Ronald J. Temple was born on September 10, 1940 and has been a lifelong educator and Scouter. An African American, he grew up on Chicago’s Westside and graduated from Marshall High School. Ron initially joined a small troop in his neighborhood, but due to their lack of activity, was recruited by Bob Sublette and Norville Carter to join Troop 534.  Ron earned the Explorer Silver Award through Post #2534. As a youth, he worked at Owasippe Scout camp for several summers during the late 1950’s.

Taking an active interest in the Arrow, Ron became an Ordeal member on 08/06/1956, and sealed his membership with the Brotherhood Honor on 05/03/1957. He immediately took a role in local O/A activities and became the Chief of Mon-da-min Chapter in 1958. Ron was selected by his peers to serve as the Owasippe Lodge #7 Chief 1959 and 1960. For his unselfish service and leadership, he received the Vigil Honor on 07/14/1960, bestowed with the name “Elachtoniket” – The Seeker.

Ron’s youth leadership extended far beyond the Lodge level and was evident to his Brothers in the Arrow who then selected them to serve as their Section Chief in 1961. This afforded Ron the opportunity to attend the 1960 National O/A Planning Meeting. At that meeting Ron was elected by his peers to serve as National Conference Chief for the 1961 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) at Indiana University. It is the first and only time an African-American Arrowmen has been chosen to lead our honored Order as Chief.

Ron continued his educational pursuits and graduated from Eureka College in Illinois. During this time he remained active in Scouting as an adult volunteer, serving as the Director of Camp Blackhawk at Owasippe from 1961-1967. Professionally Ron has been an administrator at the University of Cincinnati and served as the Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago. While living in Cincinnati, Ohio he was conferred the O/A Distinguished Service Award in 1975. For his expertise, the National BSA Council summoned him in 1994 to Chair the National Urban Emphasis Committee, which focuses on Scouting units with inner city demographics.

Returning home to Chicago after a long and distinguished career as a college administrator and educator, Ron seized the opportunity to join the Chicago Area Council Board in 2002, becoming the Vice-President of Membership and serving in that role until the Council’s dissolution in 2014. For his many contributions to Scouting, Ron received the Silver Beaver Award, and the Silver Buffalo Award in 1998.

Knowing no bounds, Ron Temple has been an inspiration to Arrowmen throughout the Order to aim high in life and be unwavering in commitment to service. We are proud to have him as a Centurion of Owasippe Lodge #7.