Temple University students traveled to Harrisburg on March 24 as part of the annual Owls on the Hill advocacy day, according to an April 6 announcement. The event was organized by Temple’s Office of Government and Community Relations and followed President John Fry’s appearance before the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee in support of the university’s Commonwealth funding.
The student advocacy day is significant because it aims to secure ongoing state financial support for Temple. For over six decades, this funding has enabled thousands of Pennsylvania students at Temple to receive an in-state tuition discount of at least $15,600 from a total allocation of $158.2 million.
Dennis Lynch, assistant vice president for government relations at Temple, said, “Any chance we get to highlight to the General Assembly and the administration where the Commonwealth’s money is going, and who it is helping, dramatically advances our case for continued funding.” Lynch added that students are effective advocates: “I feel that our students, who are our best advocates, put a real human face on what it is we advocate for at Temple.”
During their visit, 33 students wore red-and-white striped rugby shirts—a tradition associated with Owls on the Hill—as they met with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and staff. They thanked legislators for past support and encouraged future backing while distributing handouts about how state funds help provide tuition discounts and boost economic impact. Lynch explained that these shirts make a strong impression: “Everybody notices our students because of them. Those shirts make it very, very clear with all that’s going on in the Capitol that the Temple students are here, they’re being seen and our message for continued funding is getting out.”
Ashanty Lopez, a senior participating in her first Owls on the Hill event, said student voices matter: “Being able to advocate for ourselves and other students just shows that we have a voice too, and we want to use it,” she said. “We came with a high energy… Going from office to office, we made our presence very known in the Capitol.” Several lawmakers showed their support by wearing Temple-themed attire; State Senator Maria Collett (D-12) remarked: “As the senator representing the Temple Ambler Campus… It’s critical for state lawmakers to hear from these future leaders as we make policy and funding decisions that will directly impact them and their families.”
The group was recognized by both chambers of Pennsylvania’s legislature during their visit. Students also attended lunch sessions with alumni serving as House members. State Representative Joe Hogan (R-142), LAW ’23 said: “As a graduate of Temple Law… I’ve been in their shoes… It is always a pleasure to speak to these students…” The university mascots Hooter the Owl and Stella also participated in activities at both legislative offices and public spaces within the Capitol.
The broader implications suggest continued engagement between universities like Temple and policymakers may influence future higher education funding decisions across Pennsylvania.
