St. Davids, PA: On Friday, August 29, Eastern University hosted a blessing ceremony to dedicate Templeton Hall, the newly renovated and expanded home of the Templeton Honors College (THC). The event, held in the Clemens Hall recital space, brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, donors, local clergy, and community members to celebrate this transformative milestone in Eastern’s Centennial year and The Templeton Honors College’s 25th anniversary.
“This day is a celebration of both Eastern’s rich legacy and its flourishing future. Templeton Hall stands as a testament to the generosity of our donors, the vision of our community, and the calling we have to prepare students to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice.”
The morning began with an intimate blessing of the Richardson T. Merriman Family Art Gallery, followed by the formal building dedication ceremony led by President Ron Matthews, Dean Brian Williams, current THC student Lenora Kirkland, and clergy from local churches. The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Eastern Chaplain Joe Modica, followed by a reception, building tours, and an intimate blessing of Clemens Hall.
“The Templeton Honors College has always sought to cultivate deep learning, meaningful friendships, and a life of wisdom. With Templeton Hall, we now have a home that embodies those values, inviting students into spaces that inspire and encourage them to follow their calling and use their gifts for good in the world.”
The $11 million project, which broke ground in May 2024, includes new classrooms, communal spaces, a recital and performance hall, the Merriman Art Gallery, a library, courtyard, and more.
This dedication coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Templeton Honors College. Over the past quarter-century, THC has equipped generations of students to pursue wisdom, engage thoughtfully with culture, and lead lives of service. The new Templeton Hall provides a fitting space for the Honors College to continue cultivating excellence for years to come.
Templeton Hall is also a flagship project of Eastern’s A Time to Rise Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising initiative to celebrate the university’s Centennial and build for the next 100 years. The campaign also advances the university’s five-year strategic plan, Inspire. Innovate. Impact., which was launched in 2022 and propels Eastern into its next chapter. Templeton Hall embodies this vision and provides students with spaces that spark intellectual discovery, creative expression, and community life that will impact generations to come.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit eastern.edu or contact Ally Rosario, Director of Marketing & Communications: ally.rosario@eastern.edu.