Blog

Temple University Television Students Win Bronze Telly Award for “Artists Among Us: The Art of Drag”

Posted

Students from Temple University Television (TUTV) have earned a prestigious Bronze Telly Award in the General Student category at the 47th Annual Telly Awards for their original production, “Artists Among Us: The Art of Drag.”

The award-winning episode explored the rich history of Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community through the powerful and expressive art of drag. Through thoughtful storytelling, creative visuals, and compelling interviews, the student production team highlighted the cultural importance of drag performance while celebrating identity, resilience, and artistic expression in Philadelphia.

Established in 1979, the Telly Awards are considered one of the premier honors recognizing excellence in video and television across all screens. This year’s competition received more than 13,000 entries from around the world. Winners were selected by the Telly Awards Judging Council, an industry body made up of more than 250 leaders from major media organizations including Netflix, HBO, BBC, Adobe, Meta Creative Shop, and IMAX.

The 47th Annual Telly Awards theme, “Capture the Original,” celebrated creators and storytellers who embrace innovation and originality in today’s evolving media landscape.

The student production team for “Artists Among Us: The Art of Drag” included:

• Director: Hadiza Mshelia
• Assistant Director: Mateo Verden
• Writer/Host: Andy Van Antwerp
• Editor/Camera Operator: Molly Keough
• Camera Operators: Tom DiDomenico and Emma Nolan
• Host: Rachel Williams
• Executive Producer: Delia Joyce
• Producers: Melanie Ascoli and Jaime Holbeck

The project was produced through Temple University Television (TUTV), Temple University’s student-operated television station that provides experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in media, journalism, production, and storytelling.

“This episode explored the rich history of Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community through the powerful and expressive art of drag, and I’m incredibly proud of the students and team who worked so hard to bring this story to life,” said Chelsea Scruggs, Multimedia Content Producer for TUTV. “It’s rewarding to see their work recognized on this level.”

The recognition continues TUTV’s tradition of producing award-winning student work that combines creativity, technical excellence, and meaningful storytelling. From documentary storytelling and live productions to sports, news, and entertainment programming, TUTV students continue to gain hands-on professional experience while creating content that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the Temple community and the city of Philadelphia.

The Telly Award serves as another example of how Temple students are competing — and succeeding — on a national stage while telling stories that matter.

Feel Good Cooking Tackles Type 2 Diabetes Awareness in New Episode

Posted

Temple University Television’s Feel Good Cooking continues its mission of blending healthy living, education, and approachable cooking in its newest episode focused on Type 2 diabetes awareness and prevention.

Hosted by Anthony Oliver, the episode explores the growing rise of youth-onset Type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle and dietary changes that can help manage and prevent the disease.

The episode was inspired in part by ongoing leadership collaboration between Klein College Acting Dean Deborah Cai and Dean Jennifer Ibrahim of Temple’s Barnett College of Public Health. Their continued partnership has helped shape Feel Good Cooking into a meaningful interdisciplinary initiative that combines storytelling, public health education, and hands-on student production. The episode also reflects recent research and discussions led by Dr. Joy Pierce, Chair of the Department of Communication in Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, regarding the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among younger populations.

Joining Anthony in the episode is April Sakalsky, a graduate nutrition student from Temple’s Barnett College of Public Health, who helps explain common misconceptions surrounding diabetes, including the importance of balanced nutrition rather than eliminating carbohydrates entirely. The discussion also explores how sedentary lifestyles and increased consumption of heavily processed foods contribute to the rise in Type 2 diabetes diagnoses.

The episode also highlights Temple University’s Cherry Pantry, where Anthony learns about the resources available to students with dietary restrictions and food insecurity concerns. Cherry Pantry staff discuss access to whole grains, fresh produce, plant-based proteins, and other healthier food options available to students.

Back in the Aramark Community Teaching Kitchen at the Barnett College of Public Health, Anthony prepares a glazed teriyaki salmon quinoa bowl designed to align with Type 2 diabetes dietary recommendations. The dish incorporates quinoa, salmon, edamame, avocado, cucumbers, and fresh vegetables while emphasizing balanced nutrition, fiber, healthy fats, and protein.

Throughout the episode, Feel Good Cooking continues to make healthy cooking approachable and practical while educating viewers on important health issues affecting communities nationwide.

The series is produced through the ongoing collaboration between TUTV and Temple University’s Barnett College of Public Health and is filmed inside the college’s state-of-the-art Aramark Community Teaching Kitchen.

