Our entire office was honored to attend the Grand Opening of Paley Hall on October 10th.
The event was marked by powerful, passionate speeches that shared a common theme: this new home for Temple University’s College of Public Health is not only a beautiful space, but a vital hub for shaping future leaders in health care, medicine, and wellness for generations to come.
As Trustee Tiffany A. Wilson of the Temple University Board of Trustees aptly put it:
“This new facility is a space where students, faculty, and researchers will continue to write Temple’s next great story.”
PZS Architects has been proud to partner with The SLAM Collaborative over the past four years to reimagine and transform the former Paley Library into this inspiring new facility. The result is a dramatic, state-of-the-art building located beside Temple’s iconic bell tower—now a centerpiece of the University’s main campus.
Previously spread across eleven buildings, the College of Public Health is now united under one roof—bringing students, faculty, and researchers together to learn, collaborate, and practice in a single, state-of-the-art facility. Among the highlights is a new home for IMPACT—a specialized program serving both the College of Public Health and the School of Social Work that supports career development and research opportunities.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the celebration was the announcement of a $55 million gift from Temple alumnus and Trustee Christopher Barnett. In recognition of his extraordinary generosity and long-standing support of the University, the building was officially renamed: The Christopher Barnett College of Public Health.
Chris delivered a moving and inspirational speech about his journey to Temple and the importance of investing in public health education. He closed with a powerful reflection:
“Education is the most powerful force for progress. By strengthening the public health workforce, we can help shape a healthier, more equitable future for all. Because who will care for the generations to come if not us? Right here. And right now.”