West Fairchild was opened in the fall of 1981 as the home of the International Studies Residential College (ISRC). Under its first master, Jock McLane of the Department of History, ISRC was founded to provide a living arrangement that offered a global perspective using language dining tables, the grouping of students with similar cultural interests in living suites, and a general atmosphere encouraging involvement with international affairs.
This structure was built in the early 1980's as a component of the $23 million South Campus project that included the construction of Jones Fine and Performing Arts Residential College, Public Affairs Residential College, 1835 Hinman, North and South Mid-Quads, and the refurbishment of McManus Living-Learning Center. Constructed at the cost of $2.2 million, West Fairchild houses approximately 107 students in eight-person suites. It was built as one of two Sherman Fairchild Residential College; neighboring East Fairchild is the home of the Communications Residential College. A $2 million gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation of Chevy Chase, Maryland, helped provide equipment and finance other expenses for the residential colleges.
Sherman Fairchild (1896-1971) was a pioneer in photography, aviation, and sound engineering. He founded Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation and Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation.
Click here to see a slideshow of historical ISRC images