Viewers can watch Feel Good Cooking on TUTV and TempleTV.net and follow the show on Instagram at @feelgoodcooking_.

Temple Sports Student Media Launches First-Ever Broadcast Special Showcasing Philadelphia Athletics

Posted

Temple Sports Student Media premiered its first-ever broadcast special this spring, bringing viewers inside the passion, tradition, and community spirit that define athletics across the Philadelphia region.

The hour-long program, produced entirely by Temple University students, featured in-depth storytelling and on-location reporting from more than a dozen schools and sporting events throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. Anchored by Haley Smith and Tim McFarland, the special highlighted not only elite athletic competition, but also the personal stories, traditions, and community connections behind the games.

“This was an opportunity for our students to go beyond scores and highlights and really tell meaningful stories,” said the student production team during the opening of the broadcast. “Each location helped give us a different look into what sports mean to the Philadelphia community.”

The special featured a wide range of stories, including:

  • La Salle College High School’s legendary “Silent Night” basketball tradition
  • The historic basketball legacy at Roman Catholic High School
  • One of Pennsylvania’s top female wrestlers balancing athletics and academics at Mariana Bracetti Academy
  • Nationally ranked wrestling programs at Malvern Prep
  • Elite basketball prospects competing in the internationally recognized Grind Session
  • Community fundraising events including the Philadelphia Love Run and Coaches vs. Cancer Baseball Fest
  • Historic milestones in Philadelphia public school basketball
  • Nationally ranked squash and tennis programs along the Main Line

Students traveled throughout the region reporting, shooting, writing, editing, and producing the stories themselves, gaining valuable real-world sports journalism experience in the process.

The program also demonstrated the evolving vision of Temple Sports Student Media: blending high-level sports coverage with human-centered storytelling that highlights perseverance, leadership, teamwork, and the role athletics play in shaping communities.

Several stories focused on themes far larger than sports. One feature followed Frankford High School baseball coach Juan Namnun’s battle with male breast cancer and how his family transformed that experience into an annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser. Another spotlighted student-athletes balancing elite competition with academic excellence and personal growth.

The broadcast special also showcased the depth of sports culture throughout the Philadelphia area, from historic Catholic League basketball gyms to emerging girls wrestling programs and nationally respected prep school athletics.

Produced through Temple University’s student media ecosystem, the special reflects the experiential learning opportunities available to students pursuing careers in sports broadcasting, multimedia journalism, and live production.

The debut program marks an important milestone for Temple Sports Student Media as students continue expanding their coverage and storytelling throughout the region.

Klein College Students Honored at 20th Annual MSP Student Media Awards

Posted

Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication celebrated the creativity, talent, and dedication of its students during the 20th Annual Media Studies and Production Student Media Awards. The event recognized outstanding student work across video, audio, writing, music production, digital storytelling, live studio production, and emerging media.

Hosted by Temple alum and PHL17 sports anchor/reporter Lindsay Moppert, the ceremony highlighted the depth of professional-level work being created by students across TUTV, Temple Update, OwlSports Update, Bell Tower Music, graduate programs, and a wide range of Media Studies and Production courses.

“This event heralds the amazing work of so many students doing impressive research, production, music, and storytelling,” said Acting Dean Deborah Cai during opening remarks.

Several TUTV-affiliated productions and students received major honors throughout the ceremony.

Temple Update students earned recognition in multiple categories, including:

  • Best Feature News Package
  • Best Talent
  • Best Live Studio/On Location Show
  • Best Sports Package

Among the honored projects were stories covering Philadelphia’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking news coverage surrounding the Morgan Hall security breach, and feature reporting on local sports culture and community impact.

Student journalists including Gabriel Linington, Lucy Potts, Kevin Gruen, Christian Lee, Sujan Upreti, and many others were recognized for their reporting, storytelling, live production, and on-camera work.

OwlSports Update and related sports productions also received significant recognition, including awards for live studio programming and sports feature storytelling. Judges praised students for professional execution, energetic delivery, strong writing, creative shooting, and polished production quality.

Graduate student work was also prominently featured. The award-winning project “Between the Lines: Navigating the Standard of Black Women, Code Switching, Intersectionality, and Corporate Gaze” earned top honors in the Graduate Creative Project category for its thoughtful exploration of identity and representation in professional spaces.

