Kal Rudman Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award

Philadelphia's Beloved Philanthropist Also Featured as Marquis Who's Who Humanitarian of the Year

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Jul 12, 2018, 10:22 ET

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Kal Solomon Rudman with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Rudman has been noted for his achievements, leadership qualities, and the successes he has accrued. This prestigious award is bestowed upon less than five percent of Marquis biographees. In order to be considered by the Marquis Review Board, one must have met at least three of the following requirements: Listed in a Marquis Who's Who publication over a 20-year period; Accrued more than 20 years in a particular career field; Published in at least two articles highlighting one's expertise; Exhibited one or more creative works; and, Received at least one award outside of Marquis Who's Who, requirements Mr. Rudman has met.

He also has been added to the roster of Marquis Who's Who Humanitarians in light of his philanthropic work and deeds, and because of his humanitarian endeavors, he will be featured on the Thomson Reuters screen in NYC's Times Square. Fred Marks, Editor-in-Chief of Marquis Who's Who remarked of Mr. Rudman, "Marquis Who's Who is honored to be associated with Kal Rudman. He is truly a Renaissance man, a man of many talents and areas of knowledge, and his influence on the music and entertainment industries have been trailblazing. But it is his passion for and involvement in philanthropy that sets him apart. His contributions have helped so many people strive for their dreams."

Kal (Solomon) Rudman is recognized as a pioneer in the broadcasting and music industry. He began his career as a Top 40 disc jockey at WCAM in Camden, NJ. During this time, he worked as a special education teacher while building his portfolio as a music expert. Noted for his knowledge of and passion for the rhythm and blues genre, he served as the very first R&B editor/columnist with Billboard magazine. He later founded the Friday Morning Quarterback, an influential music industry trade magazine that programs major music radio stations across North America. His knack for predicting hits (Judy Collins' "Send in the Clowns," Hall and Oates' "She's Gone," and Kenny Rogers' "Lucille," to name a few) earned him the nickname "The Man with the Golden Ears." These experiences led to a lucrative and legendary career in show business, which included appearances as a co-host on "The Merv Griffin Show," and as a music expert on the "Today Show" and "The Tomorrow Show" with Tom Snyder.

Mr. Rudman is also noted for his work as the foremost color announcer for the World Wrestling Federation; he earned the nickname "Killer Kal" when he interviewed Hulk Hogan. He was named one of the major influences in the leisure and entertainment industry in the U.S. by Forbes.

Although Mr. Rudman found success as a broadcaster and publisher, he has always been most concerned with finding ways to help people. In an effort to better serve the community, Mr. Rudman and his wife, Lucille, established the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation, a philanthropic organization that provides financial support to programs and causes, primarily in the fields of education and public safety. One of the foundation's most significant contributions came as a series of gifts to Temple University, totaling almost $4 million, to establish, develop and enhance a state-of-the-art digital media production center, a cable TV station, and a website. Branded as TUTV-Temple University Television, the award-winning station features work done by students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. A diverse student staff produces news, sports, comedy, music shows and a variety of other programming. TUTV is widely considered one of the top college TV stations in the Mid-Atlantic.

Previously, the Rudmans provided $1,000,000 to establish the Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Studies at the College of Media Arts and Design of Drexel University. The nationally known program provided Bachelor's degrees.

The Rudmans have also, to date, donated $350,000 to fund scholarships to Olney High School graduates of the "Health Tech" career development program. The program takes deserving students from some of the highest crime neighborhoods in the city and gives them the opportunity to work with health professionals, who double as mentors. The program was called "the most successful program of its kind that I have ever been involved with," by a former Philadelphia superintendent of schools.

Since 2010, the Rudmans have provided scholarships to more than 300 Philadelphia police officers to attend the Community College of Philadelphia. In addition, since 2009, all Philadelphia firefighters who apply to Holy Family University to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science and Administration have received scholarships. The Rudmans also now sponsor classes for individuals in need to become licensed nurses' aides, and provided scholarships to high school students enrolled in special summer sessions at the University of the Arts for over 20 years.

In 2016, the Rudmans established the RAISE (Recognizing Achievement and Inspiring Student Excellence) program at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), giving South Jersey high school students hands-on experience. In addition, the Rudmans have purchased books and gym uniforms for Universal Audenried Charter High School students.

As a member of the Board of Directors of Variety Club, Mr. Rudman has twice sponsored the Variety Club Celebrity Pro Am Golf Tournament for Handicapped Children and served as co-host and entertainment director on the Easter Seal and Arthritis Telethons.

In recognition of his professional and philanthropic efforts, Mr. Rudman has been awarded honorary doctorates from Drexel University, the University of the Arts, and Holy Family University. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, which also named him Person of the Year. He also was named Community Philanthropist of the Year by the Community College of Philadelphia, received a plaque on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, and was named Man of the Year by the Black Music Association. He is also an Honorary Philadelphia Fire Commissioner and Honorary Deputy Police Commissioner for the city.

SOURCE Marquis Who's Who