WHEREAS, Temple University’s history begins in 1884, when Philadelphia minister Russell Conwell began tutoring several students. Before long, Conwell was teaching several dozen students, primarily working-class people who could only attend class at night. “The Temple College” received a charter of incorporation in 1888 with the vision of
providing superior educational opportunities for academically talented and highly motivated students, regardless of their backgrounds or means; and
WHEREAS, The Owl was adopted as the school’s mascot in the 1880’s and Temple University was the first school in the United States to adopt the owl as its symbol or mascot. The owl was chosen because owls are nocturnal hunters, and the university began as a night school; and
WHEREAS, Temple University is represented at numerous events by the owl mascot, Hooter T Owl. Hooter T Owl is a cheerful cherry-clad owl born in 1977, known by the moniker Victor E. Owl at the time. The owl mascot was updated and renamed Hooter T Owl for the university’s 100th anniversary in 1984; and
WHEREAS, Temple University is also represented by another owl, Stella, introduced in 2013. Stella is a great horned owl from the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown and has graced many Temple University events over the last decade. Stella embodies wisdom, intelligence and keen observation skills, all traits that represent what it means to be Temple Made; and
WHEREAS, Temple University alumni are making impactful contributions both in Philadelphia and abroad. Notable Temple Owls include Quinta Brunson, Dawn Staley, Adam McKay, Katalin Kariko, John Chaney, Daryl Hall, John Oates, current and former members of Philadelphia City Council, as well as leaders at the state and federal level; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that it congratulates Temple University’s mascot, the Owl, on winning The Philadelphia Inquirer’s first-ever Mascot Bracket.
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