Campus Happenings: SBU One of Princeton Review's Greenest Schools

Citing a demonstrated commitment to environmentally sound practices and education, a new Princeton Review guide has named Stony Brook among the greenest colleges in the U.S.

The university "has a long history of green awareness," according to the guide.

Stony Brook was recognized for its LEED certified buildings, including the AERTC, which is one of only 25 LEED platinum buildings in the country and the first in New York State. The guide also acknowledged SBU's five-year sustainability plan and sustainability studies program as well as the creation of its environmental stewardship department in 2005 and the Sustainability Task Force in 2007.

"With this commitment, Stony Brook has established itself as a leader in social, economic, and technological efforts to advance sustainability, reduce energy use and minimize environmental impact,” said Barbara Chernow, vice president for facilities and services.

Stony Brook's "green map," showing buildings, transportation, programs and projects which are considered environmentally friendly, can be viewed online here.

Former University President John S. Toll Dies

John Sampson Toll, who served as the second president of Stony Brook from 1965 to 1978, died July 15 of natural causes in Bethesda, MD.

While Toll was president, Stony Brook grew from a college of 1,800 students and 240 faculty members to a college of 17,000 students and 1,250 faculty members. During his career, he also chaired advisory panels for NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment.

"I regret not having had the opportunity to meet John Toll in person,
but I say without hesitation he was one of the leaders in higher
education in the United States and was a transforming force for
several colleges and universities," said university president Samuel L. Stanley Jr. "His impact on Stony Brook cannot be underestimated; he truly set the University on a march towards excellence."

Toll is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughters Dacia and Caroline, and one grandson. A memorial event in his name is planned for Sept. 21 at the university convocation.