The Temple Family Council is a group of diverse, highly dedicated Temple family members who volunteer their time and knowledge to enhance the Temple student and family experience.
Our Council members are here to offer support, advice, and guidance to their fellow Temple parents and families. We encourage you to reach out to members directly via their listed email address if you connect with something in their bio. Look out for a new member spotlight post in each newsletter over the course of the next several months!
Renee Dantzler | Clinton, MD | tempumom@yahoo.com
Student School/College and major: School of Public Health, Physical Therapy
Student Housing Experiences: 1300, Temple Towers, University Village
Student involvement: Steppingstones Scholars, National Council of Negro Women, Black Professional Health Association, Pre-Physical Therapy Association, Temple Gospel Ministries, Owl Ambassador
My piece of advice: Your role as a parent may change. A step back doesn't mean you’re not needed. This is a time of transition. Have a check-in day and know your student's schedule so you won't call at a bad time.
A moment of pride: My student finishing undergrad in 3 years and getting into Physical Therapy school.
Something else I’d like to share: Many college reps told my daughter at college fairs that her major was difficult and if she didn't get in they could push her in another direction. Temple told her she could do it! And she did. More students need to feel their goals are obtainable.
Reach out to me if you have questions about: On-campus housing, Off-campus housing, Sending your first child to college
Amy Sweeney| Media, PA | sweeneyshome@gmail.com
Student School/College and major: School of Theater, Film and Media Arts, Film and Media Arts
Student housing experiences: Morgan Hall North
What I wish I knew as a new Temple parent: Just how incredible and caring the Temple family is. The support we received during the most stressful days spoke volumes about the culture at Temple and truly reinforced how much he truly belongs there. It brought me an incredible sense of peace that I didn't have until after he was living on campus.
My piece of advice: I would say immerse yourself at a level that works for you. There are things family members can get involved with independent of your student’s involvement. My instinct is to nurture and "steer" my son all of the time but I realize that this is his time to grow and quite honestly make mistakes that he will learn from. My involvement with the family council is my way of getting connected with Temple. I also like to check the portal and social feeds to keep my finger on the pulse of what's happening.
Fun Fact: Temple's roots run deep in our family. My grandfather was a doctor at Temple Hospital, my husband, brother, two sisters as well as myself all went to Temple. I made it clear that my son could go wherever his heart takes him and although he looked at many schools, he knew Temple had exactly what he was looking for.
Reach out to me if you have questions about: Meal Plans, Things to do in Philadelphia, Career Service opportunities
Susan Zern| Landenberg, PA | Sjzern@gmail.com
Student School/College and major: College of Engineering, Bioengineering
Student housing experiences: Morgan Hall North and The View
Student involvement: Biomedical Engineering Society, Sigma Alpha Iota, Diamond Marching Band, Student Professional Engineering Committee, College of Engineering Owl Ambassador, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Why my student chose Temple: She liked the camaraderie of Temple and how cohesive Temple community seemed. Additionally, she liked the marching band and how quickly she felt at home.
My piece of advice: Pick housing early!
My favorite thing to do when visiting my student: Eating dinner with Cindy and her friends in Northern Liberties - lots of fun restaurants!!
Fun Fact: I have an embarrassing amount of Temple merch!!! I never miss a trip to the university bookstore!
Reach out to me if you have questions about: Student Involvement (clubs and organizations), Fly-in-4, Plus one accelerated bachelor to masters program
Interested in joining the Temple Family Council? Fill out our Interest Form and we’ll reach out to you when applications open in Fall 2021!
