Discover Fox

Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) and the Fox School of Business are mourning the passing of longtime supporter Aaron Bitman, FOX ’55.

Mr. Bitman has shown his dedication to both schools, as well as the university, since he graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the Fox School in 1955.  

Along with his family, Mr. Bitman established the Bitman Family Endowed Scholarship at STHM. The fund was created to honor Mr. Bitman’s son David, an STHM student who passed away in 1999.  

Mr. Bitman, his late wife, Doris, and their son John believed the scholarship was a fitting way to honor David, an athlete who loved sports both on and off the field. 

“Dad felt that everyone deserved the opportunity to make their dreams happen,” says John Bitman. “When he was approached about starting a scholarship in my brother’s name, it was a ‘no brainer’ to Dad. As time passed, we changed the scholarship name to represent our whole family.  

“The scholarship was the best way for us to help others attain their goals at university.” 

The scholarship is given annually to an outstanding third- or fourth-year student at STHM with financial need, a dedication to community service and plans to pursue a master’s degree in sport business.  

“Dad was proud of every recipient and how we could help them,” John Bitman says. “It is truly a legacy to my father and his dreams of quietly helping people and it will continue.” 

Mr. Bitman started his educational journey at Temple in 1947, according to his son John, and had to step away from his studies to serve in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. Following his graduation from the Fox School, Mr. Bitman worked in the industrial linen industry in a variety of roles, eventually working his way up to executive positions. He was the one-time president of the industry’s national trade association, according to his son. 

Upon retirement, he founded Bitman & Associates, a consulting business. 

“He attributes his success in his career to Temple,” John Bitman says. 

Mr. Bitman’s dedication to Temple grew throughout his life and extended beyond STHM and Fox. He was a member of the TU Athletics Hall of Fame Committee and, in 1996, he received the F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Inspirational Award from the Temple University Alumni Association. 

“Temple became a second family to Dad,” John Bitman says. “All the athletic directors and coaches were my ‘uncles.’ Dad introduced my brother and I to a wonderful family, Temple. (It was) a family Dad had for over 78 years.” 

In addition to the scholarship, Mr. Bitman leaves a legacy of dedication, goodwill and kinship with the faculty and staff at STHM and Fox. 

“Mr. Bitman and his family are an outstanding example of STHM’s commitment to providing access and educational opportunities to Temple students,” says Amy Giddings, associate dean at STHM. “We are truly saddened by Mr. Bitman’s passing and extend our condolences to his family and friends. 

“While he may no longer be with us, STHM is honored to be part of his continuing legacy through the family’s scholarship. We will continue to be good stewards of his mission by ensuring the wishes of both Mr. Bitman and his family will be carried out with the honor they deserve.” 

Mr. Bitman’s impact will be felt for years to come. 

“Mr. Bitman was an integral part of the fabric of Temple University,” says James Hansen, assistant dean of development and alumni relations   at Fox and STHM . “It is through the dedication and commitment of families like the Bitmans that our Temple students can achieve their dreams of higher education. 

“We mourn the passing of our good friend Aaron Bitman and extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Mr. Bitman was the best of Temple and it is our privilege to continue his legacy.”