Class of 2014 sets a new Guiness World Record

Colleges & Universities University of Pittsburgh
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<p>[Division</a> of Student Affairs](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/offsa/worldrecordattempt.html]Division”>http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/offsa/worldrecordattempt.html)</p>

<p>So what did Pitt Provost Patty Beeson do just 10 days into her new job as the University’s highest ranking academic official?</p>

<p>She helped set a new world record—along with members of the Class of 2014!</p>

<p>At least 2,496 Pitt students used flashlights to set a new world record for the “Largest Torch Lit Logo” during a First-year Student Orientation assembly at the Petersen Events Center. The students illuminated the block P-I-T-T logo in the seats at the Pete using blue and white flashlights. </p>

<p>While the record must still be officially confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records, Pitt officials are more than confident that the Class of 2014 will enter the record book. The previous mark of 528 people making a torch-lit logo was set by students at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., in January of 2010. Pitt had at least five times that many students light their flashlights for the required 10 minutes today. The event was conducted according to Guinness guidelines that required official witnesses (Kelly Frye and Scott Stiller of WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh), official timers, and video of the event.</p>

<p>“This is the best start to a new academic school year that I have ever seen,” said Beeson, who has worked at Pitt for 27 years and previously served as the vice provost for graduate and undergraduate studies and as a professor of economics. She started her new role as provost on August 15, teaming with Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg to lead the University.
The idea to have Pitt students set a world record was the brainchild Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey. “We wanted the Class of 2014 to do something really special that would create a sense of unity and Pitt pride, so we thought setting a Guinness world record would do that. The students hopefully will remember this for the rest of their lives and always know that when they work together they can make their mark on the world.</p>

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<p>I thought this was a great idea for a freshman class bonding experience and am hoping someone posts a video of it on You Tube for parents to see.</p>

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<p>video:
[Thousands</a> Make Flashlight World-Record Try In Darkened Petersen Center - Video - WTAE Pittsburgh](<a href=“http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/24776203/index.html]Thousands”>http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/24776203/index.html)</p>

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<p>What a fun thing to do! Thanks for the link.</p>

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<p>Yes! Many thanks, pittsmom.</p>

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<p>You’re welcome. In the meantime, it appears as though student affairs posted something on youtube.
[YouTube</a> - Pitt Class of 2014 World Record](<a href=“Pitt Class of 2014 World Record! - YouTube”>Pitt Class of 2014 World Record! - YouTube)</p>

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<p>ugh. If you only knew what setting a world record entails. All vanity, no substance. Ten minutes of waving a pocket flashlight about followed by anther hour or two of vapid speeches. Great PR move though.</p>

<p>Also, I think UK did something similar. Something of a trendy thing to do among the administrative class, I suspect.</p>

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<p>Oh, the sarcasm! Actually, it was quite entertaining to watch and the vapid speeches that followed had nothing to do with the world record attempt. Besides, for the freshmen who participated it was a fun, think-outside-the-box bonding opportunity.</p>