TEMPLE TRADITIONS

Temple’s 125 year history is rich with tradition and Cherry and White spirit. From Conwell’s Acres of Diamonds speech to the iconic Temple ‘T’, from the Owl mascot to the beloved fight song, Temple spirit is thriving at the university. As we look forward to the next era in Temple history, we remain connected to the mission of access to excellence that made our first 125 years so successful.

 

Acres of Diamonds

Read Russell H. Conwell’s famous speech, encouraging individuals to use their intelligence and to work hard to find opportunities in their own backyards.

The Temple ‘T’

Created in 1983 by Kristine Herrick, a student in Professor Joseph Scorscone’s graphic arts and design class, the Temple ‘T’ is now widely recognized throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond.

Read the Temple Times story about the birth of this iconic symbol.

The Fight! Song

Fight! Temple Fight!
Fight! Temple, fight on!
Fight with all your might!
Fight for the Cherry and White: Keep our colors high!
Roll that ball and hit the line: All the Temple stars will shine: Skill and courage win the game
Fight on, Temple, fight!

Catch the Cherry and White spirit by listening to the Fight! song.

T for Temple U

'T' for 'Temple U'
U-ni-versity!
Fight, fight, fight!
For the Cherry and the White,
For the Cherry and the White,
We'll fight, fight, fight!"

Cheer on the Owls by singing along to “T for Temple U.”

Alma Mater

Onward with Temple.
Banners all unfurled;
Wide flung our standards,
To the winds they're hurled.
Following our founder to immortal fame;
Making true his vision,
Of a deathless name.
Hail! Alma Mater, Honor, Praise to thee.
We pledge our lives,
Our hearts in loyalty.
Wisdom, Truth, and Virtue
Built our Temple great;
Perseverance conquers
Higher to create.

Listen to Temple’s alma mater.

Hooter the Owl

The Temple Owl dates back to the foundation of the university, when ambitious young people attended classes at night to further their educations and their careers. These late-night studiers became known as the Temple night owls, who were encouraged by Conwell’s remark, “The owl of the night makes the eagle of the day.”

Not only does the owl represent wisdom and knowledge, but it is also the symbol of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, arts, skills and warfare. Besides being perceptive and resourceful, quick and courageous, the owl truly is a fierce fighter.

Today, Hooter the Owl rallies the crowds at football games, basketball match-ups and many other athletic competitions.