Award-winning actress, writer, producer, showrunner and former Temple Owl Quinta Brunson will address the graduates and be awarded an honorary Temple University degree during their 137th Commencement in May, the university announced today. 

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

“I am simply honored,” said Brunson. 

Temple will host two events in early May that celebrate the Philadelphia native’s outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Brunson’s remarks will be featured during the university Commencement ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, at 10 a.m. in the Liacouras Center. The night before, the Klein College of Media and Communication will honor the Emmy winner with the 2024 Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award as a media luminary whose work inspires students. 

Brunson made history as the first Black woman to receive three Emmy nominations and the second Black woman to win an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her Peabody Award-winning series Abbott Elementary, which she stars in and serves as creator/showrunner, head writer and executive producer. She most recently won Best Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2023 Emmys for her work on the show. Abbott Elementary follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.  

Temple helped to serve as a launchpad for her talents. Brunson enrolled as a first-year student at the Klein College, where she joined Temple University Television’s (TUTV) first student-produced comedy variety show, Temple Smash, before heading to Southern California. Brunson rose to prominence through her comedic sketches on social media platforms, earning widespread acclaim for her work onscreen and behind the scenes. 

In addition to her creativity on screen, Brunson significantly has impacted digital spaces, using her platform to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Her authentic storytelling and relatable humor have resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her a dedicated following of fans and numerous accolades.  

Temple University’s Commencement ceremony will celebrate the achievements of graduating students and honor the contributions of Brunson and other guests. Each year, Temple honors distinguished figures by bestowing honorary degrees. Past recipients have included Bishop Desmond Tutu, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and basketball Coach Dawn Staley. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St. 

Also receiving an honorary degree at this year’s ceremony is historian Charles L. Blockson. For more information about Temple University’s 2024 Commencement ceremony, visit temple.edu/commencement.