The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for the social sciences was dedicated in September 1983 to honor Nelson A. Rockefeller '30 who contributed his wisdom, energy, and resources to Dartmouth College and to the nation from the time of matriculation as a student in 1926 until his death in 1979.
While an undergraduate at Dartmouth, Rockefeller majors in economics, served as president of the Arts, and spent his senior year in independent study as one of the College's first Senior Fellows.Following his graduation in 1930, he devoted his talents to a wide range of charitable, business, and public concerns which culminated in his serve as a four-term Governor of New York, and his appointment as Vice President during the Ford Administration.
Throughout his life Nelson Rockefeller remained a loyal alumnus of Dartmouth, serving as a Trustee of the College, helping to create the College's Great issues course which focused on public policy issues. He also had an instrumental role in establishing the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts. He was one of only two individuals to be awarded two honorary degrees from Dartmouth College.
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Designed by Lo-Yi Chan '54 and dedicated in 1983, the Rockefeller Center provides space for classes, study, public presentations, and offices. Funds to build the Center were contributed by members of the Rockefeller family, friends and associates of Nelson Rockefeller, and friends and alumni of Dartmouth College.
The Rockefeller Center today is seen as a catalyst for teaching, research, and deliberation about public policy. Dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary perspective on policy-related topics, the center fosters a commitment to the ideals of public service and informed public debate exemplified by the man for which the Center is named. The Center endeavors to:
The Center pursues these objectives through a variety of programs, including administration of a Minor in Public Policy; financial support for student internships and research; grants for faculty research and conferences; interdisciplinary faculty seminars and lectures and group discussions with distinguished visiting scholars and policy makers.
