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Bill Cosby settled comfortably into an easy chair at the Koury Center Friday night and spun a thread of funny tales about the foibles of growing up. Wearing a blue-and-gold Aggie sweatshirt, the father of Fat Albert and star of seven TV series was appearing — for free — to benefit a mentoring initiative at N.C. A&T named, in his honor, "Cosby Kids."

Cosby, 70, has caused a stir now and then for being a grumpy elder statesman who calls the truth as he sees it, even when it hurts. But the only pain he dispensed Friday night was from an audience of various races, ages and walks of life possibly laughing too hard.

The humor was gentle but hilarious, told so effortlessly that even a malfunctioning wireless mike couldn't break Cosby's stride. He'd just pause, jiggle the switch, and continue with stories about childhood "whuppin's," awkward first kisses and visits to the dentist.

Some who may have been hoping for one of Cosby's patented, headline-grabbing social diatribes may have been disappointed. There wasn't even one sliver of red meat for cable talk shows. Just a good, clean time for a Cos, er, cause.

As a parting gift Cosby left a sculpture for A&T's new School of Education. The next day, after Cosby delivered the school's commencement address, A&T reciprocated with an honorary doctorate.

Of course, Cosby for years has possessed a doctorate he got the old-fashioned way, by going to class and writing a dissertation.

In introducing Cosby on Friday night, A&T Chancellor Stanley F. Battle confided how he'd snared the star for appearances here: He asked. Cosby had given him a list of phone numbers after the two met in Maryland.

Call me when you need me, he'd told Battle.

Some still give Cosby guff for his brutal directness. But give him credit as well for not only pointing out problems, but stepping forward to help fix them.

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