When we heard that The New Yorker was soon to mark its centennial, we knew there must be Columbia University connections to unearth. What we did not know was that one of the young wits who created the voice and sensibility of the new humor magazine was Corey Ford, who as a student wrote Columbia’s fight song, “Roar, Lion, Roar.” Apparently that lion was roaring with laughter, because Ford was, above all, a humorist: his pieces in 1925 comprise the hilarious backstory of how The New Yorker came to be, and provide the name, history, and extensive accomplishments and talents of the magazine’s mascot, the high-collared dandy Eustace Tilley, who appeared on the first cover and nearly every one since. Our readers, many of them devotees of The New Yorker over the years, were delighted to discover the connection.
From the Judges
We appreciated the well-executed concept. It was not only a fun and engaging read but also educational and informative. The piece presented a unique approach to writing an alumni profile, making an interesting connection with The New Yorker, and ultimately delivering a perfect ending.
