News of the deaths of Kal and Lucille Rudman hit particularly hard at Temple University, where the Rudmans were inspirational philanthropists who have changed the lives of students over decades.
Kal, 91, died on Tuesday, November 30, after a long illness. Two days later, Lucille, also 91, passed away suddenly.
Kal, whose real first name was Solomon, was a major figure in the music industry as the founder of Friday Morning Quarterback, a tip sheet for radio stations. He became renowned for his ability to predict which songs would become hits, particularly in the rhythm and blues genre. This earned him the nickname, “The Man with the Golden Ears.” His career also included being the resident music expert on NBC’s Today show, and a rather unusual gig as “Killer Kal,” an announcer for what was then the World Wrestling Federation.
Lucille worked as a teacher for the first portion of her career. As time went on, she became a full partner in the Rudmans’ professional work, both in the publishing business as well as philanthropy.
The Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation supported a variety of nonprofit organizations across the region. The primary beneficiaries were the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple and its citywide cable channel, Temple University Television (TUTV). With gifts approaching $4 million in total, the Rudmans established the Kal and Lucille Media Production Center and contributed to the TUTV Special Projects Fund, the Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Awards Fund, the Maxine Edelson Elkin Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Klein College Lab/Class Improvements Fund.
“Kal and Lucille Rudman had a profound impact on the Klein College of Media and Communication. Without their generous support, Temple University Television – named by its peers a few years ago as the best college television station in the nation – would likely not exist, ” said Klein College Dean David Boardman. “The Rudmans’ contributions mean that for years to come, we can prepare Temple students to be superb media professionals.”
TUTV General Manager Paul Gluck, a close friend of the couple, said: “Kal and Lucille were true believers in the limitless potential of Temple students and in TUTV's relentless commitment to those aspiring media professionals. When I think of them in the years ahead, I will recall their unending enthusiasm to help others, our late night phone calls about the progress our students are making, and a whole lot of laughter."
In 2011, Kal was honored by Klein College with a Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Award, which also inducted him into the Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was presented with the first ever Klein College Tribute Award for his contributions to Klein College and his efforts on behalf of students.
The Rudman Foundation also made gifts to Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine for support of the Pulmonary Education and Research Fund, and established the Kal and Lucille Rudman Nursing Practice Scholarship in the College of Public Health.
“Kal and Lucille were devoted supporters of Temple University and the College of Public Health. They understood the value of education and the importance of health for all,” said Dean of the College of Public Health Laura A. Siminoff. “Kal in particular was a true pioneer in his field and a creative spirit. They will both be missed by all.”
Interim Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Dr. Amy J. Goldberg, said: "With the passing of Kal and Lucille Rudman, Temple has lost true champions. The Rudmans will be remembered for their many good works and their passionate support for Temple Health and medical school education in Philadelphia.”
Kal began his career in radio broadcasting as a teenager. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and his master’s degree from Temple’s College of Education. After graduating, he became a Top 40 radio DJ at WCAM in Camden, balancing his late-night radio shows with a day job as a science teacher. He became Billboard magazine’s first R&B editor, then left in 1968 to begin his first trade publication, the Friday Morning Quarterback. He ultimately created five other music publications as well, and had a long involvement with local and nationally syndicated radio broadcasts.
“I adored both Kal and Lucille, and losing them in a two-day period was wrenching,” Dean Boardman said. “But it was also a beautiful reflection of the deep connection they had in 63 years of marriage. Lucille was always at Kal’s side, and I believe she’s right back there now.”
In the spirit of the Rudmans’ generosity, his family asks the public to simply perform one act of kindness for someone else in lieu of sending flowers or attending a memorial service.
If you wish to make a donation in the Rudmans’ honor to the Klein College programs they supported, you may do so here: giving.temple.edu/rudman.