In addition to production awards, several students received scholarships recognizing leadership, journalism excellence, technical achievement, and contributions to Temple Update and student media.

The annual MSP Student Media Awards continue to showcase the experiential learning opportunities available through Klein College and TUTV, where students gain real-world experience producing professional-level journalism, sports coverage, entertainment programming, documentaries, and multimedia storytelling.

The event served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the growing impact Temple students continue to make across the media industry.

https://vimeo.com/1191229072?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Cooking Up Collaboration: TUTV, Public Health, and President Fry Come Together on Feel Good Cooking

Posted

At Temple University, the most meaningful learning happens at the intersection of disciplines, creativity, and real-world application. A recent episode of TUTV’s Feel Good Cooking is a perfect example of that collaboration in action, bringing together student storytellers, health experts, and university leadership in a way that is both engaging and impactful.

Hosted by student Anthony Oliver, the episode featured a special guest: President John Fry. The concept was simple but powerful. President Fry shared his favorite comfort food, fried shrimp, and challenged the students to create a version that was both delicious and healthier.

What followed was more than a cooking segment. It became a hands-on demonstration of interdisciplinary learning, powered by a partnership with Temple’s Barnett College of Public Health.

Working alongside a public health expert, the students reimagined the dish using smart nutritional strategies. Instead of traditional frying methods, they incorporated healthier oils, reduced sodium, increased fiber, and made thoughtful ingredient substitutions. The result was a meal that maintained the flavor and comfort of a classic favorite while aligning with principles of heart-healthy eating. As noted during the episode, “we’re looking at things like sodium quality, fat quality, caloric density, and fiber” to guide these decisions .

The final plate featured fried shrimp prepared with healthier techniques, sweet potato fries rich in nutrients, and a vegetable-forward corn dish. It was a clear example that healthier eating does not require sacrificing taste, only rethinking approach.

Beyond the food, the episode highlights what makes TUTV and Klein College unique. Students are not just learning production skills; they are collaborating across disciplines, working with real clients and experts, and producing content that reflects the broader mission of the university.

President Fry’s participation underscores Temple’s commitment to student engagement and experiential learning. His willingness to step into a student-produced environment reinforces the idea that leadership at Temple is accessible, supportive, and invested in student success. His reaction to the dish said it all, describing it as “really light compared to the bad fried shrimp I eat at other places,” proving that thoughtful choices can elevate even the most indulgent meals .

This collaboration also showcases the value of partnerships across the university. The Barnett College of Public Health brought expertise that enhanced both the educational value and real-world relevance of the production, while TUTV provided the platform for students to bring the story to life.

In the end, this episode of Feel Good Cooking is about more than a recipe. It is about what happens when creativity meets purpose. It is about students learning by doing. And it is about a university community working together to inform, inspire, and innovate.

Temple Legends Return: Claire Smith with Merrill Reese and Howard Bryant

Posted

Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication hosted a memorable and inspiring event as legendary alumni returned to campus for an engaging conversation on sports, media, and storytelling.

In the inaugural alumni speaker event, trailblazing journalist Claire Smith led a dynamic discussion with two icons of the industry—longtime voice of the Philadelphia Eagles Merrill Reese and award-winning journalist and author Howard Bryant. The event brought together decades of experience, offering students a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how the industry has evolved and what it takes to succeed in it today. 

Throughout the conversation, Reese and Bryant reflected on the dramatic changes in sports media—from the rise of digital platforms and multimedia storytelling to the increasing influence of business, branding, and audience engagement. Bryant emphasized the importance of versatility in today’s landscape, where young journalists are expected to write, shoot, edit, and produce across multiple platforms. Reese, drawing on nearly five decades in broadcasting, reinforced the value of preparation, passion, and consistency.

A central theme of the discussion was resilience. Both speakers shared personal stories of rejection, setbacks, and persistence—reminding students that success in media is rarely linear. Their message was clear: talent matters, but determination and work ethic are what sustain a career.

The conversation also explored the human side of storytelling. From building trust with sources to navigating difficult moments in coverage, students gained insight into the responsibility that comes with telling real stories about real people. Bryant highlighted the importance of curiosity and purpose, encouraging students to define what they want to contribute to the industry, while Reese emphasized authenticity and connection.

Students were highly engaged throughout, asking thoughtful questions about career paths, industry challenges, and how to stand out in an increasingly competitive field. The discussion reinforced the value of Temple’s network, with both speakers encouraging students to build relationships, stay connected, and take full advantage of the opportunities around them.

