The college mourns former instructor, Lew Klein Alumni in the Media honoree and Syracuse University Newhouse School dean Lorraine Branham, KLN ’76, who passed away on April 2.

Before joining Newhouse, had a 25-year career as a newspaper editor, editorial writer and reporter, including nine years at the Philadelphia Inquirer. She taught reporting and writing at Klein College of Media and Communication.

Branham received a Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Award at the annual ceremony in 2017.

A scholarship in Branham’s memory has been established to support Klein College students. Her family requests donations be made to the fund in lieu of flowers.

Assistant Dean for Special Projects Arlene Morgan shared a reminiscence of Branham.

“Even though we did not see each other that often, I thought of Lorraine Branham as a sister. We had so much in common beyond our careers. But primarily we considered ourselves pioneers in paving the road for other women in the newspaper world.

Over the years, we shared a lot of wins and disappointments but our South Philly roots provided the grit that helped us make it in a man's world.

I met Lorraine through my buddy Acel Moore, who shared our South Philly identity. Lorraine had landed at the Baltimore Sun after the Bulletin folded and she wanted to come home. Acel introduced us at an NABJ meeting in Dallas — at a bar naturally. It was an immediate connection. I knew she belonged at The Inquirer and that she was going to be a star.

While she certainly set her sights on being a leader in the newsroom, Lorraine never forgot who she was — a straight shooter who was a supportive and honest editor for her staff.  

What I loved about her was that she never hesitated to give back. She mentored young reporters but also helped the veterans on her staff jump-start their careers.   No matter who needed her, she was there for them. Even when she had to give you bad news, you always knew where you stood.

 One of the most important experiences of her life was the help she received as a single mother in handling the stresses of earning her degree, working and raising her son. The South Philly attitude that she would prevail was a constant throughout her life. To that end, Klein College is setting up a scholarship in her memory to help others like Lorraine achieve their goals.

That determination to succeed clearly marked her decision when she decided to move to academic life. The Newhouse School at Syracuse, which is probably the finest school of its kind in the nation,  is a testament to her vision, her talent, and her values. As a dean, she was at the top of her game. The next idea on her ‘to do’ list was always her biggest challenge.”

Lorraine Branham became a star beyond anything I could ever imagine. She died too soon but left a legacy of friendship, innovation, high ethical standards and humanity that will be hard to match.