The acting President of Temple University, Philadelphia, Ms. JoAnne Epps,passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72, after falling ill during a memorial service, the varsity disclosed.

Epps, who assumed her role in April, became unwell at the memorial service and was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead around 3:15 pm.

In a statement by the university on its website and signed by the Chair, Board of Trustees, Mitchell Morgan; Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ken Kaiser; Senior Vice President and Provost, Gregory Mandel,“There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss. President Epps was a devoted servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying her loss will reverberate through the community for years to come.”

“The university, however, did not disclose the cause of her passing.

“Our thoughts are with President Epps’ family, and with all members of the Temple community at this moment.

The days ahead will be difficult, but we will lean on one another as President Epps would want us to,” it added.

Temple University is a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by the Baptist minister, Russell Conwell. (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)