David Haviland '64 attended Rensselaer to pursue his interest in architecture. He ended up building a career and a living legacy at his alma mater.
While earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture at Rensselaer, David found his courses fascinating, the faculty exemplary, and the research cutting-edge. Outside of the classroom, he developed his leadership skills as a Sigma Alpha Epsilon officer, student union executive board member, and sports team manager. As a student at Rensselaer, Dave recalls a sense of empowerment in his academic and social pursuits.
After graduation, Dave devoted his career to the students of Rensselaer, serving in many capacities, including professor and dean of architecture, vice president for student life and vice president for advancement. As a faculty member, Dave's greatest pleasure was interacting with the high-caliber students who are characteristic of Rensselaer. "The mission of Rensselaer—to apply science to the common purposes of life—has never changed, and the Institute attracts students with a strong impulse to take on this mission," he says.
After settling in Troy, David met his wife, Katie, who was a math teacher at Emma Willard School. For years, Katie has been active in the Women's Club of Rensselaer, focusing her energy on encouraging members to participate in community service activities. Today, Dave and Katie are retired and enjoy volunteering for nonprofit organizations and spending time with their children, Wally and Kelly, and four grandsons. Dave also continues to contribute to Rensselaer as a board member of the Rensselaer Alumni Association.
Deeply committed to furthering the education of young people, David and Katie have been longtime contributors to Rensselaer's annual fund and recently endowed a student scholarship. "The university invested in me when I was a student," Dave says. "Now we have the resources to do the same for others." Dave and Katie will significantly increase the size of their scholarship by making a gift through their estate.
Dave and Katie have met the first recipient of their scholarship and find it exciting to see the positive results of their gift. They know that their legacy will help build future generations of Rensselaer students who can make the world a better place.
Get Involved
Rensselaer students and graduates have been applying science to the common purposes of life since 1824. You can partner with us by making a gift to Rensselaer through your will or retirement plan. This will not cost you anything in your lifetime and it is revocable if your circumstances change. Please contact Art Tracy, Director of Gift Planning, at (518) 276-2561 or tracya@rpi.edu for details, or visit our website.
