Quadrivial Pursuit: How Well Do You Know Reed?
- 1.
What is famously buried under Reed's Erik V. Hauser Memorial Library?
- A.
The original Doyle Owl
- B.
A British sports car
- C.
A time capsule to be opened in the year 2412
- D.
Another, smaller library
- E.
Jimmy Hoffa
Correct Answer
B. A British sports carExplanation
You doubt this? Check out the definitive article, Burying the MG, from the September 2011 edition of Reed.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
In 1968, students occupied Eliot Hall demanding what?
- A.
Divestment from South Africa
- B.
A black studies program at Reed
- C.
The release of Mumia Abu-Jamal
- D.
The head of Alfredo Garcia and a cup of hot fat
- E.
A shrubbery
Correct Answer
B. A black studies program at ReedExplanation
NOTE. There is an error in the print edition of this quiz which lists the wrong answer. The correct answer is indeed "a black studies program at Reed." Check out "A Small Insurrection, A Great Divide" from the November 2003 edition of Reed. Our apologies for the confusion.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Until the 1940s, the job now known as dean of students had what title?
- A.
Dean of Men
- B.
Dean of Women
- C.
Dean of Discipline
- D.
Master of Reality
- E.
Operating Thetan Level IV
Correct Answer
B. Dean of WomenExplanation
Hard to believe, but in the early years of Reed's existence, it was assumed that male students had no need for a Dean.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
The catalogue of ships is a legendary passage in which book?
- A.
Herodotus’ Histories
- B.
The Odyssey
- C.
The Iliad
- D.
Prof. Nite E. Nite’s Lullabies of Somnolence
- E.
Shareholders’ Prospectus for the Maersk Corporation
Correct Answer
C. The IliadExplanation
The catalogue of ships is a legendary passage in The Iliad. The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer. It tells the story of the Trojan War and the Greek hero Achilles. The catalogue of ships is a detailed list of the Greek forces that participated in the war, providing information about their leaders, origins, and numbers. This passage serves to emphasize the vastness and diversity of the Greek army, highlighting the importance of the war and the epic nature of the poem.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
As of 2014, how many Doyle Owls have there been at Reed?
- A.
1
- B.
6
- C.
Would you count the smiles of a child, or the stars in the sky? (Never mind, you probably would.)
- D.
23 plus or minus 11
- E.
ℵ1
Correct Answer
D. 23 plus or minus 11Explanation
OK, we'll confess-- no one really knows. But this stupid quiz software won't let us have an "anything goes" answer. Read more about the legendary Doyle Owl in this excerpt from Comrades of the Quest.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
According to the simplified spelling system championed by Reed president William T. Foster [1910–19], how should one write the sentence, "As a sophomore, I sailed the islands in a freighter, pitching my hammock in a gallery filled with riff-raff and crumbs"?
- A.
“As a sofomore, I sailed the ilands in a frater, pitching my hammoc in a gally filled with rifraf and crums.”
- B.
“Az a sofmor, I saled the ilunds in a frater, piching mi hammuk in a galy fillt with riffraf and krums.”
- C.
“As a semaphore, I scaled the elands with a waiter, prancing the hummocks in a gay kilt of gutta-percha and linsey-woolsey.”
- D.
“Faw-fa faw-haw-haw, faw-fa-faw-haw, FAW-FA-HAW-FAW, ha-fawwww.”
Correct Answer
A. “As a sofomore, I sailed the ilands in a frater, pitching my hammoc in a gally filled with rifraf and crums.”Explanation
Another question with no right answer. Ha ha! Welcome to the humanities.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Gifts to Reed's Annual Fund are essential to maintain support for which Reed activities?
- A.
Financial aid for students who otherwise could not afford tuition
- B.
Resources for student and faculty researchers, who might otherwise become obsessed with transmuting lead into gold
- C.
Counseling for students, who might otherwise go mad with insomnia and vertiginous dialectic
- D.
Maintenance of the canyon, which would otherwise degenerate into a morass of invasive species and bitter, alcoholic ducks
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
Yes, the Annual Fund supports supports all this and more.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What is the official mascot of Reed College?
- A.
The Learned Owl
- B.
The Always-Industrious Beaver
- C.
The Griffin, because Reed sports victories also don't actually exist
- D.
The Red-Crested Grind
- E.
The Fruit Bat of Futility
Correct Answer
C. The Griffin, because Reed sports victories also don't actually existExplanation
From Under the Green Tiles, by Beatrice Olson ’24: “The griffin has from time immemorial symbolized a guardian and protector of man and the beasts of the earth. In its early habitat in Asiatic Scythia, it was credited with the protection of gold and precious stones. Thus, in familiar tradition, it has gained, through centuries, the attributes of swiftness and strength in the service of protection.”Rate this question:
-
- 9.
What benevolent saying is emblazoned on the bottom reverse of the envelope in every issue of Reed magazine?
- A.
“Thank you for your support.”
- B.
“Your gift makes the difference.”
