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.
Deirdre Thompson | Columbia, MD | deirdre.thompson4@gmail.com
Student School/College and major: School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Sport Management
Student housing experiences: On-campus housing
Student involvement: Rugby Team
What I wish I knew as a new Temple family member: The information that is received as a Freshman is overwhelming. Organizing and focusing on policies and procedures by priority.
My piece of advice: Take the time to know the faculty and support staff in your son/daughters major. Stay in touch. Departmental newsletters, informational sessions, etc.
Fun fact: I am Jhalen's grandmother. His parents are military. I am the closest relative in case of emergency and I am a professor. I have shared my experiences and knowledge as a parent and as an educator.
Reach out to me if you have questions about: Safety, Academic Resources, Student Involvement
Mary Boyle | Wilmington, DE | boylemary@comcast.net
Student School/College and major: Klein College of Media and Communication, Media Studies and Production
Student housing experiences: 1300 and The View
Student involvement: Sports Director for WHIP Radio, play-by-play broadcaster & beat reporter for Temple Soccer and Basketball. Intramural/club sports of soccer & floor hockey
Why my student chose Temple: He was drawn to the sports communications programs at Klein, and was aware that this program was considered the best in the area. After shadowing some classes, he was convinced that Temple was the only choice for him. He was also drawn to the sports teams (football & basketball), and to the diversity of the student body.
My piece of advice: Get involved in the Temple community in some way. It helps you feel far more connected to the community and to what your student is experiencing.
A moment of pride: He found his "peeps". It didn't happen right away - but he put himself out there by getting involved in something he was passionate about, and as a result, he found his crew.
Reach out to me if you have questions about: Things to do in Philadelphia, Disability Resources and Services, the scholarship application process
Debra Holland | Ardmore, PA
Student School/College and major: College of Science and Technology, Biology
Student housing experiences: Hardwick Hall Living and Learning Community
Student involvement: Leads and Women in Science
My piece of advice: Listen to your student and be patient while they learn, adjust, and achieve that first step, after many missteps in their quest for a purposeful college experience.
A moment of pride: During COVID-19, my student attended summer school chemistry lab on campus in the afternoons, while completing her EMT training at night.
My favorite thing to do when visiting my student: Go out to various restaurants to eat and bond.
Did you miss our other Member Spotlight posts? Check them out: Round One
Interested in joining the Temple Family Council? Fill out our Interest Form and we’ll reach out to you when applications open in Fall 2022!
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