Moore has worked at Temple for more than 44 years and, at age 75, is the oldest graduate in the Class of 2026.
From left to right: Sheinelle Jones, Jenna Bush Hager, Peggy Moore, Hoda Kotb, Najah Siddiq and Raihanah Siddiq on the set of the TODAY show.
Photo by Katie DuBoff
Peggy E. Moore, administrative specialist in the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Temple University, shared her story of perseverance on NBC’s TODAY show on Friday, May 29. Moore has worked at Temple for more than 44 years, holding roles in the medical school admissions office, budget office and, most recently, in the office of the provost where she has served since 1989.
Her remarkable journey caught the attention of TODAY, where she appeared alongside her granddaughters, Najah Siddiq, EDU ’23, and Raihanah Siddiq, during the fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones. They were joined by former TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb, who returns to the show occasionally for special assignments. During the segment, Moore reflected on her path to earning her degree, her motivation to keep going and the joy of celebrating the milestone with her family.
“It was a moment of a lifetime to be a guest on the show,” said Moore. “My whole theme has been to never give up, and I hope my story helps inspire others that it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams. To be able to have this experience with my granddaughters made it even more special.”
Moore first enrolled at Temple in 1980. With two young sons to support, she prioritized securing a full-time job and promised herself she would one day return to finish her education. Over the next four decades, she steadily worked toward that goal, taking a class or two each semester while balancing work and family responsibilities.
That persistence paid off this past fall when Moore completed her final course, earning her degree in general studies. She graduated as the oldest member of Temple’s Class of 2026 and was selected as a student speaker at the University College Commencement ceremony.
The segment also featured Dan Berman, professor of Greek and Roman classics in Temple’s College of Liberal Arts, who served as Moore’s supervisor from 2017 to 2025 during his tenure as vice provost for undergraduate studies.
Friday’s episode marked Temple’s second appearance on the TODAY show in the past six months. The Diamond Marching Band performed on the program the day before its appearance in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.