{
1880s
}1884:
A prominent Philadelphia lawyer, writer, orator and minster, Russell Conwell, began tutoring young men in the evenings after work.
1887:
Russell Conwell was named Temple’s first president.
1888:
In March, the trustees voted to apply for a state charter of incorporation, which was granted and recorded officially on May 14. The stated purpose of Temple College was “the support of an Educational Institution, intended primarily for the benefit of Working Men.” From this early date, the school was completely nonsectarian and included students, faculty and administrators of many denominations.