The Enduring Legacy of Cherry and White: A History of Temple University's Colors
Temple University, a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is known for its academic programs, athletic achievements, and distinctive cherry and white colors. These colors are more than just aesthetic choices; they are deeply intertwined with the university's history, traditions, and identity.
The Origin of Cherry and White
According to Owl Athletics, Temple was the first school in the nation to formally use cherry as one of its colors, estimated to have occurred by 1888. The adoption of cherry and white as Temple's official colors reflects the university's early history and values.
Symbolism and Significance
The colors cherry and white are not merely arbitrary choices. They represent the spirit and aspirations of Temple University. Cherry, a vibrant and bold color, symbolizes courage, passion, and determination. White, on the other hand, represents purity, integrity, and excellence. Together, these colors embody the core values that Temple seeks to instill in its students and represent in its endeavors.
Cherry On Thursdays: A Celebration of Owl Pride
"Cherry On Thursdays" is a revitalized tradition designed to foster connections and celebrate Owl pride across the Temple University community and beyond. Starting on Aug. 28, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear their cherry and white or Temple logo gear every Thursday during the academic year. Whether it is a favorite T-shirt, button-down, hat, or scarf, Thursdays are a chance for Owls to show their school spirit as part of this revitalized tradition.
Deanne DeCrescenzo, associate dean of students and one of the co-leaders of the Cherry On Working Group, spearheading the new initiative, stated, “We are excited to relaunch Cherry On to celebrate tradition and Temple pride in a more intentional way. School spirit days were traditionally held on Fridays, but by shifting to Thursdays, we hope to cultivate an even stronger sense of belonging among students, faculty, staff, and our extended Temple family.”
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The working group-led by Student Leadership and Engagement with partners from across the university-has been meeting regularly to identify ways to promote a stronger sense of pride and school spirit across the campus community. One of the recommendations from the group is launching the Cherry On initiative and holding events throughout the semester to bring faculty, staff, and students together. Family members, alumni, and members of Temple’s extended family on the university’s other campuses are encouraged to participate and follow Temple’s digital platforms to stay informed.
Barbara Perlman, director of student leadership and engagement and co-leader of the Cherry On Working Group, said, “Cherry On will have a digital presence to keep our communities engaged.”
In honor of Cherry On Thursdays, Cherry On merchandise will now have its own section in the new bookstore in Paley Hall for those interested in adding new gear to their wardrobes. Members of the Temple community will be invited to pep rallies and to display their Owl pride at two larger-scale events each semester, featuring appearances by the Spirit Squad, Hooter, giveaways, and more.
The Owl Mascot: A Symbol of Wisdom and Learning
The owl has been the symbol and mascot for Temple University since its founding in the 1880s. Temple was the first school in the United States to adopt the owl as its symbol or mascot. The owl, a nocturnal hunter, was initially adopted as a symbol because Temple University began as a night school for young people of limited means. The Temple Owls are the athletic teams that represent Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Athletic Achievements and Traditions
Temple University was among the first institutions in the United States to sponsor extracurricular athletic activities for its students. Both the football and basketball programs were inaugurated in 1894 under the direction of Coach Charles M. The Temple Owls are primarily members of the American Athletic Conference (The American). Since their football team participates in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The football program was a member of the Big East Conference until its expulsion after the 2004 season due to a variety of program shortcomings. Temple played a limited MAC schedule in 2005 and 2006 before becoming an affiliated football-only member and playing a full 8-game league schedule in 2007.
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The landscape of Temple sports changed in the early 2010s, thanks to a major realignment of Division I conferences. Temple football returned to the Big East in 2012, and then became a full member of the renamed American Athletic Conference in July 2013, after being a full member (non-football) of the A-10 since the early '80s. As of the 2023 conference realignment, Temple and Wichita State are the only two schools in the American to have never been members of Conference USA.
Temple sponsors 18 varsity teams. In 1938, the Owls won the inaugural National Invitation Tournament by routing Colorado, 60-36, in the championship final. During the 1950s, the Temple basketball team made two NCAA Final Four appearances (1956, 1958) under Head Coach Harry Litwack. Head Coach John Chaney won a total of 724 career games and took Temple to the NCAA tournament 17 times.
Basketball Program
Former NBA players Eddie Jones of the Miami Heat, Aaron McKie of the Los Angeles Lakers, Rick Brunson of the New York Knicks, and Mardy Collins, formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers, are also part of Temple's basketball heritage. On April 10, 2006, University of Pennsylvania head coach and La Salle University alumnus Fran Dunphy was named Temple's new men's head basketball coach. After Dunphy's (temporary) retirement in 2019, alumnus Aaron McKie was named the program's head coach. Former Miami and Penn State assistant Adam Fisher (basketball) was named McKie's successor on March 29, 2023.
Football Program
The Owls football team participates in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision. In December 2005, Al Golden, the defensive coordinator for the University of Virginia, was named head coach, replaced Bobby Wallace. With the improvement to Temple's football program, the school was invited to rejoin the Big East Conference as an associate member for football for 2012 and as a full member for all sports in 2013. By the time Temple returned to full membership, the Big East had split along football lines into a new, non-football Big East Conference and the football-sponsoring American Athletic Conference, with Temple joining The American. 2015 was a breakout year for the program.
Other Sports Programs
Temple's baseball program was in existence from 1927 to 2014, and played in two College World Series. Temple plays every year at the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC). The CRC is the highest profile college rugby tournament in the country, and is played every year at PPL Park in Philadelphia, and is broadcast live on NBC. The soccer program was established in 1926, producing five Olympians en route to surpassing the 500-win milestone in the fall of 1996.
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Temple's men's crew team is coached by Alumnus Brian Perkins. The Temple golf program, inaugurated in 1931, has participated in 20 NCAA championship tournaments, produced 22 All-American citations and won 15 conference championships. Under Fred Turoff, the men's gymnastics team has won 18 ECAC/EIGL championships, and produced five individual NCAA national champions. Temple's tennis team is coached by Steve Mauro, entering his 17th season as men's coach and who also coaches the women's tennis team.
As early as 1923, the university's women began participating on club sport teams. The modern era took root in 1974, when Temple named physical education instructor Veronica "Ronnie" Maurek to the dual role of head basketball and softball coach. From 1999 to 2008, the Temple Owls women's basketball team was guided by head coach and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Dawn Staley. Temple's fencing team operates under head coach Nikki Franke. Temple field hockey teams have finished among the NCAA's top 20 no less than 13 times in the last 15 seasons, while producing 24 All-Americans. The gymnastics program started in 1975. The current gymnastics team is coached by current Assistant Coach Rachel Innis (2019-Present).
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