Temple has lost one of its biggest fans and boosters.

Dr. George Edberg-Olson died Monday afternoon, according to the university. He was 85.

Edberg-Olson was a vocal and financial supporter of Temple athletics. In 2000, he donated $1 million for the Temple football complex that bears his name.

The facility includes a 23,600-square-foot training facility and an artificial-turf practice field.

"It's a sad day for Temple football," coach Al Golden said. "[He] was a great person. He supported our efforts in producing well-rounded student-athletes, not only through his generous financial support, but through his enthusiasm and spirit. He will be greatly missed."

Edberg-Olson, a professor emeritus of the Department of Hispanic and Iberoamerican Languages and Literatures, graduated from Temple with a bachelor's degree in education in 1949.

He continued his education at the University of Havana, where he obtained the equivalent of a master's degree. While in Cuba, he played for the American Caribbean football team that competed against schools in Central America.

From there, he attended the University of Kansas, where he earned a doctorate in Spanish Literature. He then returned to Temple to teach Spanish and was eventually named the chairman of the department.

Through the years, Edberg-Olson developed a passion for Temple sports. He was a fixture at football and basketball games and even donated a shell to the crew team, which they named the "George Edberg-Olson."

In 2007, he received the school's F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Award for his support of athletics and the role they play in the development of students.

Funeral arrangements are pending. *