“This is a great day for Temple,” said University President John Fry.
And it was.
Temple University announced that the College of Public Health will now be known as the Barnett College of Public Health, following a $55 million gift from donor and Temple alumnus Christopher Barnett — the largest donation in university history.
“I am Temple Made, and I believe in Temple University and what we’re doing,” Barnett said during the announcement ceremony.
With the historic donation, Dean Jennifer Ibrahim says the college is already looking toward the future.
“I can’t even tell you what’s coming — we have so many ideas,” Ibrahim said.
The gift has the potential to transform student experiences, supporting initiatives that range from financial aid to research opportunities.
“It’s only going to get higher and higher from here,” said Makenzie Freund, a nursing major. “All the stakes are going right to the top.”
Freund hopes some of the funds will be directed toward scholarships.
“I’m hoping there are a lot of new scholarships in the College of Public Health,” she said.
The $55 million contribution will not only support students but also fund autism research and university-wide initiatives, according to Fry.
“It’s great for the College of Public Health, but the rest of the university is going to benefit from this gift as well,” he said.
When asked why he chose to make such a significant contribution to Temple, Barnett’s response was simple:
“We want to see Temple students going out and changing the world.”
For Barnett, the donation represents more than just financial support — it’s a message about the importance of education and science.
“Higher education needs it,” he said. “It’s under attack. And science is under attack.”
As for what students hope to see happen with the money, Freund summed it up best:
“So many things… Is that an answer? That’s what I want.”
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