A chance meeting at a Temple football game blossomed into 47 years of partnership, success, and giving back. 

For Greg and Michele Kelly, Temple University represents far more than the institution on their diplomas. It’s the place where their life journey together began, where they formed lasting friendships and where they discovered the passions that would shape their careers. Being “Temple Made” isn’t just a slogan for them—it’s the foundation of their shared life story. 

Owls From the Start 

The characteristic grit of Temple Owls was evident in both Greg and Michele long before they stepped foot on campus. 

“We like to say in each of our respective families we hit the lottery in terms of love and support—it was not the lottery financially,” Greg shares. “Like a lot of Temple students, we had to grind at times. That’s what I admire in Temple students—they’re going to work hard no matter what obstacles they face.” 

Greg, ENG ’79, arrived at Temple on an athletic scholarship for swimming. While initially exploring architecture, he eventually found his calling in civil engineering, becoming the first engineer in his family. Meanwhile, Michele, FOX ‘82, was breaking ground as the first in her family to attend college, supported by a partial scholarship. She masterfully balanced her business studies while leading the Diamond Dancers as a baton twirler in the marching band and working in the Dean’s Office at the College of Engineering. 

A Temple Love Story 

Their paths first crossed during summer break in 1978 through mutual friends, but it was later that fall at a Temple football game that truly sparked their connection. With Michele working in the College of Engineering, their “chance” encounters became increasingly frequent. 

“We kept bumping into each other in the engineering building,” Michele recalls. “Before long, we were inseparable.” 

After graduation, Greg embarked on a distinguished 40-year career, spanning industry, private, and public sectors, eventually becoming Chief Executive Officer of STV, Inc. Michele dedicated over 20 years to Princeton University, recently retiring as Operations Coordinator for Princeton University Health Services, where she led programming related to student health and safety. 

Despite the demands of raising five children and building successful careers, the Kellys maintained their Temple connections, regularly attending football and basketball games with fellow alumni families. 

Coming Full Circle 

As their children grew independent, Greg and Michele found themselves drawn back to the institution that had shaped their lives so profoundly. 

“We’re really grateful that we reconnected with Temple, particularly the College of Engineering,” Greg explains. “It’s incredible to see the transformation of the College, the campus, and the community. The growth in the Engineering programs and how they prepare students for meaningful, impactful careers is a tremendous source of pride. It made it easy to reengage and support the Temple mission.” 

Greg’s involvement with the College of Engineering’s Board of Visitors spans nearly a decade, where he currently serves as Chair, providing industry insights that keep the College connected to real-world needs. 

The Gift of Perseverance 

While the Kellys had supported Temple financially over the years, in 2022 they decided to make a more significant impact. Their decision was deeply personal, rooted in their unique experiences with the College of Engineering. 

For Greg, it was about the academic support and career guidance from faculty, like Dr Robert Stone, head of the Civil Engineering Department at the time, that gave him the knowledge and credentials to make a difference. For Michele, though not an engineering student herself, it was about the profound compassion shown by the College community. 

“When my father passed away during my sophomore year, staff members from the Dean’s office attended his funeral,” Michele shares. “That gesture of kindness has stayed with me for over four decades.” 

Drawing from their own experiences and those of raising five children, the Kellys established the “Keep Going” Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2022. Rather than focusing solely on academic excellence, their scholarship specifically supports students who may be struggling academically but show promise and determination. 

“We don’t want students to give up on their dreams just because they’re facing challenges,” Greg emphasizes. “Engineering is tough—we know that firsthand.” Michele adds, “What we hope the student feels is the confidence that comes when somebody believes in them, especially when they might be doubting themselves.” 

The Full Circle of Giving 

For the Kellys, supporting Temple engineering students has brought profound fulfillment. Their scholarship doesn’t just provide financial assistance—it offers encouragement at critical moments when students might otherwise abandon their educational journey. 

“There’s a deep sense of loyalty,” Greg reflects. “We look back and say, ‘Temple was good to us.’ It gave us the educational foundation that launched our careers, and fostered our relationship that’s still going strong 47 years later. Why not give back to those who gave so much to us?” 

Through their generosity, Greg and Michele Kelly aren’t just supporting individual students—they’re helping to shape the future of engineering and the communities those graduates will serve for generations to come.