By Amanda Stankiewicz
ABOVE PHOTO: Quinta Brunson PHOTO:Shutterstock
Philadelphia– Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication has announced that it will honor Quinta Brunson with the 2024 Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award. The award, inspired by the legacy of media educator and broadcast pioneer Lew Klein, is presented annually to a media luminary whose work inspires students. Past recipients include Oscar- and Grammy-winning musician and producer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, actress and producer Tina Fey, sports icon Charles Barkley, CNN anchor Jake Tapper, and New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet.
Philadelphia native Brunson will receive the award on May 7, 2024, at the Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Awards banquet. The ceremony will include the induction of five prominent Klein College alumni into the college’s Alumni Hall of Fame and the presentation of the “Rising Star” award to a younger alum.
Brunson, a writer, producer, and actress, made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Comedic Actress Emmy in over 40 years. Her work, known for its creativity, humor and cultural resonance, has made her a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
Brunson attended Klein College and got her start on Temple University Television’s (TUTV) first student-produced comedy-variety show, Temple Smash, before going to Southern California.
“We are thrilled to welcome Quinta back to her hometown and to Temple,” said Klein College Dean David Boardman. “She is not only a talented entertainer and media figure, she is a powerful advocate for public education.”
Quinta Brunson will receive the honor this May following a panel discussion and conversation with students.
The Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Awards ceremony will also honor the professional achievements of seven prominent alumni from the media and communication industries. This year’s Alumni in the Media honorees are:
Nancy Becker, KLN ‘82, president and co-founder, “15 Minutes” Inc.
Pam Derderian, KLN ‘82, CEO and co-founder, “15 Minutes” Inc.
Cherri Gregg, KLN ‘12, host/anchor, WHYY
John Kincade, KLN ‘86, host, The John Kincade Show on 97.5 The Fanatic
Dylan Purcell, KLN ‘00, investigative reporter/data, The Philadelphia Inquirer
This year’s Rising Star award will be presented to Teresa M. Lundy, KLN ‘14, who is the principal and founder of TML Communications.
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