More than anything, the event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible. From Temple classrooms to the highest levels of sports media, Reese and Bryant’s journeys reflect the strength of the Klein College community—and the bright future ahead for its students.

https://vimeo.com/1187048218?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Temple Alum Bernie Prazenica Shares Real-World Media Insights with Klein Students

Posted

Klein College students recently had the opportunity to learn from one of their own—Temple alumnus and former 6ABC President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica—in a seminar that brought together leadership, career insight, and the evolving realities of the media industry.

The conversation, led by Temple Update alum and rising multimedia journalist Lauren Haley Morris, gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look at how television really works—not just in the newsroom, but on the business side that drives it. 

Prazenica’s career path offered an immediate lesson: there is no single route to success. Starting with an interest in production, he pivoted into sales early in his career—a move that ultimately led him to executive leadership. His message to students was clear: stay open, stay adaptable, and understand the full ecosystem of media.

Throughout the seminar, Prazenica emphasized a reality that often goes unspoken in the classroom—the media industry is, at its core, a business. Ratings drive revenue, and revenue drives everything from hiring to storytelling decisions. But even as platforms evolve, one thing remains constant: the need to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

That connection is now more complex than ever. With streaming, social media, and countless digital competitors, local news is no longer the only source of information. Prazenica challenged students to think critically about how to stand out in a crowded landscape, stressing the importance of authenticity, personality, and strong storytelling.

He also highlighted a major shift in the industry: the rise of the multimedia journalist. Today’s reporters are expected to shoot, write, edit, and present their own stories—skills that Klein students are already developing in the classroom and in the field. Rather than seeing this as a burden, Prazenica framed it as an opportunity for greater creative control and career flexibility.

Beyond technical skills, the seminar reinforced the importance of professionalism and preparation. Prazenica shared candid advice on internships, interviews, and workplace expectations—reminding students that showing up, being reliable, and understanding the culture of a newsroom can make all the difference early in a career.

The seminar also featured student voices from the field. Senior Kevin Gruen and junior Christian Lee joined the conversation as panelists, sharing their experiences working and interning in the Philadelphia media market. Their insights added a peer-to-peer perspective, reinforcing how classroom learning translates directly into real-world application.

What made the session especially impactful was the level of student engagement. Students asked thoughtful, practical questions about everything from career paths to standing out in a competitive hiring process. The discussion wasn’t theoretical—it was grounded in real experiences, real challenges, and real opportunities.

At its core, the seminar reflected what Klein College does best: connecting students directly with industry leaders who are shaping the future of media. As Prazenica reminded the room, success in this field isn’t just about talent—it’s about adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning.

For students preparing to enter a rapidly changing industry, it was a powerful reminder that the path forward may not be linear—but with the right mindset, it’s full of opportunity.

Temple Students Cover a Historic Moment in FOX29 Television Practicum

Posted

Experiential learning took center stage at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication with Temple Preview: Philly’s World Cup Summer, a TUTV wrap-up special produced as part of the FOX29 Television Practicum.

Produced by Professors Joe Schreiber and Matt Petrillo in collaboration with Professor Paul Gluck’s TUTV studio production practicum, the program showcases student reporting tied to two major events coming to Philadelphia: the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America’s 250th Anniversary.

Over seven weeks, students worked in a real-world newsroom model, developing pitches, reporting in the field, and producing broadcast-ready stories with guidance from FOX29 professionals. The result is a fast-paced, student-driven show that captures both the excitement building across the city and the growth of the students behind the work.

The program features reporting from Gabriel Linington, Lucy Potts, Anthony Roscioli, and Moyo Awolowo, with stories ranging from local businesses preparing for global crowds to young athletes inspired by the World Cup, and the revival of historic Philadelphia landmarks. It also includes live reporting, including a segment from inside the FOX29 newsroom.

Behind these stories is a collaborative team of student journalists who brought the production to life, including Mario Rodriguez Canuto, Haley Smith, Kayla Levine, Emily De Notaris, Nicklaus Parr, Chelsea Lubbe, Emily Courtney, Christian Lee, Jessy Xu, Mariam Elias-Danjuma, Janine Gasarowski, Gabriel Perez, and Xavier Johnson. Together, they contributed across reporting, production, and on-camera roles in a fully professional studio environment.

