Temple University’s 138th Commencement

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Photography by: Ryan S. Brandenberg, Joseph V. Labolito and Betsy Manning
Video by: Joe Schreiber, Wesley Haag and Eric Lovett Jr.
Produced by: Kiki Volkert

For 138 years, Temple University’s Commencement ceremony has served as a moment of reflection and celebration for graduates as they end one chapter of their lives and begin another.

2025 was no different.

Before Class of 2025 graduates; their families, friends and mentors; and Temple faculty and administration, President John Fry and Provost Gregory N. Mandel congratulated graduates and reminded them of what it means to be #TempleMade.

It was a day to commemorate a milestone in the lives of both graduates and the university itself: It was the first Commencement ceremony since President Fry began his tenure at the university, which was celebrated during an investiture ceremony in April.

“We send you hurtling out into an uncertain world that will put everything you have learned during your time at Temple University to the test. That is when you will show the world and everyone whose lives you’ve touched what Temple Owls are made of.”

–John Fry, president

“You arrive at this moment equipped with the intellectual capacity, critical-thinking skills and grit to not just get by but to thrive. That is a hallmark of Temple graduates.”

-Gregory Mandel, provost

“Celebrate the present. Acknowledge the joy and accomplishment of reaching this milestone. Inspire the future. Embrace the unknown. Pursue your passions and continue learning, and always strive for excellence.”

-Shohreh Amini, faculty senate president

“I urge you all to reflect on your communities, both the ones we’ve built here and the ones we will encounter next.”

-Arianna Watkins, Class of 2025 student speaker

The 2025 honorary degree recipients were Tina Sloan Green, EDU ’70, former coach of the Temple women’s lacrosse team, and Mitchell Morgan, FOX ’76, LAW ’80, chair of the Temple University Board of Trustees.

As the only Temple coach to win three national championships and co-founder of the Black Women in Sport Foundation, Sloan Green is a leader in Temple Athletics. She celebrated her honorary degree on stage with an enthusiastic fist pump.

Morgan served as Commencement speaker. During his remarks, Morgan shared his journey from working full time while studying accounting at Temple to owning the third-largest real estate investment and management company in the United States.

“What lessons did I learn from my journey?” said Morgan. “First of all, I learned that big journeys require small steps. Take one step at a time, stick with your plan, work towards your future and always keep your goal in mind. Second, keep your eyes wide open to opportunity. You never know where it might appear. Third, stay engaged with Temple.”