΄σΟσ΄«Γ½

Professor's green efforts highlighted in magazine

Back to All Stories

As the chairperson of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½β€™s Environmental Council, associate professor of Russian Ian Helfant tries to practice what he preaches.
Some of the β€œgreen” changes Helfant has made to his mid-1970s home include a wood pellet stove, a compost pail in the kitchen, and a water heater that’s β€œso heavily insulated it looks more like a Thermos bottle than an appliance.”


Helfant’s efforts to make his house more sustainable were recently featured in The Post-Standard’s (Syracuse) β€œGreen Central New York” guide. A photo of him also appeared on the cover of the magazine.
β€œEven if it turns out our worst fears (about global warming) are totally unfounded,” he told the paper, β€œthis is still very worthwhile.”
The changes appear to be paying off; his monthly electricity bill has been reduced by about 30 percent to $70.
Inna Peshkova ’12, the first person in her family to attend college, also made headlines this week.
Syracuse television station WSYR-TV (ABC) featured Peshkova in a story about the increasing number of first-generation students who are applying to colleges across the country, including ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½.
In the last year, the number of first-generation applicants to ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ increased by 22 percent.
Senior associate dean of admission Karen Giannino told WSYR-TV that students like Peshkova tend to have characteristics ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ seeks in its students.
β€œThey’re hardworking. They don’t take opportunities for granted,” explained Giannino.
For more coverage of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ in the News, click .