Just as important as the reporting is the reflection. Throughout the special, students share what they learned, from stepping outside their comfort zones on camera to building confidence in pitching, interviewing, and producing stories. Many described the experience as their first time working at a professional level, gaining insight into how a modern newsroom operates and what it takes to succeed in it.

More than a final project, Temple Preview: Philly’s World Cup Summer reflects what makes Klein unique: students learning by doing, engaging in real collaboration, and reflecting on their growth as emerging journalists.

And with continued story production for FOX29 in the months ahead, this experience is just getting started.

https://vimeo.com/1185301785?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Big Dreams, Bold Pitches: Inside Klein College’s Mock Pitch

Posted

Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication recently hosted its second annual Klein College Mock Pitch Competition—an inspiring, high-energy event that brought together Philadelphia public high school students for a real-world communications challenge.

Captured in a special TUTV program, the event featured student teams pitching integrated advertising and public relations campaigns to representatives from the Philadelphia 76ers. More than just a competition, the Mock Pitch offered students a unique, hands-on opportunity to step into the role of agency professionals—developing ideas, presenting strategies, and thinking on their feet in front of industry judges.

The program highlights not only the excitement of the live pitches, but also the deeper impact of the experience. Students engaged with Klein College faculty, current students, and alumni—many of whom once walked the same path—while also exploring Temple’s campus and envisioning their own futures in media and communication.

With participation growing and community partnerships strengthening, the Klein College Mock Pitch continues to build a powerful pipeline between Philadelphia’s public schools and the communications industry. Through experiential learning and meaningful connection, the event—and the TUTV program that brings it to life—showcases what’s possible when opportunity, creativity, and mentorship come together.

TUTV Premieres Lo Último, Expanding Student News to Spanish-Speaking Audiences

Posted

Temple University Television (TUTV) is proud to announce the premiere of Lo Último, a new Spanish-language news program created by Klein College of Media and Communication students. The first episode is now airing on TUTV, marking an exciting step forward in expanding access, representation, and opportunity in student media.

Lo Último will continue to build momentum with its next airdate scheduled for April 10 at 5:30 PM, leading up to its first live broadcast on April 24 at 2:00 PM. The program is designed to grow into a live Spanish-language version of Temple Update, one of TUTV’s flagship programs.

At the heart of this launch is the inaugural class of student creators who brought Lo Último to life: Mario Rodriguez Canuto, Fernando Santos, Desiree Genao, Jarly Ramos, Sean Graveley, Estevan Quintero Malaga, and Noah Cardona-Sanchez. Their work represents the next generation of bilingual journalists and storytellers at Klein College.

The program is supported by a course taught by Kristina Hammerschmidt, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media Studies and Production, Executive Producer of Temple Update, and Executive Producer of Lo Último. Her leadership ensures students are building on a strong foundation of journalistic excellence while adapting those skills for bilingual storytelling.

The launch of Lo Último is powered by student leadership and collaboration. Temple Update seniors Sean Graveley and Charly Schultz are contributing as student workers, helping to bring the production to life behind the scenes.

From a production standpoint, the premiere introduces a full creative package. The show features a new open, original music composed by Bell Tower Music, and a custom graphics package being developed by a student from Temple’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This cross-disciplinary collaboration highlights the depth of talent across the university and the real-world experience students gain through TUTV.

Industry support has also played a key role in bringing Lo Último to launch. NBC10 and Telemundo have provided guidance and support, reinforcing the program’s connection to professional standards and opportunities.

Beyond the technical and creative achievements, Lo Último represents something larger. It is a platform for inclusion, a space for new voices, and a meaningful step toward reflecting the communities that journalists serve.

As TUTV continues to innovate and grow, Lo Último stands as a powerful example of what happens when students are given the opportunity to lead, create, and tell stories that matter.

https://vimeo.com/1177814721?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Bridging Community and Public Safety: A Conversation with Captain Terry King

Posted

On a recent episode of TUGether!, host Mariam Elias-Danjuma highlights the power of connection by sitting down with Captain Terry King of Temple University’s Department of Public Safety. Following Black History Month, the conversation continues to recognize leaders in the Black community who are making a difference through civic engagement, education, and public service.

Captain King brings a unique and powerful perspective to his role, combining more than 20 years in law enforcement with an equally long career in academia. From his early experiences growing up in Trenton, New Jersey—where relationships between police and the community were often strained—to his leadership roles in Camden and now at Temple, King has made it his mission to be a “change agent.” His goal: to build trust, foster connection, and ensure that public safety is rooted in service and understanding.

