The David M. Darrin Fresh Water Institute (DFWI) Photo by Rensselaer/Trish Galvin

Rensselaer recently announced a gift of $1.5 million from benefactor Margaret A. Darrin of Hague and New York City to fund the creation of the David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Chair at the Darrin Fresh Water Institute on Lake George. The gift supports the $1.4 billion Renaissance at Rensselaer: The Campaign for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and will be matched with Institute funds to establish the senior-level research professorship.

The professorship is named in memory of Darrin’s husband, the late David M. Darrin ’40, whose vision for fresh water research and whose passion to preserve the fresh water environment and its related ecosystems drove his early investments in the Bolton Landing Field Station.

Recognized nationally and internationally as one of the premier fresh water research centers, the Darrin Fresh Water Institute, with its first endowed professorship, now will be able to pursue new lines of research and discovery.

“A critical global issue in the coming years will be management of our natural resources, including water. New York state appreciates the problem and has established the Hudson Rivers Estuaries Program to address the management of our fresh water systems,” said Robert Palazzo, acting provost at Rensselaer. “As a historic leader in fresh water management and issues related to environmental policy, the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at Bolton Landing has and will continue to contribute to the development and application of technology aimed at assuring preservation of our Adirondack natural habitat.

“As a result of the continued generosity and concern of the Darrin family, we have an opportunity to expand leadership in this important area of research. The new Darrin Chair will bring even greater prominence to the Darrin Fresh Water Institute by allowing the recruitment of an international leader to strengthen the already recognized research program. We are grateful to Mrs. Darrin for her continued support of the research and educational activities at Rensselaer.”

The senior chair will work closely with the faculty and staff already at the Darrin Fresh Water Institute. Together they will advance research and enhance the outreach to the greater Lake George community, as well as increase the involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in the study of fresh water. The holder of the Darrin Chair also will have an academic appointment as professor at Rensselaer and will participate in the educational and research programs of the university.

Chaired professorships are among the highest honors a university can bestow upon its faculty. They are internationally recognized scholars who provide leadership in advancing the state of knowledge and education.

Published September 18, 2006