Temple Renames Communication School To Honor Lew Klein

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - "From this moment forward we are the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication"

Dean David Boardman made the formal announcement at a ceremony honoring longtime educator and broadcast pioneer Lew Klein.

On hand were hundreds of current students, Temple alumni and friends of Klein, including former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey...

"You make a difference in the lives of ordinary people everyday," he said.

...and the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles Merrill Reese...

"With Lew's encouragement, I went from a dreamer, to an achiever," says Reese.

The event was hosted by Temple alum Bob Saget, who, of course, cracked a few jokes:

"We're also changing the name of the city to 'Lewadelphia'."

But the comedian would get very emotional when talking about the impact Klein had on his career and life:

"What you have done for me, Lew, is why I'm here today. You are just an exceptional man, you are one of the most caring, giving people. I feel like you're family to me. You have helped so many people."

The crowd gave Klein a standing ovation when he was introduced.

"I humbly express my thanks for the honor and recognition that I am receiving today," he told everyone.

Klein made note of how much Temple has grown since he began teaching there in 1952:

"This is a changed community and also a changed university."

He said his greatest joy is his wife, Janet, who was also among those honoring her husband.

• Community
• Education
• Temple University
• Philadelphia