At Temple, King serves as the head of the Professional Standards and Advocacy Unit, where he works behind the scenes to support students, connect them with resources, and promote a culture of care. His approach is grounded in one key principle—community engagement must be genuine. Whether through outreach programs, student interactions, or simply conversations on campus, King emphasizes the importance of active listening and meeting people where they are.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes as King reflects on a deeply personal experience from his time as a detective, illustrating how compassion and consistency can leave a lasting impact on someone’s life. It’s a reminder that public safety is not just about enforcement—it’s about empathy, presence, and human connection.

Beyond his professional role, King continues his commitment to mentorship and community service, working with students and young people to help them grow, find their voice, and succeed. His message to students is simple but impactful: continue learning, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to speak up—even when you feel like your voice isn’t heard.

This episode of TUGether! is ultimately about more than one individual’s journey—it’s about the broader impact of leadership rooted in service. Captain Terry King’s story is a testament to how advocacy, education, and public safety can come together to create stronger, more connected communities.

Watch the full episode on TUTV and see how meaningful connections are making a difference—because here at Temple, we’re stronger when we’re together.

Building Bridges in North Philadelphia: How Temple’s Community Gateway is Making an Impact

Posted

As spring brings renewed energy to campus and the city, it also reminds us of the importance of community—who we’re connected to, and how we support one another. On a recent episode of TUGether!, host Mariam Elias-Danjuma sat down with Temple University leaders who are doing just that: building meaningful connections between the university and North Philadelphia.

At the center of the conversation is the Temple Community Gateway Center, led by Director Antonio Romero. The Gateway serves as a hub that connects community members to more than 300 free and low-cost programs offered across the university. From education and workforce development to personal enrichment opportunities, the goal is simple but powerful: make resources accessible and ensure that members of the North Philadelphia community feel connected to Temple in a real and tangible way.

Romero, a Temple alum deeply rooted in the surrounding neighborhood, emphasized that this work is about more than programs—it’s about equity, access, and partnership. By centralizing information and utilizing community “navigators,” the Gateway helps individuals find the support they need to move forward, whether that’s pursuing education, starting a business, or building new skills.

The episode also features insights from Justin Hill, Head of Access Services at Temple’s Charles Library, highlighting how campus resources are opening their doors wider than ever before. Together, these efforts reflect a shared mission: to ensure that Temple is not just located in North Philadelphia, but truly engaged with and invested in the community.

Most powerful, however, are the voices of the people directly impacted. Community members shared how Gateway has provided not just resources, but a sense of support and belonging—connecting them to opportunities and relationships that are helping shape their futures.

At its core, this episode of TUGether! tells a story of connection. It’s about breaking down barriers, creating pathways, and reimagining what it means for a university to serve its community. As Temple continues to grow its outreach, the Community Gateway Center stands as a model for how institutions can act as true partners in progress.

Watch the full episode on TUTV and see how Temple and North Philadelphia are coming together—because when one community grows, we all grow.

Hall of Fame Voices Share Lessons in Journalism at the Klein College Sports Media Summit

Posted

Temple University students recently had the opportunity to hear from two legends of sports journalism—Tim Kurkjian and Claire Smith—during a special conversation at the Klein College Sports Media Summit.

Kurkjian, known for his storytelling and decades of Major League Baseball coverage, shared how he learned he would receive the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, an honor presented at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. In classic Kurkjian fashion, the moment came not in a stadium or press box—but while standing in line at a grocery store holding a rotisserie chicken.

Throughout the conversation, Kurkjian and Smith reflected on the journey of a sports journalist—from the thrill of covering World Series games to the difficult moments that shape a career. Kurkjian described the importance of persistence, recalling how a high school coach once told him he hoped writing would not become his life’s work. Decades later, Kurkjian has covered every World Series since 1981 and built one of the most respected careers in sports media.

The two journalists also offered students practical advice about the profession. Kurkjian emphasized that improvement comes from repetition and commitment.

“If you want to be a good writer, you have to do it every day,” he told the audience. “Show up every day, be prepared every day, and keep asking questions.”

Both speakers stressed the importance of curiosity and human connection in reporting. While technology has transformed journalism, Kurkjian reminded students that the best stories still come from conversations.

“Once in a while you’ve got to get your head out of your phone,” he said. “Look someone in the eye and talk to them.”

