Alumnus gives Clarkson University region’s first hybrid Tahoe

Clarkson University President Tony Collins now has a greener ride thanks to the generosity of an alumnus who approves of the University’s plans for a more sustainable campus.

John M. Brilbeck of Naples, Fla., donated funds for the purchase of a 2009 hybrid Chevy Tahoe because he believes that Clarkson is taking the right step in “greening up” its campus. Brilbeck, who received his bachelor of science degree in industrial distribution in 1968, is the retired president of Southern Heat Exchanger Corporation.

“Clarkson engineers have always been leaders in energy conservation through technology,” said Brilbeck. “I have embraced this principal throughout my career. The opportunity to provide President Collins with a vehicle that is cutting-edge and efficient has allowed me to give back in a meaningful way.”

Frenchie’s Chevrolet in Massena, N.Y., located the hard-to-find vehicle, which is the region’s first hybrid Chevy Tahoe. Collins recently received the keys to the vehicle from Real “Frenchie” Coupal in a ceremony on campus. The black Tahoe was customized by Frenchie’s with pinstripes in Clarkson green and gold.

The Tahoe the second hybrid vehicle

for Clarkson, which is looking to add more hybrids to its fleet, as well as investigating electric vehicles for daily on-campus use.

This is one of the latest green initiatives for Clarkson University, which was recently rated 95 out of a possible 99 points in the Green Rating category of the 2009 Princeton Review Best 368 Colleges.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in six alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.