The Temple Owls men's basketball team (11-6) secured a solid 88-81 win over the 18th-ranked Memphis Tigers last night at the Liacouras Center, in a game that served as a special celebration of Owls in health and medical professions. The evening honored contributions from all health-related fields, including those within the College of Public Health (CPH).

CPH faculty and staff were invited to attend, with those who have white coats donning them for the occasion, while nursing students proudly wore their signature cherry scrubs. President John Fry was also present to mark the occasion. 

During a timeout, Temple trailblazers from health and medical professions, including select leaders from CPH, were recognized on the court for their contributions. Among those honored was Tulay G. Soylu, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Health Services Administration and Policy, who shared her appreciation for the moment. “It’s so exciting to be a part of this night,” she said. “I’ve worked in this field for many years, and it’s an honor to be recognized by the university for my contributions.”

The evening was a success on all fronts—celebrating the hard work of Temple's health and medical professionals while also marking a significant upset win for the Owls basketball team. The spirited atmosphere and the team’s triumph highlighted the university's commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.