Each year at Commencement, the graduating class presents the university with a unique and spirited gift. This year, members of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Class of 2014 have raised funds to install benches in the Darrin Communications Center (DCC) Great Hall.

“Traditionally, each class donates a gift to improve campus life for years to come,” said Class President Michelle Lamberta. “Every day, students can be found lining the DCC Great Hall area. By installing benches, we hope to transform the space into an area for students to relax before and after class as well as a desirable location to study.”  

Thus far, 191 members of the Class of 2014 raised more than $7,270 to support the project. In addition, 47 students became Patroons of Rensselaer with their gifts of $100 or more. The Class of 2014 Council is matching funds dollar for dollar up to $10,000. The matching initiative will allow for a second bench to be built.

Past gifts have included: the development of a sandstone seating area, new building and directional signage, and landscaping improvements in front of ’87 Gym; the creation of a “green roof” on the Rensselaer Union Bookstore; a clock in Hassan Quad; the stone Rensselaer sign at the corner of Sage Avenue and 15th Street; and a lounge space in the Game Room area of the Rensselaer Union, among others.