October’s University RideShare Transportation Champion is. Lou Robinson, Transcript Coordinator, in the Registrar’s Office. Lou Robinson, Transcript Coordinator, in the Registrar’s Office, grasped the importance of carpooling many years ago when he was the RideShare Coordinator at Atlanta Metropolitan College. For him, “It is a wonderful way to meet and get to know your fellow co-workers on campus.” Upon arriving here at Clayton State just a few months ago, Robinson was: “proactive”, and asked Joan Murphy, Public Safety’s University RideShare Coordinator, if she knew of anyone who lived in the Newnan area. She mentioned a few employees who lived in the area and one of the matches was Cindy Lauer. He walked over to her office and introduced himself and asked if she was interested in carpooling. At the Mini Transportation Fair in September, he spoke with The Clean Air Campaign and 1-87-Ridefind to find out more information about the Cash For Commuters and the Commuter Rewards, where a three-person carpool can get $20. For new Carpoolers, they can apply for the Cash for Commuters to receive $3 a day for up to 180 days. Cindy had been having conversations with Leigh Duncan about carpooling so they began discussing the possibilities by e-mail. We congratulate him for his tenacity. Robinson’s carpool began shortly afterward and because he lives in Newnan, Georgia, his total trip time is 68 miles, this is saving him and the other carpoolers quite a bit of money. Robinson asserts that for him, the process “was not difficult at all, it just took a minimal effort and a little patience.” The weekly carpool has extended many benefits to Mr. Robinson. In addition to saving around “$180.00 per month [September gas prices],” he insists that the “companionship with two new friends is a big advantage.” He also attributes his peace of mind concerning car maintenance and repair to the fact that he is able to allow his vehicle a chance to have a break. Mr. Robinson’s carpool group rotates from week to week and they “make adjustments” whenever necessary. Consequently, Mr. Robinson is very enthusiastic about the program and his eagerness to continue with his environmental preservation strategies extends as far as desiring to “find three more riders and qualify to get a vanpool from Newnan.” We applaud Mr. Robinson’s efforts and his concerns for our environment. He carpools to Clayton State University five days a week. Because of his efforts to start a three-person carpool, we award him the University RideShare Transportation Champion Award.