The discussion also touched on the realities of competition in sports media, the ethics of building trust with athletes, and the challenges journalists face when covering difficult stories or major events.

For students aspiring to careers in sports media, the message was clear: stay curious, work relentlessly, and remember the joy of telling great stories about the games people love.

Temple Students Explore Democracy from Philadelphia to Washington

Posted

What does democracy look like beyond textbooks and classroom lectures?

For a group of Temple University students, the answer came through the Foundations of Democracy program, an immersive early-term experience that took students from historic Philadelphia to the center of American government in Washington, D.C.

The program launched during Temple’s early-term start in January and brought together 19 students from multiple majors to explore themes of democracy, power, politics and protest.

The idea began when faculty member Tyler proposed a course focused on understanding how democracy functions in practice. After developing a detailed proposal, the program was approved and launched with a co-teaching team to guide students through the experience.

“We wanted students to see democracy not just as theory, but as something that’s alive and evolving,” one instructor explained.

Learning Where History Happened

The experience began in Philadelphia, where students spent two days studying the historical foundations of American democracy.

Highlights included a guest lecture from an appellate court judge discussing the Constitutional Convention, visits to historic sites in Old City, and a private workshop and tour at the Museum of the American Revolution.

These early sessions helped students understand the historical context behind the nation’s founding principles before seeing how those principles operate today.

From History to the Heart of Government

The program then moved to Washington, D.C., where students explored the modern institutions that shape American politics.

The cohort visited the U.S. State Department, where they learned about programs that promote American culture and diplomacy abroad. Students also visited Spectrum News, where a Temple alumnus working as a reporter covering Capitol Hill and the White House discussed the role of journalism in political coverage.

Another highlight was a visit to Capitol Hill, where students met with staff from the offices of Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators. Standing near the Capitol afterward, students reflected on the experience and discussed the realities of policymaking and public service.

“For me, that moment was exciting,” one instructor said. “You’re standing right where these decisions actually happen.”

A Community of Perspectives

The program brought together students with a wide range of academic backgrounds and personal perspectives.

For some, it was their first opportunity to deeply explore the structure of American democracy.

“As an international student, I didn’t grow up learning much about how American democracy works,” one participant said. “This program gave me the opportunity to understand it much more clearly.”

Through discussions and daily debrief sessions, students debated ideas, shared viewpoints and learned from one another.

Showcasing Student Research

The program concluded with the Foundations of Democracy Student Showcase, where students presented research projects inspired by their experiences.

Faculty members said they were impressed by the quality of the work students produced.

“This was a brand-new program and a brand-new type of final project,” one instructor said. “Seeing the level of research and passion students brought to their topics was really remarkable.”

For many participants, the experience reinforced a deeper appreciation for the American democratic system.

“Democracy isn’t perfect,” one student reflected. “But because it isn’t perfect, it’s something we all have a responsibility to work on together.”

Temple Update Wins Statewide Journalism Award for Best Student Newscast

Posted

Temple University’s student-produced newscast Temple Update has earned Second Place for Best Newscast in the 2026 Student Keystone Media Awards (Division I) for its November 6, 2025 broadcast.

The Student Keystone Media Awards recognize excellence in journalism produced by high school and college students across Pennsylvania. The competition celebrates student work that demonstrates relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving audiences, highlighting the next generation of journalists and storytellers.

The award-winning newscast was the result of a collaborative effort by a talented team of Klein College of Media and Communication students. Congratulations to Professor and Executive Producer Kristina Hammerschmidt and the entire crew, including:

  • Charly Schultz
  • Shayla Cotterman
  • Dylan Steinberg
  • Sean Graveley
  • Christian Lee
  • Lauren Haley Morris

Their work reflects the strong commitment to journalism, storytelling, and production excellence that defines the Temple Update newsroom.

The recognition also highlights the collaborative environment between Klein College of Media and Communicationand Temple University Television (TUTV), where students gain hands-on experience producing professional-quality broadcasts while covering stories that matter to the Temple community.

The 2026 Student Keystone Media Award winners will be formally honored at the Student Keystone Media Awards Event on Tuesday, April 14 at the Best Western Premier – The Central Hotel & Conference Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Awards like this demonstrate the strength of Temple’s experiential learning environment and the dedication of students who continue to raise the bar for collegiate journalism.

Congratulations again to the entire Temple Update team for this outstanding achievement.