Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Alex began his studies at uOttawa in 1957. Among other things, he was a member of the Gee-Gees basketball team, playing for the garnet and grey during his senior year. He graduated with a degree in Classical Philosophy, his major chosen, he later explained, because philosophy classes were held in the morning, allowing him to work in the afternoon and evening to earn his tuition.
As the charismatic host of Jeopardy!, Alex displayed a generosity of spirit that was reflected in his lifelong relationship with uOttawa, where we knew him as a unique and caring friend whose philanthropy promoted civic dialogue. His gifts created the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue, his namesake Innovation and Challenge Fund, as well as his Distinguished Lecture Series and Leadership Award. He was also a significant contributor to the creation of the Alex Trebek Alumni Hall.
Alex spent many years sharing the right questions with the world on Jeopardy!. It is fitting that his gifts will allow future generations of students at uOttawa to continue asking the right questions and finding important new answers that benefit us all.
