Media Alert / Photo Opportunity
For Release 9:00 am PDT Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Thousands of University of Washington Faculty, Staff and Student Employees Will “Shake it Off” during Guinness World Record Breaking Attempt in Husky Stadium
What: 2,000 University of Washington faculty and staff will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Umbrella Dance choreographed to Taylor Swift’s hit “Shake it Off.” The event is part of the UW’s Whole U employee engagement and wellness program.
When: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 12:00 p.m. National Have Fun at Work Day
Where: Husky Stadium, University of Washington Campus, Seattle. Additional events will take place at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma
Online at www.uw.edu/wholeu
Register: Members of the media are strongly encouraged to register in advance to receive priority complimentary parking, assistance with scheduling interviews and coordination of photo/video opportunities. Please register via email to beth_silverberg@hotmail.com
Details: As Washington state’s third largest employer, the University of Washington places a high priority on being a great place to work. The Whole U is an inclusive employee engagement and wellness program that builds community, healthy lifestyles, and workplace satisfaction by providing opportunities for building connections, community, and personal growth through benefits and services available to UW faculty and staff.
This event is meant to celebrate the UW community, demonstrate the variety of events and activities that the Whole U offers and provide a fun way for UW staff and faculty to get out together and be active.
In order to set the Guinness World Record set in Japan in August, 2014, at least 1,689 dancers must be videotaped performing a choreographed, synchronized umbrella dance for five minutes.
Interview and Video Footage Opportunities: Registered media will be given priority access to University of Washington spokespeople including event leader and Whole U volunteer Mrs. Marti Young, wife of UW President Michael Young, and Mindy Kornberg, Vice President for UW Human Resources. Additional UW employees will be available for interviews by prior request. Video footage and photography will be available for broadcast with permission. Please contact beth_silverberg@hotmail.com for details.
Media Contacts:
Beth Herrell Silverberg
beth_silverberg@hotmail.com
206.679.5157
Jean Hayes, University of Washington
jeanmh@uw.edu
206.954.3764