- C.
“History will be kind to Reed, for Reed intends to write it.”
- D.
“That education is best which educates least.”
- E.
“We can’t stop here; this is bat country.”
Correct Answer
A. “Thank you for your support.”Explanation
You would of course be familiar with this envelope, right? The one you tear off and mail back to us with a check, right? Um... right?Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Subsequent to its founding, in what year was Reed's Seventh-Annual Nitrogen Day celebration held?
- A.
1919
- B.
1951
- C.
1998
- D.
2004
- E.
Every year
Correct Answer
E. Every yearExplanation
Sure, you knew that nitrogen is the 7th element. But did you know that Nitrogen Day is held every year?Rate this question:
-
- 11.
What major internet-related achievement is credited to Larry Sanger '91?
- A.
Made original “I can has cheezburger” meme
- B.
Founded Zombo.com
- C.
Only living person who has never been rickrolled
- D.
Coauthored Norton Utilities software
- E.
Cofounded Wikipedia
Correct Answer
E. Cofounded WikipediaExplanation
Sanger was editor-in-chief of Nupedia, the precursor to Wikipedia, and first came up with the idea of using wiki technology to build an "open" encyclopedia that anyone could write. Deconstructing Wikipedia from the June 2010 edition of Reed for the fulll story.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
What did Reed professor Stanley Moore do in 1954?
- A.
Made the now-famous observation that computer processing power doubles every 24 months
- B.
Along with twin brother Livingstone Moore, originated a knockabout cross-talk act that would win the faculty talent show 19 years running
- C.
Refused to answer questions from the House Un-American Activities Committee.
- D.
Made a contribution to the field of relative quantities—which had previously been restricted to “less” and “the same amount”—that now bears a modified version of his name
- E.
Soared to a commanding two-and-a-half-length victory in the Belmont Stakes
Correct Answer
C. Refused to answer questions from the House Un-American Activities Committee.Explanation
At the peak of anti-Communist hysteria, Prof. Moore was fired by the board for trustees--despite having tenure--for refusing to disclose his personal political beliefs. Read about the whole sorry chapter in a 1997 article in Reed titled In the Eye of the Storm.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
The first Campus Day in 1912 included what rollicking, wholesome amusement?
- A.
A jolly penny-farthing-bicycle joust
- B.
A gripping round of tug-of-war across the canyon
- C.
A bracing spot of handlebar-moustache fencing
- D.
A moving “Save the Quagga” rally
- E.
A rousing game of pin the tail on the Kaiser
Correct Answer
B. A gripping round of tug-of-war across the canyonExplanation
Campus Day was succeeded by Canyon Day, which is still going strong.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
What became 16 times larger during the tenure of Reed president Paul Bragdon [1971–88]?
- A.
Minority student representation
- B.
Reed’s administrative staff
- C.
Reed’s endowment
- D.
Bragdon’s endowment
- E.
Hulk Hogan
Correct Answer
C. Reed’s endowmentExplanation
Reed's endowment was $4.4 million when President Bragdon arrived in 1971. It stood at $74 million when he retired in 1988.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
What was the original name of the dormitory now known as MacNaughton?
- A.
New Women’s Dorm
- B.
New Men’s Dorm
- C.
Old Men’s Dorm
- D.
Little Spandau
- E.
The Quarrymen
Correct Answer
A. New Women’s DormExplanation
The "New Women's Dormitory," designed by Belluschi and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, was completed in 1954 and renamed MacNaughton in 1959.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
What did former registrar Ellen Knowlton Johnson ’39 do to help seniors get their theses in by the noon deadline?
- A.
Invented No-Doz
- B.
Moved the deadline to noon; it had originally been 8 a.m.
- C.
Instituted the highly motivational policy of burning latecomers at the stake
- D.
Unplugged the clock in the registrar’s office at 11:59 a.m.
- E.
Rode a braying ass around Old Dorm Block at dawn on the fateful day, banging dustbin lids together and shouting, “Wakey-wakey, ye scurvy dogs”
Correct Answer
D. Unplugged the clock in the registrar’s office at 11:59 a.m.Explanation
See Tales of the Tower, from the Autumn 2009 edition of Reed.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Which of the following is (or was) a name for the Reed College women’s rugby team?
- A.
The Maulin’ Medeas
- B.
Les Griffons D’Or
- C.
The Echidnae
- D.
The Badass Sparkle Princesses
- E.
Lower Middlemarch
Correct Answer
D. The Badass Sparkle PrincessesExplanation
Don't mess with them! Reed has produced several great players, including two members of the US National Team.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
What key intellectual cornerstone for the Reed community was laid in 1919?
- A.
The term “paradigm” was coined.
- B.
The Honor Principle was enshrined in the Reed constitution.
- C.
Letter grades were abolished.
- D.
The first MLA Handbook was published.
- E.
"Sleep-deprived weeping” became an Olympic sport.
