Sept. 24, 2010
On Sept. 21, 2010, the Lawrence D. Starr Global Studies Institute (GSI) hosted the third-annual “Quiz Bash.”

Quiz Bash is a contest in which teams of four compete for cash prizes by answering 60 questions in three rounds, with topics ranging from sports and current events, to art and entertainment, to geography and literature. All the questions revolved around some aspect of international relations.

The event was held in USM’s Mead Hall Walnut Room. GSI provided pizza and soft drinks for registered participants at 6:30 p.m., and the contest started a half-hour later.

Twenty-five teams participated in this year’s edition of Quiz Bash, and over 120 people attended the event. Each team picked their own team name.

The third-place student team, “The A Team,” split $100. The second-place student team “Hungry Hungry Hippos” divided $150 among their four members. The first-place student team “Blue Barracudas”—composed of Kaitlin Peterson, Brady O’Neill, Colter Doherty, and Mike Jones—earned $250. This was the third year that the “Blue Barracudas” claimed the top honor. 

“The questions seemed a little more difficult this year,” noted senior Kaitlin Peterson, “but we were able to win again.”

For the non-student teams, there was a tie between “Free Pizza,” and “I’d Rather Be Sleeping,” so the eight combined participants decided to split the $100 prize. 

“It will buy all eight of us lunch somewhere,” said Dean of Students Lisa Beckenbaugh of “I’d Rather Be Sleeping, “so it was well worth participating in Quiz Bash.”

When asked if she learned anything during the evening, junior Kia Griffin said she “learned a lot tonight and had a great time doing it.”

Quiz Bash Judge Matt Budreau added that “Quiz Bash is a great event that appeals to a wide range of USM’s demographics, and directly involves the student population in active learning.”

USM Alum Noel Blank added, “Quiz Bash is so much fun.  We’re glad to be able to return to campus for this type of event.  We have attended every year and we always have a blast!”

Quiz Bash is one of many events sponsored by the Starr Global Studies Institute during the academic year. GSI is dedicated to the idea of promoting international awareness – in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community.  In so doing, GSI is committed to promoting the principles of peace, justice, freedom, and human rights.  To learn more about GSI visit http://gsi.stmary.edu/ or to read a .pdf version of GSI’s most recent annual “Starr Report” visit http://gsi.stmary.edu/pdf/StarrReport2010_web_0710.pdf.

Sept. 3, 2010

The Global Studies Institute always tries to broaden students’ worldviews. It’s a serious subject. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it.

So a quick reminder: GSI’s Quiz Bash 2010 is right around the corner.

Quiz bash is a trivia game with 60 questions ranging from sports and popular entertainment to geography and literature. Cash prizes—as much as $250—go to the top team.

This year’s edition is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in the Mead Hall Walnut Room. Pre-registered teams will get to feast on free pizza a half hour before the game begins.

To participate, pick up a sign-up sheet from Mead 101 (GSI HQ) and fill it out with your name and the names of three friends. Come up with a clever team name and designate a captain, then return the sheet to the GSI.

Students, staff, and faculty members are welcome. Members of the community won’t be turned away.

The student teams will take the lion’s share of the prize money. One non-student team will also win a prize.