A Temple Tradition:
Homecoming and Family Weekend
Let's take a trip down memory lane as we gear up 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 2024
Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024 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 Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. The weekend also paid tribute to President Englert, as it was his last Homecoming as President.
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!
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 378,000 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
Current president John Fry is Temple University's 15th president. 2025 will be his first official Homecoming after taking office on November 1, 2024.
15-4
Temple holds a 15-4 record over the last 19 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 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!
Built with Shorthand