List of Northwestern University Residences - Residential Colleges - East Fairchild (Communications Residential College, CRC)

East Fairchild (Communications Residential College, CRC)

East Fairchild's focus is mass media, attracting students interested in film, television, radio and journalism. Informal lectures, known as firesides, presented throughout the year often feature noted journalists and filmmakers.

CRC was built in 1981 as part of the $23 million South Campus project, which included the construction of 1835 Hinman and other dorms. A $2 million gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation of Chevy Chase, Maryland, helped provide equipment and finance other expenses for the residential college. The dorm's equipment includes its own radio station, WXRU 640 AM, as well as two movie screening rooms.

In 1987, a beloved and talented CRC resident named Will Arnold died in his sleep due to an arrhythmia. Will had been the dorm's equipment chair, and a fundraiser was inaugurated in his honor, with half the proceeds going to the American Heart Association and half for CRC equipment and events. The fundraiser is called Radiothon. It spans 50 straight hours of student-run radio shows. Events include a date auction, drag show, and a goods auction, with items and gift certificates donated by area merchants. Another event is a show called "That's Stupid." Residents encourage their dormmates to charge a certain amount of money to perform a particular stunt or performance.