JoAnne Epps, the acting president of Temple University, died suddenly on Tuesday after she fell ill during a memorial service for Charles L. Blockson, historian and curator of the Blockson Afro-American Collection, at the university.

Epps, who was 72, reportedly experienced a “sudden episode” which led to her being transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m., according to the university. 

Epps had served as the acting president of Temple since only April, but she was a longtime staple of the Philadelphia campus. As a student, Epps worked at the university’s bookstore, and she later joined the faculty in 1985, eventually working her way up to several high-ranking roles, including dean of the university’s law school, the executive vice president and provost, and chief academic officer. 

“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,” reads a statement issued by the university. “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.”

Prior to working for Temple, Epps served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for five years. During that time, she was a champion for civil rights, a fierce proponent of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, and a mentor to other attorneys from diverse backgrounds.

“[Epps] was an icon in the legal community, dedicating her life to public service, the rule of law, experiential legal education, equity and diversity in the profession, and the advancement of civil rights,” reads a statement from U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, who Epps mentored. “She was tireless and passionate about the issues she held dear.”

Hundreds of students, alums, faculty, staff, and Temple community members gathered on campus Wednesday to hold a vigil in honor of Epps and her dedication to the university. 

“JoAnne Epps was a powerful force and constant ambassador for Temple University for nearly four decades,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) wrote in a social media post. “Losing her is heartbreaking for Philadelphia.”