Temple U. Holds Its 128th Commencement
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today was graduation day at Temple University.
At the school's Liacouras Center, on North Broad Street, some 9,000 students received honors at the 128th commencement ceremony.
The graduating students come from 72 countries, 44 states, and 56 Pennsylvania counties.
ESPN anchor and Temple alumnus Kevin Negandhi received an honorary degree and, in his commencement speech, echoed the university's "Temple Made" advertising slogan.
"We are all connected, and that is what makes today so special," he said. "I'm Temple-made, and, guys, when you walk out of here, you can say to everyone you are Temple-made. Congrats, Class of 2015!"
Negandhi then led the graduates in a chant, altering the popular "I believe that we have won!" to "I believe that we are done!"
One person mising from today's graduation was 22-year-old Rachel Hall, of Mullica Hill, NJ. She was critically injured on April 28th when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver as she rode her bicycle in North Phildelphia.
Rachel's mother, Cathy, stood in for her at the College of Liberal Arts cermony, collecting her daughter's diploma. Mrs. Hall recieved a standing ovation from the crowd when her daughter's name was called.