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A Puzzling Evening with Will Shortz

a man smiling and holding papers and pen
New York Times Crossword Editor Will Shortz, who is also "Puzzlemaster" for NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, delighted a crowd of more than 325 Saturday evening. Shortz talked about himself and how he got into puzzles, took questions, and got the audience involved in a number of word games.

a group of men shaking hands

Professor Bill Cook ’66 is introduced to Will Shortz by Wabash President Patrick White. Both Cook and Shortz received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees at the 172nd Commencement Ceremony. (Cook also solved one of Shortz' more difficult word puzzles.)

a man in a white shirt and red tie

Shortz spent a good bit of time taking questions from the audience Saturday night. Many wanted to know details of his life — how long it takes for him to solve puzzles, how many people submit puzzles to him, and the ideal number of black squares in a good crossword.

a man in a suit talking to another man

Patrick Taylor, husband of chemistry professor Ann Taylor, chats with Will Shortz Saturday evening. Taylor won a prize for identifying a word game for which the answer was "Jack be nimble, Jack be quick," and he did so with only one letter showing on the board. 

a man and a girl writing on a piece of paper

Will Shortz autographs one of his crossword puzzle books for Sammie Amidon, who had the correct answer in one of Shortz' audience participation word games.

a man in a tie holding a piece of paper and pen

Will gives a clue for the final puzzle, the answer to which was: "Th, th, th, that's all, folks."

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Chris and Pat White pose with Will Shortz at the reception.

a couple of men shaking hands

Will Shortz and President Pat White.

a man and woman smiling

Will Shortz poses with Crawfordsville Schools Superintendent Kathy Steele. 

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