(Below) Langley World Affairs Club hosts David Madden, a former 19-day Jeopardy! champion and Executive Director of International Academic Competitions (IAC). Ryan Minton, Club President, holding sign. 1/16/25
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Recognized by the Ambassador of Spain to the United States
Jeopardy! Champion and Princeton Alum Shares his Passion for World Affairs with Langley Club
The Langley World Affairs Club was captivated by an engaging presentation on January 16th, 2025, from Jeopardy! champion and academic competition organizer, David Madden. Madden shared how his global perspective was shaped not only by his own experiences, but also by the inspiring example set by his mother.
Madden recounted his time on Jeopardy!, emphasizing how the show's diverse categories necessitate a broad understanding of the world. He then delved into his experiences at Princeton University, where he honed his intellectual curiosity and practical skills. He shared how he created a campus delivery service, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, and discussed his involvement in Princeton's renowned Policy Task Forces, where he tackled complex global issues.
Club members were intrigued by Madden's senior year of high school, spent in Vienna, Austria, as a foreign exchange student. He described how this immersive experience enabled him to become fluent in German and gain a deeper appreciation for another culture. Madden then revealed that his passion for international exchange stemmed from his own mother, who, in her youth, spent a year in Brazil as an exchange student. This experience led her to become fluent in Portuguese and forge lifelong friendships with her "exchange sisters," with whom she remains in contact to this day. He explained how his mother's stories instilled in him a desire to explore the world and connect with different cultures.
Madden then connected his personal experiences to his work with the International History Bee and Bowl, the International History Olympiad, and the International Geography Bee. He described how these competitions empower students worldwide to engage with history, geography, and current events, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The Q&A session was a dynamic exchange of ideas, with club members eager to learn more about Madden's time in Vienna, his entrepreneurial endeavors, and his mother's inspiring experiences in Brazil. Madden's visit was a powerful reminder that a global mindset can be nurtured across generations. He inspired the Langley World Affairs Club to embrace the world with curiosity and open-mindedness, demonstrating that knowledge, understanding, and connection are essential tools for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world.
(Above) Slide Deck includes video highlight of David Madden's Jeopardy adventure
Langley Saxon Broadcast announces Jeopardy! champion David Madden! He's speaking to the World Affairs Club on 1/16/25.
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