UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State English Professor Hester Blum’s run in the “Jeopardy!” Professors Tournament ended during this week’s semifinal round. Alisa Hove, botany professor at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, advanced to the finals from the match in which Blum competed on Tuesday evening, Dec. 14.
Although she didn’t advance to the finals, Blum said the experience of competing on “Jeopardy!” and meeting colleagues at other institutions is one for which she will always be grateful.
“One unexpected result of my appearances on ‘Jeopardy!’ has been an outpouring of supportive notes from strangers, many of whom are Penn State alumni,” Blum said. “I know that millions of people watch the show, but it's been cheering to see how many do so out of a love of knowledge and books — these are ‘Jeopardy!’ fans for whom entertainment value equals learning new things. It's such a tonic!”
“Jeopardy!” will crown the winner of its first Professors Tournament on Friday, Dec. 17. Check local listings for time and station.