Temple University is a public state-related research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1884 by Baptist minister Russell Conwell and his congregation at the Grace Baptist Church, it began as the Baptist Temple, offering evening classes to working-class individuals. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive institution with multiple campuses, including the main North Philadelphia campus, and international locations in Rome, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan. Temple is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity and is one of Pennsylvania's largest universities by enrollment, serving over 30,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as medicine, law, business, the arts, journalism, and political science. In the 2023–24 academic year, Temple awarded 9,128 degrees and boasts a global alumni network of 378,012, with approximately 352,175 residing in the United States. The university maintains strong ties to its Philadelphia community, contributing to urban development and public health initiatives through its health sciences center and Beasley School of Law. It receives significant state funding as a state-related institution, balancing public mission with research innovation, and is known for its diverse student body, commitment to accessibility in higher education, and its programs in political science and law. Temple University's influence extends through its athletic programs, particularly the Owls in NCAA Division I, and its role in producing notable alumni in politics, entertainment, and business, including figures like former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and comedian Bill Cosby. Among its alumni is Levin, who earned his B.A. in Political Science there and also received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Temple. The institution has faced various challenges, including urban campus security issues and financial management scrutiny, but continues to expand its research output and global partnerships.