

Checking in with Ben Thomas

The FOX 18 grad has multiple Grammy nominations and his own recording studio in North Philadelphia - and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Originally Published February 27, 2023.

Wooder Ice: Two Temple Alumni Bring Philly Flavor to the Blogosphere

With persistence, humility and the help of a fellow Owl, Jay Vereen, KLN ’09, Hector Nunez, KLN ’05 has been able to create one of the most recognizable social media brands in the city. Originally published March 9, 2023.

Behind the Scenes With Stella

A look into Stella the Owl’s life as an educational animal and beloved temple mascot. Originally published March 25, 2023.

Rashonda Harris Explains the Importance of DEI and How Others Can Help Lead the Change

Rashonda Harris, FOX ’12, ’16, has used her business, Purple Sheep Consulting, to champion DEI in collaboration with global organizations. Originally published March 28, 2023.

Temple University Scholarship Reception

A Celebration of Donor Support and Life-Changing Impact. Originally published April 20, 2023.

Making a Difference
On and Off the Court

A Temple alumna and Harlem Globetrotter balancing basketball and giving back. Originally published April 20, 2023.

Written By Owls

Looking for something to read by a fellow Owl? Whether you’re more into history, poetry, self-help, memoirs, thrillers or even something for the kids, we’ve got great works by alumni of Temple for you! Originally published April 21, 2023.

Temple University Voices: Podcasts from the Boldest and Brightest Owls 

Looking to become more involved and educated in areas that interest you at Temple University and beyond? We've compiled a list of some of our favorite podcasts from across the university. Originally published April 25, 2023.

The Sharks See Cherry Red

Check out our list of Temple Alumni who have been featured on ABC’s Shark Tank. Originally published April 25, 2023.

Engaging With Empathy: Educating In and Out of the Classroom

Antonio Romero, EDU ’10, always had a passion for teaching people, whether it be in a classroom setting or just in his local neighborhood. With tenacity and humility, he’s been able to not only turn his passion into a career and beyond, but help evoke the change he wants to see – from the ground up. Originally published April 26, 2023.

Good Career News

Check out our new initiative to celebrate the good career news our alumni have to share, brought to you by the Temple Professional Network! Originally published May 16, 2023.

Never Far From The Nest: An Alumna's Zeal for Public Service

As an undergrad majoring in political science, Erin Dwyer Harvard, CLA ’16, ’22, knew she wanted to pursue a career in government affairs. She also knew she wouldn’t be happy in a government role unless it included her other passions: public service and helping people. With a positive spirit and an unexpected return to the nest along the way, she now finds herself in a role that she’s always imagined. Originally published May 16, 2023.

An Owl’s Leap of Faith: Breaking Into the Music Industry

When Reggie Becton, KLN ’15, graduated, he was unsure of his next move. He loved to sing, but moving to Los Angeles to pursue a music career was a big risk. With the help of friends, the alumni community and his own determination, he took that leap of faith, leading him on a journey to success in the music industry. Originally published June 2, 2023.

Jazzy Conversations with Gigi Walker

In 2023, Genevive "Gigi" Walker (CLA ’97) reunited with a former high school friend to start a podcast that not only brought them closer together, but gave her an outlet to converse and listen, using all the knowledge and skills she had gained since graduation. All while she started her own business at the same time. Originally published June 23, 2023.

An Alumna Finds Her True Calling Fighting for LGTBQIA+ Rights

The year 2008 was a transformative—and consequential—one for Angela Giampolo, LAW ’08. She graduated from Temple in January, and by summer, a chance encounter with friends led her to start her own law firm, and shape what her true calling would ultimately become. Originally published on June 23, 2023.

From Concerts to Cultural Movements: The Evolution of Catherine Morris and BAMS Festival

Catherine Morris, STH ’08, had a passion for event management before she even knew what it was called. From taking the helm at middle school talent shows, to interning with Philadelphia’s major concerts and events, she became enamored with showcasing Black and Brown voices, perspectives and artistry. When she created the nonprofit Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Fest, she created more than just a festival; it became a cultural movement. Originally published June 23, 2023.

