News Releases

Monday, August 16, 2010

University of Kansas School of Business strategic management Ph.D. candidate Donald (D.J.) Schepker will appear on the hit American quiz show "Jeopardy!" Thursday, Sept. 23 after an audition process of more than a year.

Schepker first applied to be a contestant on "Jeopardy!" in January 2009. He received an invitation to appear on the game show in June, and the episode was filmed July 27 at the "Jeopardy!" studios in Culver City, Calif.

"I've always watched "Jeopardy!" and enjoy challenging myself," Schepker said. "I tend to remember useless facts and have a thirst for knowledge. My appearance on the game show is the culmination of a lifetime of enjoying and competing in trivia."

While the audition process took more than a year, Schepker said it's an easy process open to anyone.

"Every January, potential contestants take a 50-question online test," Schepker said. "If you do well, "Jeopardy!" officials invite you to formally audition at one of the 8-12 audition cities. I went to Kansas City, and happened to be the only Kansas City resident to audition."

The formal audition consists of another 50-question test and a mock "Jeopardy!" game with other hopeful contestants. The formal audition also includes a personality interview.

"The key is to keep the game moving," Schepker said. "They are looking for contestants that will answer all the questions. It's also good to have an interesting story to share."

Once Schepker was invited to appear on "Jeopardy!" he was responsible for both his travel expenses and accommodations.

"The show tapes a week's worth of episodes in one day," Schepker said. "Players are selected randomly 5-10 minutes before the game, and each game lasts 22 minutes."

Schepker is unable to comment on his "Jeopardy!" performance until its Sept. 23 airdate, but he notes acorrelation between his appearance on the game show and his studies at the KU School of Business.

"I've noticed quite an overlap between my appearance on "Jeopardy!" and strategic management," Schepker said. "I had to think strategically throughout the entire process. In class, we define our core competencies and how to build a personal narrative. I basically had to figure out how I could make myself memorable. It's the same principle I'd use in a job interview."

Schepker's appearance on "Jeopardy!" will air Thursday, Sept. 23. Merv Griffin created "Jeopardy!" in 1964. Alex Trebek has been its host since 1984.

"My experience on "Jeopardy!" was great. Everyone involved in the entire process – from audition to taping – was wonderful."