Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

U. South Carolina's new president wants students to pick his ride
By Brad Maxwell
The Daily Gamecock, U. South Carolina
August 15, 2008

USC President Harris Pastides gets a new car from the university, and he wants you to help him decide what to drive.

The university leases a car for each new USC president, and Pastides will be putting together a committee to determine a few choices from which the students can choose from. He said choices will be both fiscally reasonable and environmentally friendly.

"It will be an opportunity for students to learn there are a number of issues related to environmental efficiency," Pastides said.

Pastides, who has a strong interest in sustainability, said his passion for the environment stems from his early days when he focused on the environmental aspects of public health.

"I have a sincere respect for our planet and our environment," he said. "It's who I've always been in my life."

Pastides said he wants to make the university conscious of the environment and how people can sustain it "for our grandchildren and their grandchildren in our everyday practices."

Student Body President Andrew Gaeckle said he thinks Pastides will bring many resources to student government's environmental and sustainability initiatives.

"I think it's going to be an exciting time for people who are dedicated to the environment," he said.

Pastides said he wanted to connect with students through this learning experience.

"They would know that it's me when I drive by, it's a good bonding experience as well," he said.

Students have their chance to pick one of five choices for Pastides's new car at www.dailygamecock.com Polls open at Aug. 21 at midnight and close on Aug. 26 at 5 p.m.

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