Media Advisory: UAlbany Fountain Day: A Celebration of School Spirit

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150, ([email protected])

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 23, 2008)

What: 
Fountain Day is one of the University at Albany's most treasured traditions, uniting the campus community in a rite of spring and school spirit. Fountain Day is unique to colleges and universities throughout the nation. Thousands of faculty, staff, students and alumni turn out at the main campus fountain and, after a thunderous countdown, the 30-foot-high waters of the fountain are released, officially ushering in springtime. All-day attractions for students include games, contests and entertainment, while faculty and staff share in the festivities by serving food and refreshments.

Who:
Interim President George Philip will conduct the ceremonial countdown to signal the turning on of the fountain.

When: 
Sunday, April 27, 2008, noon - 4 p.m.
Fountain will be turned on at approximately 3 p.m.
 
Where:
Academic podium, UAlbany's uptown campus, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y.

Fountain Day Facts and Figures:

• May 5, 1978:
  First Fountain Day celebration began as part of Mayfest. Originally took place on Human Awareness Potential Day (HAP Day). Fred Brewington, ’79, and Peter Galasso, ‘78, respectively vice president and president of the Student Association are originators of the idea.

• April 17, 2005:
  As part of the University's Fountain Day activities, students, staff, and faculty participated in a pillow fight, which broke a Guinness World Record with a total of 3,648 pillow pugilists.

The Fountain Day celebration was moved from a weekday to Sunday allowing for more faculty and staff participation. University at Albany students, faculty, and staff attend this event, which is sponsored by the Student Association and the Division of Student Success.

• The University Fountain:
  
  Has 144 small jets and 6 large jets.

Has a pool 92 feet wide and 172 feet long and holds 266,000 gallons of water.