Who Is.... Mark Dawson
Facts of Interest
In your own words, describe what you do.
As the only non-architect in the firm, I handle most of the support
functions from Accounting and Human Resources to Facilities Maintenance and Receptionist Duties.
5 favorite/most important accomplishments.
1. Being a good uncle.
2. Owning my home.
3. Having cultivated a great group of friends that are "good
people."
4. Winner Sportsmanship Trophy, 1994 College Bowl National
Championship.
5. "Five-time Jeopardy! Champion."
What made you want to take the Jeopardy test?
The long answer --- Though I was born in Bloomington, Indiana, I have
little recollection of my hometown, as my family moved away before my second birthday. Later, when I was about five years old, I would watch Art Fleming host the original version of the show. At that time, a woman from
Bloomington appeared as a contestant, winning all five of her games, as best I recall. She was for me a connection to my place of origin, and at that
time, I figured, if she could win on Jeopardy I could too.
How many times did you take the test?
I took the test 4 times, twice in Los Angeles (1987 and 1993), once in
Atlanta (1992) and once in New Orleans (2001). I passed the test three times, failing in '93 after a three-day cross-country adventure and no sleep the night before (I rationalize these things to maintain my self-esteem).
Any particular Jeopardy heroes over the years?
Pam Mueller, College Champ 2000 [insert fluttering heart and a deep sigh
here]. Actually, the two types of players I most enjoy are those who play
the game well, with good strategy, tactics and discipline (Pam is an example) and those who have a way of transcending the game, especially with their sense of humor. From Pam's ToC class, Babu and Ryan are among those who would fall into that category.
Do you have a nickname based on your Jeopardy! reputation?
None from my Jeopardy! reputation, except that I am sometimes
referred to as "the ringer," when playing trivia with friends. Otherwise,
some friends call me "AWOL," for my tendency to come and go without
announcement. One friend swears he's never seen me arrive at or leave a
party; he says that I simply appear and disappear.
What stands out in your memory about competing on Jeopardy!?
(An anecdote you told, or a wild answer you gave.)
a. That during a commercial break, Alex asked if he had pronounced
"Altamaha" correctly. It's the name of a Georgia river and was part of a
clue on the 13 colonies. I was impressed that he cared enough about being
accurate that he would ask me, someone from Georgia, when he has a staff of writers and fact-checkers at his disposal. Alex's professionalism is
outstanding.
b. Winning from third place in my fourth game. I was tired and had
decided that if the FJ clue was going to ask me to come up with a name, even if I knew the answer it would be likely that I wouldn't be able to recall
it. I bet $0 on a triple stumper and won.
Is there something unique about your competition? (Youngest winner, highest dollar amount...)
The large number of answers that I "vultured" from my opponents.
By one count, on 17 occasions during my five games, I picked up points after a competitor made an error in their response.
Any special preparation for this tournament?
Study, study, study. I would like to thank all of my friends and
family for their help and support, including those who collected reading
material for me and those who quizzed me mercilessly at home and at Emory and at Georgia Tech.
Has your appearance or the money you've won had any impact on career paths or life-changing decisions?
Not yet, but it may still.
Is there anything you want to "set the record straight" about?
I would like to dispel all rumors that my primary reason for
competing on Jeopardy! was because "chicks dig it." That was actually my
secondary reason. My primary reason was because I love to play, and you only get to keep playing as often as you win, so I play to win.
What do you think most prepared you for your previous success with the game?
I learned that I had an unusual talent for recalling facts playing
"Current Events," in Coach Pierce's 10th grade History class.
Since then, I have squandered innumerable hours in learning bits of information that, until now, were useful only for conversation starters at parties and the like.
Do you have a secret weapon? What's your game plan?
Secret weapon? It's a secret.
Game plan? Strategy: Survive and Move On.
Tactics: take my time and re-read the category before giving my response.
5 words that best describe your personality or style of
competition.
Personality: patient, analytical, conscientious, gregarious,
problem-solver.
Style of Competition: fast, intense, controlled, challenging,
playful.
|