Exclusive Campus Visit by Brian Baumgartner Sept. 15

“The Office” cast member and New York Times best-selling author Brian Baumgartner will visit The University of Scranton on Thursday, Sept. 15, for an exclusive Q and A with students, faculty and staff, followed by book signing just for members of the University community. The event comes two-days after publication of his latest book, “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook.”

Baumgartner was on campus in November 2021 for a student Q and A and book signing for his then just published book “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office,” which became a New York Times best-seller.

Baumgartner will be on campus as part of a tour to promote his second book, “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook.” In real life, Baumgartner is “a true chili master and aficionado,” who is “just as serious as his fictional counterpart about making the most perfect pot of chili.” His first cookbook features 177 chili recipes hand-picked by Baumgartner. Written in a humorous and friendly tone, the book showcases specific styles of chili, including Texas chili, Cincinnati chili, vegetarian chili, black bean chili and home-style chili, as well as other regional and international variations and a bonus recipe of the official “Kevin’s Famous Chili” recipe from The Office. The book is also peppered with fun chili facts.

Baumgartner played Kevin Malone on The Office, which originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, was among the most popular shows on Netflix and can now be seen on Peacock. He was among the cast members who visited the University for The Office Convention in 2007 and The Wrap Party in 2013. He was also on campus for the taping of his popular podcast on the history of The Office, which was the precursor to his first book, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.”

Called “The definitive history of The Office” by E! News, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin,” co-authored with Ben Silverman, the executive producer of The Office, is based on hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with the actors, creators, writers, producers, directors, network executives and crew members of The Office, who share their favorite stories of the making of what became the most-watched series in the world.

Pre-registration is required to attend the Q & A, which begins on Sept. 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. A book signing immediately follows at 5:30 p.m. Both events require Royal cards for access.

 “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook,” published by Fox Chapel, can be pre-ordered at the University’s book store or its webpage, with copies available prior to the book signing.

Two public book-signing events are planned for area residents with Baumgartner the following day, Sept. 16. He will be at a book signing at Books-A-Million at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Baumgartner will also be at a book signing at PNC Field on the Geisinger Plaza (inside the main entrance) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Friday evening event will also feature a Backyard BBQ with chili and fireworks.