January 18, 2017
Temple University's School of Media and Communication will soon be named after broadcasting legend Lew Klein, the university announced Wednesday.
The school will officially become the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication during a ceremony to be held in the spring. Klein started teaching at the North Philly university in 1952 while he worked at what's now 6ABC. He taught at Temple for six decades.
Temple recently received a multimillion-dollar gift – the exact amount isn't known – from Lew and Janet Klein. Two of the school's trustees, Steve Charles and Gerry Lenfest, along with his wife Marguerite, supported the donation with seven-figure contributions.
The university credits Klein with helping launch the careers of many, including NBC's Matt Lauer, comedian Bob Saget and Dick Clark.
“Lew is the rare benefactor whose service to our school extends beyond his generous financial support to include decades of teaching and mentoring, both of Temple students and of working professionals,” said Dean David Boardman. “Naming the school to recognize all of his contributions is our honor.”
Klein was also a producer for "American Bandstand" and Philadelphia Phillies telecasts.
Klein said he's "proud and thankful" for the honor, according to the university.
