December 09, 2008

Ben Bishop '09, Jeopardy champion

Ben Bishop, a Seattle native who’s an Amherst senior, had an extremely successful run on “Jeopardy!,” winning $115,800 over five days, more than any other contestant this year. The appearances were taped over two days in September, and the final show aired last night, meaning Bishop can now talk about his experiences on the show.

A Seattle Times interview with Bishop, as well as friends and family, tells the story.

What to do with all that money? He took his roommates to dinner at a local Amherst brewpub, a thank you for their support and training. He plans to donate to Kiwanis Camp Casey, a Whidbey Island camp for kids with physical disabilities where he has volunteered as a counselor. And he’ll probably take a trip this summer after he graduates.

Bishop also answered questions for the UMass Daily Collegian, including this one:

Q: How much of that money do you actually get to keep?

A: “Don’t know - you’ll have to ask the IRS. Jeopardy! doesn’t pay me until 120 days after the show airs, so I’m still scrounging in my couch for beer money for another four months.”

Bishop will be participating in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions next month, and we wish him luck.

Brian Meacham '97 | December 9, 2008 12:13 PM | Student Life

Comments

Josh | December 10, 2008 03:56 PM:

Does it seem kind of nuts that the Daily Collegian has halfway-decent coverage of this and the Amherst Student can barely put up half its articles from week to week, never mind actually writing a feature of its own on this guy?

Jasmine | December 11, 2008 09:36 AM:

I loved him on Jeporady and I watched it because he was on there. He looks a lot like actors Channing Tatum and Chris Evans

Dave Nardolillo '98 | December 13, 2008 05:26 PM:

Josh,

I don't think we've pulled any punches in our criticism of the Student over the past few years. But in their defense, I think the paper may have concluded their publication schedule for the semester when the Bishop story became available for a full report. If somebody could confirm that, we'd appreciate it.

We may get to a quick year-in-review post on the Student. My initial thought is that the editors have put out a better product in 08 than in past years, but we'll be sure to let other's chime in.

RB | December 14, 2008 07:07 PM:

Indeed, the Student ended its publication run two weeks ago.

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