Union Station invited students to explore the history and UMKC’s connection to Disney on Oct. 19 at UMKC Day at the Disney 100 exhibition.
At the speaker series was an event dubbed “The Roo Behind the Magic” featuring Emmy-award-winning UMKC 2010 Alumnus of the Year Douglas Enderle. He presented in detail about his experience working for Disney as a costume designer since 1982.
Across the several Disney locations and park sections in the U.S., Enderle designed and constructed operational and character ensembles, assisted in the construction of large-scale puppet costumes and created clothes for audio-animatronics
“My career has been a very long career. I’m the only costume designer that I know who’s ever really had one job, and most costume designers in this world train unbelievably,” said Enderle. “I’m no different in that I had to work very hard to make a living. I was very fortunate to know wonderful people in my life who helped me along the way.”
In the speaker series event, Chancellor Mauli Agrawal spoke in detail about the history of the school’s mascot and its connection to Disney.
“The debate team was going for national competition and needed a mascot that embodied this spirit of a scrappy, ambitious University. What should that mascot be?” said the chancellor at the event.
Kasey (KC) the Kangaroo first came to fruition in 1937 after the Kansas City Zoo was excitedly awaiting Jigger the Kangaroo’s birth of her baby.
In 1938, the Roo was granted a new design by students who sought the help of a local celebrity with expertise in cartooning — Walt Disney. Since its reimagining, Kasey has taken on several appearances but remains strong as UMKC’s imaginative mascot due to student support.
“It’s amazing how something that started as a student-led idea became such a core part of our identity,” said Agrawal. “Shout out to our students out there, just like Disney’s magic, always evolving but staying true to its roots,”
Following the first two speakers, an event was hosted by the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures where attendees designed and sewed a KC Roo plush.
“Both Disney and you and Kasey have changed a lot over the years. We have grown. We have adapted and expanded,” Agrawal stated. “At the heart of it all, we remain connected to that original spark of imagination and a community that started it all.”
For more information on the Disney 100 exhibit, click here.
