The UW Alumni Association (UWAA) is reaching out to Husky fans, students and alumni through a video contest, "Pride in 5," on YouTube. They're asking everyone with Husky pride to make a five second video to upload to UWAA's YouTube page utilizing their creativity, humor and spirit.

"The YouTube medium has taken off, and promoting Husky pride through personal videos is a great way to make our presence felt with students and young alums who grasp this technology," said Michelle Huynh, marketing coordinator at the UWAA.

Each entry will be judged by UW alumni celebrities: comedian John Keister, Amy Clancy and Michelle Millman of KIRO 7, and Susan West of FOX 13. They will select the top three videos for cash prizes.

First place will receive $300 cash, second will win $200 and third will take home $100. The top 10 will be shown on the Huskytron during the Oct. 27 Homecoming game against Arizona, and at the Homecoming rally.

"Pride in 5" videos can be created on digital video cameras, digital cameras, computer cameras, or on your cell phone. Students without access to equipment can rent video cameras, microphones and laptops with editing software from the Student Technology Fee office, but you must register online ahead of time on their Web site: css.washington.edu/STFEquipment.

To submit a video, each participant must create a YouTube account, join the UWAA's YouTube group "Pride in 5" and add the video to the group.

Video entries can be created in any format that is accepted on YouTube. It must be under five seconds or it will be disqualified. A video detailing the guidelines and rules can be found at uwalum.com.

"To be able to comment about the UW on a video is something that has never been done, and by doing this we are looking for the next way UW can harness this technology," said Suzanne Mercier, the associate director of events and programming at UWAA.

Mercier first learned the impact YouTube can have when the UWAA uploaded a video of Brandon Roy signing a big check to join the Alumni Association.

"Whenever someone searches for Brandon Roy on YouTube, our video is the first thing that comes up," Mercier said.

Winners will be announced during the Homecoming rally. The deadline for submitting a video is Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.washington.edu/alumni.

[Reach reporter Shanelle Smith at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]