Dreaming Together: Uniting Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Community through Qunify

Eric Schroeckenthaler, Fox ’20, the co-founder of Qunify, takes us through creating an inclusive community organization that aims to build LGBTQ+ spaces beyond just the bar scene and dream bigger together. Originally published June 23, 2023.

From PHL to the ATL: An Alumnus’s Doggedness in the Sports Radio Arena

Kevin McAlpin, KLN ’04, is not only living proof that sometimes it’s “all about who you know”, but that classic saying also has a requisite of hard work and determination. With that Temple tenacity and a move down south, Kevin has built a storied career in the sports radio world. Originally published July 3, 2023.

It’s been a sweet career path for this Fox alumnus

Matt Bouton, FOX '09, joined Halo Top, the light ice cream company co-founded by his brother Doug in 2017. In 2019, the company was sold and Matt became part of the team at Halo Top International and Gatsby Chocolate. He is now the chief financial officer for Japonesque, a beauty and personal care company based in San Ramon, Calif. Originally published July 12, 2023.

Experiencing Sports Through Art

Jordan Spector, CPH ’15, always had two passions: sports and art. Making Temple's football team was a dream come true, but an injury cut his time short. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading him to pivot back to the world of art creation and allow him to blend his two passions into one. Originally published August 8, 2023.

Cheers for Temple Made Beer

Check out our list of 15 alumni-owned breweries! Originally published August 8, 2023.

An Alumna Finds Pride in Her Culture at Philadelphia’s Chinese Lantern Festival

Journeying from China to Philadelphia to study at Temple nearly 10 years ago, Ellen Zhang, TYL ’17, now gets to showcase the pride she has in her heritage as arts and culture manager at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Originally published August 18, 2023.

2023 Art Market at Tyler Featured Artists

Tyler School of Art and Architecture's
Art Market returned as a part of this year's Homecoming & Family Weekend programming. Originally published August 22, 2023.

2023 Homecoming
& Family Weekend
Alumni-Owned Businesses

Check out all of the alumni-owned businesses that participated in this year's Temple festivities! Originally published September 5, 2023.

Boyer Alum Pays Tribute to Mentor, Friend and Musical Icon

The Edgar Ortenberg Bowed String Instrument Scholarship Fund honors the life and legacy of renowned violinist and former Temple faculty member, Edgar Ortenberg. Originally published September 6, 2023.

From an Owl to an Eagle: Shaun Bradley's Rise to the NFL

As Shaun Bradley, EDU ’19, has risen through the ranks from becoming a Temple Owl to a Philadelphia Eagle, he has truly exemplified what it means to be #TempleMade. Originally published October 3, 2023.

Behind the Lens with Carli Showmaker

At just 26 years old, Carli Showmaker, KLN ’19, already has her own video production company, crediting the skills she sharpened during her four years at Temple. And she’s not slowing down any time soon. Originally published October 4, 2023.

These Owls May Keep You Up at Night

Whether it’s with a work of horror, science fiction, mystery or other speculative fiction these genre-bending Owl storytellers will satisfy your thirst for a thrill. Originally published October 20, 2023.

2023 Celebration of Philanthropy in Action

On October 5th, the Temple University community came together to showcase the charitable impact of the university's most dedicated and visionary donors. Originally published November 1, 2023.

Changing Lives and Shaping our Globalized Future: The Access to Temple Rome Scholarship

In a world where higher education is increasingly globalized, fostering diversity and expanding access to transformative study-abroad experiences is a priority. It’s a dream for many students, yet financial barriers may hinder this becoming a reality. During the pandemic, a symbol of hope and commitment emerged for some Temple students: the Access to Temple Rome Scholarship. Originally published November 11, 2023.

2023 Election Results:
Temple Alumni In Office

Check out all of the #TempleMade grads who won in this years Pennsylvania elections. Originally published November 20, 2023.

#TempleMade Alumni: Building Brands in the Creator Space

Check out a few of the alumni working in the creative space below who are taking their careers to new heights. Originally published November 27, 2023.