Quinta Brunson To Receive Honorary Degree From Temple University

Quinta Brunson will soon add a new achievement to her ever-evolving résumé. On Friday (March 22), Temple University announced the 34-year-old will receive an honorary degree as a speaker during its May 2024 commencement ceremony.

“We are thrilled to recognize Quinta Brunson for her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to her craft,” detailed Temple President Richard M. Englert in a statement. “Quinta embodies the spirit of Temple’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and social impact. Her talent, authenticity, and trailblazing spirit inspire us all.” 

The university will host two events planned for early May described as celebrations honoring the Philadelphia native’s outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Ahead of the commencement, Brunson will receive the 2024 Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award as a media luminary whose work inspires students.

Temple University is a part of the Emmy Award-winning talent’s success story. She was enrolled as a first-year student at Klein College, where she joined Temple University Television’s (TUTV) first student-produced comedy variety show Temple Smash. Brunson eventually dropped out and moved to Los Angeles where she put in the work to make herself a star.

“I am simply honored,” shared the Abbott Elementary star and creator of the news.

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Brunson joins an esteemed group of individuals with this year’s recognition. Each year, Temple honors distinguished figures by granting honorary degrees, with past recipients including Bishop Desmond Tutu, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, and basketball Coach Dawn Staley.

Alongside Brunson, historian Charles L. Blockson is also set to receive an honorary degree.