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University of Pittsburgh students win "Colbert Report" treasure hunt
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Stephen Colbert
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Four University of Pittsburgh engineering students have earned their school a visit from the leader of Colbert Nation: Stephen Colbert.
A few weeks back, Mr. Colbert announced on his late-night Comedy Central television show that he would be selling 1,000 "Colbert Super PAC Super Fun Pack" boxes, featuring a variety of silly, PAC-related merchandise and a treasure map.
That map ultimately led hunters to Dixon, Illinois -- home town of Ronald Reagan -- and the prize, a 101-year-old sterling silver antique bell shaped like a turtle.
In the closing moments of Thursday's program, Mr. Colbert welcomed one of the Pitt students, Penn Hills native Dan Stough. He presented him with the turtle, and asked which college or university he'd be visiting. When Mr. Stough told him "University of Pittsburgh," Mr. Colbert threw up his arms and yelled "Woo-hoo! It's in driving distance!" The visit is planned for the fall.
The other students -- Daniela Aizpitarte of Eagle, Idaho, Ben Zaczek of Higganum, Conn., and Justine Buchman, of Saylorsburg, Pa. -- involved in cracking the clues also visited the show.
"I hope it wasn't too hard," Mr. Colbert said of his treasure hunt. "It was ridiculous," answered Mr. Stough.
The Pitt students are from the bioengineering and chemical engineering departments in the Swanson School of Engineering.
First Published June 29, 2012 12:50 am
