#United States #Philadelphia #Temple University #Christopher Barnett #Public Health College

Temple University Receives a Transformative Gift

In a momentous announcement, Temple University has officially revealed that its College of Public Health (CPH) will be renamed the Christopher M. Barnett College of Public Health in light of an unprecedented $55 million gift from notable trustee Christopher Barnett, an alumnus from the Class of 2010. This groundbreaking financial support, recognized as the largest in Temple's history, aims to enhance the educational and professional experiences of future leaders in public health.

A Generous Commitment

On October 10, during the grand opening ceremony of the newly renovated Paley Hall, President John Fry expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the landmark donation. "Today, I am thrilled and deeply moved to announce that Chris Barnett has just made a $55 million gift to the College of Public Health, the largest gift ever to Temple University," he proclaimed to an audience of several hundred attendees. This sizeable donation will enable CPH to foster educational opportunities that prepare students to excel in health sciences and related professions.

This gesture of philanthropy comes at a critical juncture for both Temple and the College of Public Health, as they embark on a new chapter within a state-of-the-art facility. The 306,000-square-foot Paley Hall, designed with LEED and WELL certifications, serves as a collaborative hub for faculty, staff, and students, finally uniting CPH which had previously been spread across 11 different buildings.

A Pattern of Generosity

The significance of Barnett's gift is underscored by a series of unprecedented contributions to Temple within a brief timeframe. Just six months prior, in April, the university received a $27.5 million donation from Caroline and Sidney Kimmel for the establishment of the Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts. Barnett’s substantial commitment marks the fourth-largest donation ever made to a college or school of public health, highlighting a clear trend of increasing support for educational development.

In his remarks, Barnett emphasized the motivation behind his gift, particularly touching on concerns about the current challenges faced by public health initiatives amid misinformation and funding reductions. "At a time when public health is under attack... we asked ourselves how we could be part of the solution," Barnett noted, reiterating his family’s strong belief in the power of education to create meaningful change.

A Personal Connection

The choice to name the college after Barnett carries a deeply personal significance; years ago, he faced rejection when applying to Temple. However, after a heartfelt discussion with an admissions counselor, he promised to not only succeed but also contribute back to the institution one day. His journey reflects perseverance that resonates with Temple's institutional ethos.

Barnett, now recognized as the founder and CEO of ABA Centers—one of the fastest-growing autism care providers—illustrates the transformative impact of education. Since its establishment, ABA Centers has expanded across various states, employing over 2,500 staff and launching more than 30 care facilities, including three serving communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Recognized as a prominent figure in healthcare entrepreneurship, Barnett received the prestigious 2024 Ernst and Young National Overall Award—being the first healthcare provider to achieve this recognition. His ongoing support for Temple has included establishing the ABA Centers Autism Lab, contributing to the on-campus Barnett Irvine Cherry Pantry, and co-developing Maddy's Room, a sensory-friendly environment for the student body.

A Vision for the Future

Reflecting on Barnett's contributions, President Fry remarked, "Chris' story is one of the best examples of what it means to be Temple Made." His narrative of resilience serves to inspire not only future students but also the entire Temple community, with the Barnett College of Public Health expected to become a beacon for aspiring changemakers.

In response to this momentous news, Dean Jennifer Ibrahim stated, "This moment marks a new era for our college, one that honors our mission and amplifies our impact." By prioritizing opportunity, compassion, and durability, the Barnett College of Public Health envisions shaping healthier and more equitable communities for years to come.

Temple University continues to embody an unwavering dedication to excellence in education and research, drawing students from around the globe and maintaining an impressive number of programs across various disciplines. With figures like Barnett at the forefront of philanthropy, Temple is poised to further enhance its impact on public health and beyond.