She does now. But Ball State University's sign shop supervisor never expected it to be her son, Jeremy.

She's celebrating by inviting friends, family and "Jeopardy" fans to watch her son compete at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Damon's Restaurant in Muncie.

Harmon began spreading the news about her son's appearance on the popular TV game show shortly after the July 30 taping.

"We immediately began telling everyone we know, or didn't know, for that matter," she said. "I couldn't contain my excitement and pride. I was telling everyone I ran into."

And for Harmon, "everyone" included the entire Ball State community.

"After sending an ALL-BSU e-mail, my mailbox was immediately flooded with replies of congratulations, including one from (men's basketball coach) Tim Buckley, which I appreciated very much," she said.

Her first reaction was to travel to Chicago, where Jeremy lives, to watch the show with him. But there's one problem. In Chicago, "Jeopardy" airs at 2:30 p.m. So while his co-workers will take a break to watch the show with him, his mother will be watching Channel 13 (WTHR) that evening at Damon's.

"I'm sure I will be emotional at some point, bursting with a mother's pride," she said. "I'm so proud of him for achieving such a grand accomplishment."

Jeremy agrees. The Muncie Central High School graduate and lifelong "Jeopardy" fan tried for more than a year to become a contestant.

His chance finally came in March when he joined 100 people in an audition at Chicago's Drake Hotel. He was among only nine would-be contestants to make the final cut.

"It is so hard to get onto that show that it was an achievement in and of itself," he said. "So few people actually get a chance to do that, I felt privileged just being there. I met some really nice people, not to mention meeting Alex Trebek."

Back in Muncie, Susan is facing the question: how did Jeremy do? Even she didn't know at first.

"Jeremy specifically asked if we wanted to know or wait, but we couldn't stand to wait," she said.

So how did he do?

"I don't want to spoil it for anyone who would rather see it for themselves," Harmon said.

Jeremy is also keeping the outcome a mystery.

"I hope I gave a good show," he said. "I guess we'll see on Oct. 7."

For more information on this story, contact Susan Harmon at (765) 285-2814 or e-mail sharmon@bsu.edu.