University of Washington Community to Show Purple Pride on 2nd Annual W Day

SEATTLE, Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Background:

W Day was established in 2011 as part of the UW's 150th anniversary and the tradition lives on with one-day on-campus events, volunteer opportunities, online photo contests and special W Day promotions from businesses and retailers.

UW Provost Ana Mari Cauce will be joined by the Husky Marching Band as well as Harry the Husky and Dubs, UW's live mascot, for a brief address and pep rally. Entertainment will include DJs from UW's student-run Rainy Dawg Radio and local reggae rockers Kore Ionz. Free W flags, W Day t-shirts and Cupcake Royale cupcakes will be given out. As a way to share Husky spirit and show service/commitment to the broader community, the event will feature a food drive to benefit the University District Food Bank, a Puget Sound Blood Center blood drive and a Campus Cleanup event.  

Huskies in Seattle and around the world will show their Husky pride at regional events as well as on Facebook and Twitter.  Various local businesses will give special discounts to anyone wearing purple or UW gear.  The W Day website provides a complete list of activities www.uw.edu/wday.

Media Opportunities: 

Red Square will serve as the central location for Huskies to show their spirit and give back to the community by participating in a blood drive, food drive and Campus Cleanup event.   At last year's event over 5,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans attended.

Some of the many businesses offering discounts to customers dressed in purple or UW gear: The University Village Microsoft store, Gene Juarez Salon, Bartell Drugs, Seattle Team Shop and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.  A complete list can be found at www.uw.edu/wday.

RSVP:  Media are encouraged to confirm their attendance in advance to [email protected]. Media will receive complimentary parking and assistance with securing interviews and photo opportunities.

RSVP media attendance by Thursday, Nov 1 at noon to [email protected]

SOURCE The University of Washington