Top > Entertainment > 2006 > October > 2006-10-24

Northwestern University Gets Stephen Colbert to Lead

Stephen Colbert, entertainment icon and comedian, recently exchanged his pompous television persona for a carefree, fun-loving one Friday night. Instead of dishing out insults, he handed out candy to a crowd at Northwestern University?s homecoming parade. Once a permanent fixture on Jon Stewart?s ?The Daily Show?, Colbert has created his own show, a spin-off known as ?The Colbert Report?. This show has built a following of its own since debuting last year.

?The Stephen Colbert show is the best show. He has a fresh point of view and puts a new spin on things,? said Clifford Harding, a 20-year-old junior at Northwestern. Sporting a purple Northwestern hooded sweat shirt, the entertainment star rode as grand marshal in a Volkswagen convertible surrounded by cheering fans. Some of them even carried signs touting ?Colbert for Commencement?.

Colbert studied theater before graduating from Northwestern in 1986. During this visit to his alma mater, he gave out candy and high-fives and riled up the crowd. However, he didn?t stop to speak at length or joke with the crowd. ?I love you, Mr. Noblet!? 18-year-old theater Major Tim McGovern yelled to Colbert, who played Chuck Noblet in the TV series and movie ?Strangers with Candy?. ?Right back at you,? said Colbert as he rode on in the parade. What a great treat for the students at Northwestern to take part in a parade that had an alumni of Colbert?s caliber in its presence. That?s entertainment for you!