Temple University’s 134th Commencement


Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Photography by: Ryan S. Brandenberg, Joseph V. Labolito and Betsy Manning
Produced by: Samantha Krotzer

Graduates walking across the Edberg-Olson field in front of a Temple "T."

Outdoor stages were constructed across campus at the Temple Sports Complex, Geasey Field and the Edberg-Olson Athletic Hall. Chairs were placed—and spaced—on the floor at the Liacouras Center and the Temple Performing Arts Center so graduates could safely be together. The university’s 134th Commencement ceremonies were unlike any other in Temple history. 

From an online celebration to honor the entire graduating class to intimate in-person school and college ceremonies where graduates had the opportunity to walk across the stage and be with their classmates, the Temple community was full of pride. 

Speeches pointed out the perseverance, strength, compassion and creativity that this class has exhibited through an unpredictable and often challenging year. While honoring what they’ve endured, joy brought all Owls—family, faculty, staff, alumni and friends—together to celebrate this class.

“The way we have responded to adversity is absolutely a clear depiction of how effortlessly our class as a whole can react to anything thrown our way.”   

-Class of 2021 student speaker
Jennifer Sierra

Jennifer Sierra on Polett Walk in front of Sullivan Hall.
Graduates posing for a photo on Broad Street outside of the Temple Performing Arts Center.
A graduate taking a selfie on Polett Walk.
Two graduates celebrating on Broad Street.
A graduate with their hands up in celebration outside of the Temple Performing Arts Center.
A graduate with two family members on Polett Walk.
Item 1 of 5
Graduates posing for a photo on Broad Street outside of the Temple Performing Arts Center.
A graduate taking a selfie on Polett Walk.
Two graduates celebrating on Broad Street.
A graduate with their hands up in celebration outside of the Temple Performing Arts Center.
A graduate with two family members on Polett Walk.
The Temple Sports Complex with the Philadelphia skyline in the background and empty chairs on the green in preparation for Commencement.
The Temple Sports Complex full of graduates with the Philadelphia skyline in the background.
The Temple Sports Complex with the Philadelphia skyline in the background and empty chairs on the green in preparation for Commencement.
The Temple Sports Complex full of graduates with the Philadelphia skyline in the background.

“You’ve studied hard, you’ve conducted research, you’ve persevered, you’ve overcome many challenges. You made Temple strong … Your tenacity and leadership will make the world a better place.”

-College of Science and Technology Dean and
Laura H. Carnell Professor of Science
Michael L. Klein

“I hope Temple will always be a part of the story you tell wherever you go ... As you leave this nest, spread your wings and take all of your Temple experiences and relationships with you to build your own nest and create your own Temple story.”

-President
Richard M. Englert

President Englert in Commencement garb speaking at a podium.

“I hope that you will take this experience and put it in your heart and soul, put it away in case you ever need it again. The qualities that got you through this year are qualities that will serve you well.”

-Provost
JoAnne A. Epps

Provost Epps in Commencement garb speaking at a podium.

“You’ve developed a deep appreciation for making your voices heard. That is a hallmark of every Temple graduate. Use your voice wisely.”

-Board of Trustees Chair
Mitchell L. Morgan

Board of Trustees Chair Morgan in Commencement garb speaking at a podium.

“Now, the whole country knows what we’ve always known: How tremendously smart you are, how much resilience and scrappiness you have, and the most important, how much heart you have.”

-Lewis Katz School of Medicine Interim Dean and and Surgeon-in-Chief of Temple University Health System
Amy J. Goldberg

Empty chairs set up on the field at the Temple Sports Complex in preparation for Commencement.
A graduate wearing a "Black Lives Matters" face mask.
A graduate walking through a flowered arch with Morgan Hall in the background.
Graduates sitting at Edberg-Olson Athletic Hall.
A grad cap decorated with the words "Protect Trans Kids."
A graduate with black and red feathers decorating their grad cap.
A graduate wearing a cap decorated with Spongebob Square Pants who is taking a picture of a group of other graduates.
A grad cap decorated with the SEPTA logo and words that say "It's been a wild ride."
A grad cap decorated with flowers and the words "One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming."
A grad cap decorated with the words "Owl Ready to Teach 21."
A graduate adjusting their hat and showing off their black and yellow high heels.
A group of graduates posing for a photo outside of the Temple Performing Arts Center.
A graduating posing in front of a banner for the Klein College of Media and Communication.
Item 1 of 13
Empty chairs set up on the field at the Temple Sports Complex in preparation for Commencement.
A graduate wearing a "Black Lives Matters" face mask.
A graduate walking through a flowered arch with Morgan Hall in the background.
Graduates sitting at Edberg-Olson Athletic Hall.
A grad cap decorated with the words "Protect Trans Kids."
A graduate with black and red feathers decorating their grad cap.
A graduate wearing a cap decorated with Spongebob Square Pants who is taking a picture of a group of other graduates.
A grad cap decorated with the SEPTA logo and words that say "It's been a wild ride."
A grad cap decorated with flowers and the words "One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming."
A grad cap decorated with the words "Owl Ready to Teach 21."
A graduate adjusting their hat and showing off their black and yellow high heels.
A group of graduates posing for a photo outside of the Temple Performing Arts Center.
A graduating posing in front of a banner for the Klein College of Media and Communication.

“Take the time today to reflect and celebrate. Today is about you, but tomorrow is about the world around you. The future requires creativity and hard work.”

-College of Engineering Dean
Keya Sadeghipour

A graduating wearing a Temple branded face mask.
The stage at the Temple Performing Arts Center for the Boyer College of Music and Dances' ceremony.
Boyer College of Music and Dance Dean Stroker with a scroll in hand.
A grad cap decorated with flowers at the Liacouras Center.
Two graduates walking toward 11th street on Polett Walk.
Item 1 of 5
A graduating wearing a Temple branded face mask.
The stage at the Temple Performing Arts Center for the Boyer College of Music and Dances' ceremony.
Boyer College of Music and Dance Dean Stroker with a scroll in hand.
A grad cap decorated with flowers at the Liacouras Center.
Two graduates walking toward 11th street on Polett Walk.

“In this very moment, amidst a world of unpredictability, we are being called to graduate, to step toward something that very well may be into the unknown. We might be heading into an uncertain future, but we will always have a strong foundation and Temple family standing with and behind us.”

-Class of 2021 student speaker
Jennifer Sierra

A graduating hugging a family member.
Graduates posing for photos on the Lynne and Charles Klatskin Bridge on Mani Campus.
A graduate wearing a Class of 2021 Temple branded face mask.
Item 1 of 4
A graduating hugging a family member.
Graduates posing for photos on the Lynne and Charles Klatskin Bridge on Mani Campus.
A graduate wearing a Class of 2021 Temple branded face mask.

Class of 2021: Once an Owl, always an Owl. Congratulations!

Two graduates celebrating outside.

Graduates sitting on the field at Edberg-Olson Athletic Hall with the Philadelphia skyline in the background.

Read more stories about the Class of 2021.

TopBuilt with Shorthand