A Temple Tradition: Homecoming and Family Weekend
Time to get excited for this year's festivities! 🍒
Fall is now upon us, which means it's time once again for Temple's annual Homecoming and Family Weekend! It's a celebration of cherry and white for one and all. As we look forward to this year's festivities, let's take a trip down memory lane! 🦉
Relive Homecoming and Family Weekend 2023
Homecoming and Family Weekend 2023 was packed with events, including Tyler Art Market, Crafts & Drafts, Mosaic Concert, Celebration of Philanthropy in Action and of course, the main event: Tailgate Village and the Temple Fan Tailgate, leading up to the Temple football game taking on the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners.
The weekend also paid tribute to President JoAnne Epps’ immense impact on the university.
A Longstanding Tradition
Homecoming and Family Weekend is an annual tradition at Temple that ignites pride in all of our Owls and showcases the many programs and opportunities that Temple provides. The tradition dates back over 70 years! Check out this throwback from one of the earliest ceremonies in 1955!
The festivities are also a perfect chance to catch up with friends and fellow alumni who you may not have seen in a while. Just take it from Melvin Powell, STH ’13, and Saleem “Taaj” Sarbe, KLN ’13, friends who reconnected at Homecoming, and now run the popular Black Soul Summer concert series together!
Homecoming and Family Weekend Memories
In anticipation for this year's Homecoming and Family Weekend, alumni reached out to share their favorite moments and photos of Homecoming past.
Kia Johnson, KLN ’86, board member of the TUAA (Temple University Alumni Association), shared these photos:
Angelise Stuhl, KLN ’14, one of 2023's 30 Under 30 recipients, shared these memories and had this to say about what Homecoming means to her and her family:
"My family has tailgated for every single Temple football home game since I was a freshman in 2011. I come from a family of Temple Owls, as both of my parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and family friends have all attended Temple. Every Homecoming is special and, I may be biased, but I think my family throws the best tailgate in Lot K. My favorite Homecoming memory has to be getting invited to throw out Temple T-shirts on the field during halftime of Temple's 2021 Homecoming football game alongside my dad (George) and his best friend Pete (both Temple alumni). Last year, I also enjoyed watching my dad lead in the team for the fly-in alongside Coach Drayton! He definitely knows how to get the fans pumped up! Every Temple tailgate is memorable, but every Homecoming brings even more excitement to get past, present and future Owls together to celebrate our team and beloved university!"
Zack James, STH ’08, board member of the TUAA (Temple University Alumni Association) and co-founder of the STHMMAC (School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management Minority Alumni Coalition) shared these photos:
Fun Facts and Traditions
1884
Temple University was first founded by Russell H. Conwell in 1884.
Perseverantia Vincit
Temple’s official motto is Perseverantia Vincit, or Perseverance Conquers.
378,000+
Temple University is Philadelphia’s public university, and has more than 360,000 alumni worldwide.
1982
Temple's official anthem, "T for Temple U," was born in 1982.
10,000+
Every year, over 20 university partners and upwards of 10,000 attendees join us for the biggest tailgate of the year, Tailgate Village, in Lot K at Lincoln Financial Field.
1925
The Temple University Diamond Marching Band was started in 1925. Since its inception as a 40-member football band, the Diamond Marching Band has grown to over 200+ members.
15
Starting November 1, John Fry will officially become Temple University's 15th president.
14-4
Temple holds a 14-4 record over the last 18 Homecoming games, having played exceptionally well for nearly two decades in front of a large and supportive crowd.
A History of Hooter
The very first iteration of what would eventually become Hooter The Owl was born back in 1977. He went by the name “Victor E. Owl” at the time, and his plumage was much more on the feathery side than what we’re used to in 2024. In addition, Victor did not share the same expressiveness as the Hooter we know and love today.
During the early 1980s, our “T for Temple U” cheer was written, our iconic “T” logo was unveiled and, in 1984, the university celebrated its 100th anniversary. In this same era, the university held a contest to decide a new name for its revamped owl mascot, and thus “Hooter The Owl” was born!
Our lovable friend has lived a long and storied life, complete with feathers, name changes, family members and a whole lot of partying along the way. Expect to see him partying once again at this year's Homecoming festivities!
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