Our graduates – some 65,000 men and women – have established successful careers throughout the world. Their jobs, their titles, and their lines of work are distinct and many.

But one criterion tethers them together: Perseverantia Vincit.

The words of Temple University founder Russell Conwell, “Perseverance Conquers,” serve as this university’s motto. They also function as our daily inspiration to push farther, work harder, and outperform even our greatest expectations.

More than two decades ago, James Poyser could not have imagined his remarkable career trajectory as he pursued a finance degree from the Fox School of Business. Today, he appears on national television five times a week as the keyboardist for The Roots, and writes and produces music with some of the industry’s top recording artists.

The same could be said for Stephanie Reitano. She worked seven days a week and refused to take a paycheck in order to accomplish her dream of bringing artisanal-quality gelato to Philadelphia. The result: National Geographic recognizes her Capogiro Gelato as the world’s best ice cream.

The successes of James and Stephanie, and other Fox School alumni from the creative, performing, and culinary arts, can be found within these pages of “Fox Focus.”

The Fox School is rooted in inspirational stories like theirs. Tradition, distinction, and innovation act as the cornerstones of our nearly 100-year history, as our entrepreneurial students pave new roads of discovery.

As we progress closer to 2018, which will mark our centennial as a leader in business education, we will continue to unveil a schedule of events to recognize our storied history, our distinguished alumni, and our remarkable student body. We look forward to celebrating this legacy with you.

And remember: So long as perseverance conquers, our students and alumni will continue marching to the beat of their own drummer.

Regards,

M. Moshe Porat, PhD, CPCU
Dean
Laura H. Carnell Professor
Fox School of Business