Darrin Communications Center (DCC)

Introduction

Darrin Communication Center (DCC) was named after David M. Darrin ‘40, who was a honorary degree recipient at RPI and naval aviator during World War II. Darrin, who was a long standing trustee, was honored with the DCC namesake in 1987, 4 years after his passing. Today, it serves as a hub on campus, housing the largest lecture halls on campus and serving as the main classrooms for freshman level introductory classes. It is also home to the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) and the DCC Cafe.

Appearance

The DCC sits in the center of campus, befitting in its role of a principle building for student education. The DCC was built to be one of a kind, and a technological advancement, featuring large 550 people lecture halls and television studio classrooms. Situated across from the Russel Sage Dining Hall and Jonsson Engineering Center, the DCC sports a modern exterior, with angular brick features and large open windows looking into the main hallways.

History

Compared to many other buildings on campus, the DCC is a modern build, meant to support and represent RPI’s charge into the modern, more digital era. In 1962 a competition was held in order to determine the build for the building, which was finally decided in 1963. From there, the building experienced many difficulties on the road to completion. The original site was proposed to be where the current Cogswell Laboratory is situated, but was vetoed and moved to a more central location close to ‘86 field. The project was again postponed to 1968 due to lack of federal funding and architectural issues. In 1970, grants were finally acquired, and the $6.2 million building was underway. Completion was scheduled for 1972 but delayed a year due to field conditions and design issues. In 1973 the build was complete and ready for student use, and then named the Darrin Communication Center in 1987 after David M. Darrin, a trustee and graduate of the school.

Current Status

Currently, the DCC is used for larger classes, with the 300 level lecture halls able to accommodate large amounts of student and provide opportunities for demonstrations in chemistry and physics. DCC 330 was built in a semi circle configuration allowing for a more open discussion platform. Smaller classrooms on the 200 level allow for a more intimate setting for professors to hold office hours or review sessions. The CCPD, housed in the bottom level give students the opportunity to prepare themselves for industry and sponsor many important events like resume workshops and career fairs. The DCC serves as an integral part of campus life.

Resources

[1]“David M. Darrin.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 11 June 1983, www.nytimes.com/1983/06/11/obituaries/david-m-darrin.html#:~:text=David%20M.%20Darrin,%20senior%20vice%20president%20and%20treasurer%20of%20the.

[2]“Home.” Darrin Communication Center, archives.rpi.edu/institute-history/building-histories/darrin-communication-center#:~:text=Darrin%20Communication%20Center.%20An%20architectural%20competition%20for%20an%20Instructional%20Communications. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024. [3]“Home.” David M. Darrin, archives.rpi.edu/institute-history/david-m-darrin#:~:text=David%20M.%20Darrin%20was%20a%20and%20Honorary%20Degree%20Recipient%20at. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024. [4]“About David M. Darrin.” ReconRally, 9 Apr. 2012, reconrally.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/about-david-m-darrin/#:~:text=David%20M.%20Darrin%20was%20born%20in%201917%20and%20became%20a.