Carnegie Mellon has named its “green” first-year residence hall in honor of H. Guyford Stever, the university's fifth president. At the school's 1967 commencement, it was Stever who announced the formation of Carnegie Mellon University as a result of a merger between the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Research.

Some 41 years later, Carnegie Mellon President Jared Cohon told the Class of 2008 that New House, the nation's first "green" dormitory, would become Stever House.

"Carnegie Mellon and the nation owe President Stever an enormous debt of gratitude," Cohon said, referencing Stever's accomplishments in both science and academics. "President Stever oversaw the complex transition to Carnegie Mellon University with his characteristic thoughtfulness and effectiveness, setting the stage for the university's growth and achievement ever since."

Stever also led the creation of the Department (now School) of Computer Science and the School of Urban and Public Affairs (now the H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management), two programs significant to Carnegie Mellon's core.

Stever House is notable for being the first dormitory in the nation to be certified for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED from the U.S. Green Building Council). It has a "silver" LEED designation because of its low environmental impact in both construction and function.

"It is fitting to associate Dad's service with a living experience such as Stever House," Stever's son, Roy said. The relationship is twofold, Roy Stever explained; his father is passionate about environmental change, and he is enthusiastic about the university's success in community-oriented dorms like Stever House.

"The late 1960s and early 1970s were not comfortable times for college presidents, nor faculty and students," Roy Stever continued. "The commitment to listen to all voices has clearly flourished at Carnegie Mellon over the years."

"The naming of Stever House came as a huge surprise to me and my family. It is a tremendous honor and something we are all very proud to be a part of," said Kasey Stever, who accepted the honor on behalf of her grandfather and their family during commencement on May 18. A member of Carnegie Mellon's Class of 2008, Kasey Stever earned an industrial design degree.

6/6/2008