Correct Answer
B. The Honor Principle was enshrined in the Reed constitution.Explanation
In 1919, the key intellectual cornerstone for the Reed community was laid when the Honor Principle was enshrined in the Reed constitution. This signifies the importance of integrity and ethical behavior in the academic and social life of the community. The Honor Principle sets the standard for honesty and trust among students, faculty, and staff, creating a culture of mutual respect and responsibility. It is a fundamental value that shapes the Reed community and guides its members in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
What is Reed’s official-unofficial motto?
- A.
Capitalism, Patriotism, Free Speech
- B.
Communism, Atheism, Free Love
- C.
Criticism, Astigmatism, Free Tuition
- D.
Paganism, Humanism, Free Tibet
- E.
Hedonism, Dadaism, Free Beer
Correct Answer
B. Communism, Atheism, Free LoveExplanation
OK, even Lewis & Clarkies should know this one.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
The Columbus Day storm that devastated Portland in 1962 has been seen as divine retribution for what Reedie-instituted provocation?
- A.
Students begin adding stories to thesis tower, with goal of reaching heaven itself.
- B.
President Richard Sullivan leaves town; Reedies construct and worship golden owl in his absence.
- C.
Mock crucifixion at football game.
- D.
Mock football game at crucifixion.
- E.
Students rewrite Old Testament as a slash-and-stalk epic titled Vengeance Is Up for Grabs.
Correct Answer
C. Mock crucifixion at football game.Explanation
Coach Jack Scrivens tells the tale in The Half-Time Crucifiction from the Winter 2009 edition of Reed.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
The fuel stockpile for Reed’s nuclear reactor comprises what?
- A.
6 kg of plutonium repurposed from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
- B.
3 kg of uranium scrounged from the University of Arizona.
- C.
1 kg of thorium on loan from the Department of Energy.
- D.
Original birth heart of former U.S. Vice President Richard B. Cheney.
- E.
Glowing, telepathic green orb pursued by a sword-wielding alien woman in metal underwear.
Correct Answer
B. 3 kg of uranium scrounged from the University of Arizona.Explanation
Reed scrounged 91 fuel rods from the University of Arizona in 2011.Rate this question:
-
- 22.
What is the formal name of the Portland “tall-bike” club founded by Karl Anderson ’95?
- A.
The Portland Tall Bike Club.
- B.
Tribulation 99.
- C.
Compound Fracture Society.
- D.
Chunk 666.
- E.
They have no formal name, sneering at your ersatz concept of bourgeois formality.
Correct Answer
D. Chunk 666.Explanation
See Attack of the Velocipedes, from the December 2012 edition of Reed.Rate this question:
-
- 23.
According to legend, the first Doyle Owl came from where?
- A.
Sprang fully formed from the brow of Reed president Dexter M. Keezer.
- B.
Wrenched in a midnight raid from the roof of Old Dorm Block.
- C.
Live pet owl belonging to student makes mistake of staring directly into the eyes of anthropology professor Gail Kelly.
- D.
Lawn decoration stolen from Eastmoreland house.
- E.
Has always existed; the college—nay, the world—was constructed around it.
Correct Answer
D. Lawn decoration stolen from Eastmoreland house.Explanation
The correct answer is "Lawn decoration stolen from Eastmoreland house." This is because the question asks where the first Doyle Owl came from, and this option states that it was stolen from a specific house. The other options are either unrelated or do not provide a clear explanation of the origin of the Doyle Owl.Rate this question:
-
- 24.
Reed president Richard F. Scholz is famous for doing what?
- A.
Banning fraternities, sororities, and intercollegiate sports at Reed.
- B.
Instituting a broad humanities requirement for all students.
- C.
Catching cold at his own inauguration and dying a scant 41 days later.
- D.
Other than that, Mrs. Scholz, how was the play?
- E.
Siring legendary guitarist for the band Boston, Tom Scholz.
Correct Answer
B. Instituting a broad humanities requirement for all students.Explanation
See How the Humanities Saved Reed, from Spring 2009 edition of Reed.Rate this question:
-
- 25.
How many Reedies does it take to screw in a light bulb?
- A.
Reedies don’t screw in light bulbs; they screw in the SU loft.
- B.
Five. One to screw it in, four to get the PE credit.
- C.
Only one, but it takes six years.
- D.
None, just glue it to your thesis and let your universe revolve around it.
Correct Answer
D. None, just glue it to your thesis and let your universe revolve around it.Explanation
This answer is a play on words and a reference to the academic culture at Reed College. Reedies are known for their intense focus on academic work, particularly their senior thesis. The answer suggests that instead of screwing in a light bulb, Reedies would prioritize their thesis and make it the center of their universe.Rate this question:
-
![What became 16 times larger during the tenure of Reed president Paul Bragdon [1971–88]? - ProProfs](/api/ckeditor_images/216_q_Hulk.jpg "What became 16 times larger during the tenure of Reed president Paul Bragdon [1971–88]?")
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Aug 27, 2014Quiz Created by
Public_affairs
Back to top