ECSE Professor and Mercer XLab Director, Shayla Sawyer '06, was honored with the David M. Darrin '40 Counseling Award during the 2023 RPI commencement. The David M. Darrin '40 Counseling Award was established based on the income from an endowment established in 1974 by the late David M. Darrin '40. It is awarded annually to a member of the faculty who has made unusual contributions in the counseling of students. Mr. Darrin, a long-time Institute benefactor and former trustee, was a Presidential Counselor. Nominations are by students and the recipient is chosen by Phalanx, the student honor society. David Darrin also provided endowments to support the Darrin Freshwater Institute (DFWI) which helps RPI with its conservation research at Lake George in the Adirondacks.
