(CULVER CITY, CA May 15, 2009) -- Patrick Tucker, a 22-year-old Political Science major at University of Notre Dame, took first place in the 21^st Jeopardy! College Championship taking home $100,000 in cash winnings. Emerging victorious after a two-week competition by outscoring 14 undergraduates from across the country, Tucker is the first-ever Fighting Irish student to win the prestigious title.

"I couldn't think of a better way to skip a week of class!," laughed Tucker, who graduates from Notre Dame this Sunday just  two days after the tournament's broadcast. "I was proud to represent my college and I think I will remember winning this championship above anything else."

When asked about plans for his cash prize, Tucker replied, "I'm still not sure what I'll do with my money, however, before I went on Jeopardy! I made a list of places around the world to visit.  I might see how far my winnings can take me on a global trek."

Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Tucker's favorite pastimes include solving The New York Times' crossword puzzles and writing for his campus late-night talk show.

Eric Betts, a senior at Emory University, finished second in the competition, winning $50,000.  Third place winner Laura Myers, a senior at University of Missouri, pocketed $29,900. 

Jeopardy!, winner of 28 Emmy awards since its debut in 1984, was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. The series is the #1-rated quiz show in syndication with more than 10 million daily viewers. Jeopardy! is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically and internationally by CBS Television Distribution, a unit of CBS Corp. 

For interview opportunities with the contestants, please contact the "Jeopardy!" Public Relations Department at the numbers listed below.

CONTACTS: 

Jeff Ritter, Jeopardy!  Senior Publicist  (310) 244-6514

 Susie Eun, Jeopardy! Publicity Coordinator (310) 244-6517