John Angilello, center left, says a few words before presenting the keys to Shaw University President Dr. Gaddis Faulcon, center right.
Leith Toyota handed off a 2015 Prius Liftback to Shaw University on September 8 during a presentation right here in our showroom. On hand was University President Dr. Gaddis Faulcon, Athletics Director Marcus Clarke, and Alva Mason, Toyota Motor Sales’ National Manager for African American Business Strategy.
Also present was a camera crew from ABC 11 Eyewitness News, and later on WRAL, so we had quite a busy morning. Raleigh citizens woke up to the sound of rain, which was still coming down during the presentation before lunch. Undeterred by the showers, we parked the Prius inside and had plenty of space for the ceremony. As our General Sales Manager John Angilello presented the keys to University President Faulcon, it felt right.
From left: John Angilello, Alva Mason, Dr. Gaddis Faulcon and Marcus Clarke.
The idea comes from Toyota’s Green Initiative, a program designed to get people interested in and knowledgeable about sustainable living and eco-conscious decisions. Hybrid vehicles like the Prius Liftback are just a symbol of an entire lifestyle that protects the earth’s resources. Shaw University’s specially decorated Prius will serve as a conversation starter to students and faculty about what it means to be good stewards of the planet we share.
In particular, TGI is focused on working with historically black colleges and universities. Twenty-two of these partner schools will receive a Toyota vehicle for two years of university use. The Prius Liftback could be used travelling to and from athletic competitions, service opportunities, helping students and faculty to engage in university life and other ideas that we haven’t even thought of yet.
We were glad to see representatives from Toyota, Shaw University and Leith Toyota all mixing together for this partnership. Alva Mason, Dr. Faulcon and John Angilello each shared a few words about the importance of today, and then posed for pictures afterward.
It was interesting to see ABC 11 in action, interviewing Dr. Faulcon and Ms. Mason in front of the Prius, and helping them to feel comfortable under the camera’s lens. We could tell that their producer was a pro and was quite talented at asking questions. Afterward the cameraman got the still shots of the Prius Liftback he would need, and that was that.
It’s not every day that we have a newsworthy event happening under our very roof, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how everything turned out. We hope that the values of sustainable living will be spread further by Shaw University and we look forward to helping.
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