Name: Steven Suranie
Graduation Year: 1992
Major: Journalism
Occupation, Company: Technical Communication Consultant, MartianTribe
Describe your current occupation and if applicable, how was Temple the launchpad for your current position?
I am a Technical Communication Consultant, which is a broad term for someone providing various services from technical documentation to knowledge base management to writing research papers. This role has enabled me to do a lot of interesting things, from writing cybersecurity incident reports for the White House to creating the backend user guides for HBOMax, but ultimately, it is about connecting people and providing them the information they need to be their most productive, be that at the executive or user level.
My experience in journalism and publishing and the base of skills I developed at Temple back when we were known as the School of Communication and Theater most definitely contributed to my success. Being a good communicator is less about what you write and say and more about how well you can listen and hear. Which is not much different from being a journalist.
Why do you support Temple University and serve on the Klein Alumni Association Board?
I was born in New England and entered the Army after high school. When I finished my enlistment I eventually ended up in Philadelphia, a working-class kid, the first ever in my family to go to college. I had no ties to the area. The people I met at Temple became my surrogate family and thirty years later are still some of my best friends I am ingrained in Temple. My wife is also an alumni, as is her sister and brother. Her mother was the Tyler school nurse for twenty-five years. Her other sister taught in the school of engineering. All four of my children are attending or are alumni themselves as is one nephew. I have been connected to this school since first arriving on Broad Street and this wonderful city.
What excites you about the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication?
The possibilities. No one can look at the accolades so many alumni have brought to Klein over the years in different areas of journalism, advertising, public relations, and photography Klein alumni are highly regarded in these areas. My journey to success has been different and I want to introduce those possibilities to Klein and its student body.
What advice could you give someone looking to become more engaged with Klein College?
Just reach out. If you are truly interested in becoming more engaged you have to make that first step. One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was to never be afraid to approach someone and offer to purchase them a coffee for thirty minutes of their time. Regardless of where you are and where they are in life. I’ve used that advice to speak with Emmy winning producers, the Chief Operating Officer of the Peace Corps, the CEO of Asana and Warner Media, and a whole cross-section of interesting people in my industry. You have to knock on that door, then enjoy what it opens up into.
What was your favorite memory while a student at Temple?
My freshman year the basketball team went 32-1. After home games, the police would simply direct traffic around Broad Street and let the students enjoy the victories. I also had the privilege of knowing Dr. Jack Spiese, who was my fraternity’s advisor. He was a civil rights lawyer and taught intellectual history We spent many a late night with Jack discussing philosophy, religion, rule of law, and many other topics. He was one of the people I can point to in my life that set me on the path to see life as a rich banquet and you should be a glutton and try all of it.
Describe KLN students in one word:
Our future, those who will record and report on it and those who will make it.