Photo courtesy of the Solano family.
Former Fox School of Business professor and alumnus James “Jim” Solano, BS ’66, MBA ’68, MS ’79, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 26. Solano was a legendary sports agent within the National Football League.
Remembering Fox alum
James “Jim” Solano
BS ’66, MBA ’68, MS ’79’
As the city of Philadelphia comes together Sunday to cheer on the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Temple University stands proud of the many individuals within the Owl community who have ties to the football organization.
The Temple community mourns the death of former Fox School accounting professor and alumnus James “Jim” Solano BS ’66, MBA ’68, MS ’79 who passed away Sunday, Jan. 26, at the age of 81.
However, for one Fox School of Business alumnus, he has had more than a tie to the team and its players. He has had an impact on their success.
While his professional career saw him take on the roles of professor, certified public accountant and philanthropist, Solano is known by many for his legendary success as a professional sports agent, particularly in the National Football League (NFL).
Out of all his clients, the majority of them were Eagles. Many of the players he represented were a part of Philadelphia’s 1980 National Football Conference (NFC) championship team.
While his prominence in the sports world rose, Solano always showcased a lifelong dedication to Temple University and Fox, including teaching accounting and taxation as an associate professor for many years.
“Mr. Solano had an important impact on my career,” says Robert Tarola, BBA ’73, a lifelong financial professional and current president of the Right Advisory LLC consulting firm. “He was a professor that was relatable to students and made accounting seem cool—I even added accounting as a second major with marketing and thank him for the inspiration.”
“I was fortunate to call Jim a friend! He was a cheerleader throughout my career. He was admired by many and a lifelong ambassador for Temple and Fox. He will be missed.”
As much as Solano felt pride toward Temple, the school equally displayed gratitude for all he gave to the Owl community. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fox accounting department in April 2017.
“Across his entire life, Jim truly embodied what it meant to be a part of the Temple University community,” says James Hansen, the assistant dean of development and alumni affairs at the Fox School. “Whether it was during his time as a student, professor or proud alumnus, the support and enthusiasm he displayed toward the mission of the university is something that will inspire generations to come.”
Overall, it’s well established that Solano will always be remembered through his legacy, his family, and his friends.
“Jim was an immensely special person in my life for over 50 years,” says Rich Haverstick, BBA ’74, chair of the Fox School Board of Visitors, former chairman of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, and former managing partner of the Ernst & Young Philadelphia office.
“He was a shining example of what it means to be ‘Temple Made.’”
“While I first knew Jim as my professor, our relationship grew from ‘teacher/student,’ ‘mentor/mentee’ to just the best of friends. He was a family man and always very generous with his time. He helped many former students during his lifetime. Jim very much loved Temple and the relationship he had with it. He was a shining example of what it means to be ‘Temple Made.’”