Release

UAlbany Celebrates Fountain Day

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 4, 2005) � The University at Albany will celebrate Fountain Day, the annual rite of spring when the main fountain on the campus podium is turned on for the season, on Sunday, April 17, noon - 4 p.m. on the uptown campus.

Students, faculty and staff typically attend this UAlbany student-sponsored event, which began in 1978 as Human Awareness Program day. This year's Fountain Day will be held on Sunday instead of a weekday, allowing for more faculty and staff participation. In addition, students will register online for the event, electronically "signing" a pledge to "make personal choices that will promote a safe Fountain Day." Only UAlbany students, faculty and staff will be allowed into the fountain area.

The activities begin with an attempt by UAlbany students to compete in the world's largest pillow fight. The pillow activities get underway on Collins Circle at noon, with the pillow fight scheduled for 2 p.m. The event will be accompanied by music, food, rock-climbing, an inflatable Twister game, face painting, and other activities, and will culminate in a one-minute pillow fight with an expected 3,200 participants. The pillows, which will be distributed by the University per Guinness World Record regulations, will be donated to charities after the epic battle.

Following the pillow fight, the campus community will move to the academic podium, where they'll guess the exact time the fountain will go on, now scheduled for a time between 3 and 4 p.m. Students guessing can compete for prizes, including free tuition for a semester and a trip for two worth $1,500. Ongoing games throughout the day will give away iPods, gift certificates, and more.

The event is sponsored by the UAlbany Student Association and the Division of Student Affairs.