By Kristie Schiefer
Assistant News Editor
Nine students out of 57 applicants will compete to become the first-ever Bonaventure Constitution Day Jeopardy
champion on Sept. 17 and 18.
These students achieved a grade of 95 or better on a preliminary examination this past week to qualify them for the semifinal
round, according to Danette Brickman, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the department of political science and co-director of the Center for Law & Society.
“The test was comprised of 100 questions taken from the United States Naturalization exam,” Brickman said. “This test was chosen because it assesses knowledge of U.S. government and history — factors pertinent to an understanding of the U.S. Constitution.”
The nine students chosen will compete for a grand prize of up to $350 in free textbooks for the spring semester.
The competitors include two seniors, Patrick Alfonso and Colin Bearer; four juniors, Ryan DeOrdio, Kevin Rogers, Max Schneller, and Mariah Wolford; two sophomores, Steven Kibbe and Alexander Noguerola, and a freshman, Tyler Piraino.
The second place winner will receive a prize of $100 in Bona Bucks, and the third place winner receives $50 in Bona Bucks. The Office
of Marketing and Communications teamed up with Dr. Wolfgang Natter, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences to donate all prizes.
The Center for Law & Society donated door prizes for spectators of the competition.
“There will also be five $10 Bona Bucks door prizes given away each night, Monday Semi-Finals and Tuesday Finals,” Brickman said.
Being the first year of the competition, the university created the event in accordance with a government law.
“In 2004 Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) proposed an amendment to the bill of 2004 which changed the name of
Citizenship Day (September 17th) to ‘Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,’” Brickman said.“This bill was signed into law by President
George Bush. The law requires that all schools receiving any type of federal funds must provide some sort of educational program about the Constitution on Sept. 17 of each year.”
Brickman said it’s important for the university and its students to follow the federal law. “Byrd, who always carried a copy of the Constitution with him, wanted all students to have a better understanding of the U.S. Constitution and our government.”
schiefkm10@bonaventure.edu
