Temple University, which can trace its history back to 1884, is a research university located in Philadelphia.

It began life when a Philadelphia minister, Russell Conwell, started tutoring a group of young working men in night classes and in 1888 founded “The Temple College”. His vision for the institution was to provide educational opportunities for talented and motivated students, regardless of background or means.

In 1965, it was designated as a “state-related” institution, having previously been private.

Temple’s more than 35,000 students continue to follow its official motto – “Perseverantia Vincit”, or “Perseverance Conquers”.

The university has nine campuses – ranging across urban and suburban Philadelphia to branches in Rome and Japan. Its main campus is in the heart of the Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania and the fifth largest in the US.

Temple has traditionally been known for the high level of ethnic diversity among its student body.

Temple has a reputation as a leader in professional education, being among the largest US universities in terms of numbers educated in the combined fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry and law.

The Temple University Hospital, a 571-bed teaching hospital, is the chief clinical training site for Temple University School of Medicine.

Notable Temple alumni include comedian and actor Kevin Hart, singer Jill Scott, musicians Daryl Hall and John Oates, and former Princeton University president Shirley J. Tilghman.

The Temple “T” is the symbol of the university. The logo was designed by students in the university’s Tyler School of Art in 1983.

In honour of Temple’s origins as a night school for ambitious young people, the owl became its mascot. Hooter the Owl makes appearances at football and basketball games, as well as at alumni events.

At sports games, Temple’s most ardent fans are known as “the Cherry Crusade” – a group made up of students who paint themselves in Temple colours and lead cheers.