Temple Update was there as the School of Media and Communication became the Klein College of Media and Communication.
The dedication ceremony was full of positive energy from beginning to end, and the room was packed with so many people that we eager to show their appreciation for the Philadelphia television legend, Lew Klein. Hosted by alum Bob Saget, speakers such as Bernie Prazenica (President, 6ABC), Merrill Reese (the voice of the Eagles), and even Janet Klein spoke about their relationships with Lew and what he meant to each of them.
The historic name change to Lew Klein College came after Klein’s 60 plus year dedication to the television business and Temple University. This past year, the Klein’s made a multimillion dollar gift to Temple, which was supplemented by Trustees Lenfest and Charles to make it the largest gift in the school’s history. These factors, made it an easy decision as to who the school should be named for, according to Dean Boardman.
“Early on it was clear to me there was only one person for whom this school should be named {in honor of],” said Dean Boardman.
Klein was the creative force behind show’s such as Captain Noah, Sally Starr, and the classic American dance phenomenon, American Bandstand.
The reception was held in Mitten Hall following the ceremony, where Dean Boardman introduced a slide show featuring video and photos of what was SMC and is now Klein College. But he also revealed some photos of the plans for the new building that will be a reconstruction of the current Annenberg Hall. No word yet as to when construction will begin, but the new school will feature state of the art studio spaces, and additional floors to create more classroom space.
Alyssa Jerome was also at the renaming event, where she spoke with faculty, former students, and even Lew Klein himself. Take a look at all the love those in attendance had to share with their professor, mentor, and friend, the incomparable Lew Klein.
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