Vigil Planned For Late Acting Temple University President JoAnne Epps

PHILADELPHIA — The Temple University, Philadelphia, and education communities are invited to attend a vigil Wednesday after the sudden passing of acting Temple President JoAnne Epps.

Epps, 72, died after falling ill Tuesday at a memorial event for Charles L. Blockson at the Temple Performing Arts Center, according to the school.

A special vigil is planned for noon Wednesday at the Bell Tower on Temple's main campus.

"This will be a time to reflect, remember and support one another during this time of grieving," the school said.

A memorial service for Epps is expected in the near future, according to the school.

Epps was appointed as acting president in April and was the dean of Temple University Law School.

She served the Temple community for more than 30 years, according to the school.

"There is no doubt this is a significant loss, but Temple University is a special and resilient community," the school said in an announcement. "We will rally together to continue the university’s mission and move Temple forward, just as our remarkable friend and colleague President Epps inspires us to do."

Details of Epps' death have not been released.