or 540 seconds). The participant must continue with his or her daily activities (i.e., going to classes, sports practices, theatre performances, etc.), assuming a normal outer appearance. Newman's public disapproval Newman strongly opposed the tradition, as he personally struggled with drinking. He called it "abhorrent" and "cruel." While Bates College and Princeton University began to establish the tradition on their campuses, Newman wrote letters to the universities' presidents denouncing the activities around the tradition. In April 2004, he took out a page in The Daily Princetonian, Princeton's college newspaper, to say that the quote was misattributed and to register his disapproval. During an interview with The New York Times, he stated that students at participating universities were free to do what they please, but they shouldn't use his name. He encouraged students to participate in "twenty-three hours of community service followed by a cold one." He sent a letter to the President of Bates College, Thomas Reynolds on April 20, 1987, in which he said: Dear Mr. Reynolds: I was surprised to learn that a day which was held in my honor was actually an excuse for drunkenness, disregard for property, disrespect for people, and deeds of questionable character. That the tradition of these activities has been wisely quashed by those in authority is indeed a relief. I would like to propose that Paul Newman Day be reinstated under somewhat different guidelines; i.e., a day in pursuit of athletic excellence with paid attendance. The proceeds to be returned to the community in ways of your own choosing. I would be grateful to learn if the students find any merit in this. Sincerely, Paul Newman P.S. My office address is: 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022Bates along with Princeton quickly disavowed any responsibility for the event, responding that Newman Day is not sponsored, endorsed, or encouraged by the universities and is solely an unofficial event among students. See also Bates College traditions Dartmouth College traditions References Further reading Newman's Own Letter to Bates President Reynolds on April 20, 1987. Cheng, Jonathan. 2004. "Film Legend Bothered by Use of Name in Stunt at Princeton." The New York Times. The Bates Student. 2017. "Newman's Own." The Bates Student. Letters of Note. 2010. "24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not." Letters of Note. Jessie Sawyer, Sarah Connell. 2012. "Bates College." College Prowler. Bates College Princeton University