A packed house listened to Trillin's satirical quips.

Trillin helps UMKC celebrate 75 years

By: David Cordill

Posted: 1/28/08

UMKC turned 75 years old this year and kicked off its year-long celebration with acclaimed humorist, writer and Kansas City native Calvin Trillin.

Trillin, who graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Mo. in 1953, was the featured guest speaker Friday evening in Pierson Auditorium.

Trillin, famed for his satirical wit and his prominence as a columnist for noted publications such as The Nation and Time magazine, deadpanned and jested through an hour-long speech. He was then joined on stage by UMKC Curator's Professor of Theatre Felicia Londré to answer previously submitted questions from the audience.

Covering an array of topics ranging from politics to poetry, Trillin's anecdotes were exemplified by a particular story involving attending a high school reunion some years ago.

"When I came back," Trillin said before the packed auditorium, "people asked if it was sort of depressing to meet the people who thought they'd be running things and aren't. I said no, what was depressing was meeting the people who are running things because I know these people, and I don't know how they got through Language 101."

Afterward, the proceedings transformed into chat format when Trillin sat down with Londré. A well-known barbecue aficionado, Trillin responded to cuisine queries from the audience before Londré had the opportunity to ask.

"The answer to first question is that I had lunch at LC's," quipped Trillin, who had dined at the Kansas City pulled pork and rib establishment earlier in the day.

Following the program, Londré admitted to being a bit nervous about appearing with Trillin during their segment. She said her fears quickly dissipated once their discussion began.

"He is so naturally funny, I didn't have to do anything," Londré said shortly after the event. "Whatever I said, he was going to come up with something brilliant."

During a pre-show reception at Miller Nichols Library, Trillin was asked if delivering a speech at UMKC held any personal significance for himself because of his local roots.

"It's always nice to come home," Trillin said. "I didn't go [to UMKC] but I was always aware of it, although I'm so old that it was called the University of Kansas City when I was a boy."

Trillin was amused when asked if he had any words of wisdom for current college students at UMKC and abroad.

"I'm sure I have no message," he said. "I always used to ask my daughters when they called from college, 'Are you still enrolled?'- bottom line question. After that, I think it's up to them."

The event opened with introductory remarks by honorary event co-chairs Jeannette Nichols, longtime UMKC supporter and benefactor; former Kansas City Mayor Pro-Tem Alvin Brooks; and anniversary faculty co-chair Bruce Bubacz, University Distinguished Professor of philosophy and law.

Bubacz was pleased with the turnout.

"This is a very exciting event to start off the 75th year celebration of our whole university," Bubacz said. "I think it's a tremendous testimony to the affection people have for Calvin Trillin that we would have this full house."

Co-sponsoring the occasion were the UMKC Friends of the Library, the Carolyn Benton Cockefair Chair, and UMKC.

dcordill@unews.com