Temple Athletics Unveils The 1894 Society
4.27.23 | General, Owl Club
PHILADELPHIA – To commemorate its rich history and commitment to providing a great experience for its student-athletes, Temple Athletics has unveiled The 1894 Society, its newest philanthropic leadership giving initiative. The 1894 Society members will serve as benefactors to build upon the success and support that Temple student-athletes have had since 1894, when Temple University first began competing in intercollegiate athletics.
Membership to The 1894 Society will include individuals who make charitable contributions of $25,000+ annually or commit to a $25,000 five-year pledge ($5,000 annually) in support of Temple Athletics' mission to provide opportunities for its diverse student-athletes to maximize their athletic, academic, and life-skill potential.
While The 1894 Society is philanthropic in nature, members will enjoy unique and specialized stewardship opportunities throughout the year, giving supporters deeper and more meaningful interaction with Temple Athletics.
"Temple University has been the home to outstanding student-athletes for nearly 130 years," said Arthur Johnson, Temple University Vice President and Director of Athletics "I am excited to introduce The 1894 Society, as it reflects our history of excellence, while positioning us for success in the future. The 1894 Society will have a transformative impact on the student-athlete experience at Temple for many years to come."
Although Temple was founded in 1884, intercollegiate athletics did not begin until ten years later when in 1894 Temple sponsored a football and basketball team, becoming one of the first institutions in the United States to offer extracurricular activities. The name "The 1894 Society" helps differentiate Temple Athletics beginnings from that of the University.
Temple currently sponsors 19 varsity sports. Over the years, Temple has won eight national championships [men's basketball (1938), men's gymnastics (1949), men's soccer (1951, 1953), women's fencing – foil (1992), and women's lacrosse (1982, 1984, 1988)] and featured more than 10 Olympians. In addition to success in competition, Temple's Owls continue to demonstrate excellence in the classroom evidenced by an NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 95 - ranked in the top 10 amongst all Football Bowl Subdivision institutions - and 22 consecutive semester grade point averages of 3.0 or greater.
Membership to The 1894 Society will include individuals who make charitable contributions of $25,000+ annually or commit to a $25,000 five-year pledge ($5,000 annually) in support of Temple Athletics' mission to provide opportunities for its diverse student-athletes to maximize their athletic, academic, and life-skill potential.
While The 1894 Society is philanthropic in nature, members will enjoy unique and specialized stewardship opportunities throughout the year, giving supporters deeper and more meaningful interaction with Temple Athletics.
"Temple University has been the home to outstanding student-athletes for nearly 130 years," said Arthur Johnson, Temple University Vice President and Director of Athletics "I am excited to introduce The 1894 Society, as it reflects our history of excellence, while positioning us for success in the future. The 1894 Society will have a transformative impact on the student-athlete experience at Temple for many years to come."
Although Temple was founded in 1884, intercollegiate athletics did not begin until ten years later when in 1894 Temple sponsored a football and basketball team, becoming one of the first institutions in the United States to offer extracurricular activities. The name "The 1894 Society" helps differentiate Temple Athletics beginnings from that of the University.
Temple currently sponsors 19 varsity sports. Over the years, Temple has won eight national championships [men's basketball (1938), men's gymnastics (1949), men's soccer (1951, 1953), women's fencing – foil (1992), and women's lacrosse (1982, 1984, 1988)] and featured more than 10 Olympians. In addition to success in competition, Temple's Owls continue to demonstrate excellence in the classroom evidenced by an NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 95 - ranked in the top 10 amongst all Football Bowl Subdivision institutions - and 22 consecutive semester grade point averages of 3.0 or greater.
