April 11, 2017
Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil will receive an honorary degree and speak next month at Temple University's 130th commencement ceremony.
The Chester County resident, who coached the Eagles from 1976-1982 and led the team to its first Super Bowl appearance, will be given an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in recognition of his accomplishments as a coach, broadcaster and organizer of charitable events.
Vermeil will be joined by Estelle Richman, former managing director for the city of Philadelphia and senior adviser to the U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who will receive a doctor of laws degree. Richman currently serves on the board of directors for the nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing.
“We are beyond thrilled to honor Dick and Estelle at our momentous Commencement ceremony,” President Richard M. Englert said in a statement. “Through their many contributions to our society, they have truly embodied leadership, excellence and service — qualities that Temple holds dear. Their presence on such an important day in Temple history will underscore to our impressive graduates some of the many ways that they too can, and will, influence our world for the better."
Vermeil won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in the 1999-2000 season and has favorably compared Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz to that game's MVP, Kurt Warner.
Temple's commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 11, at the Liacouras Center. Updates on the event can be found here.
