Danforth University Center

Central to the community of Washington University, the Danforth University Center (DUC) sits in the center of the Danforth Campus offering areas to “find your center.” 

The DUC is supported and managed by Campus Life staff and is an integral component to their vision of empowering students to become better people, making better communities.

Building history

Named in honor of Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth and the late Elizabeth (“Ibby”) Gray Danforth, the DUC is a hub of student and faculty involvement, dining and relaxation. Learn more about Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth.

The three-story building was constructed entirely in the collegiate Gothic style by architecture firm Tsoi/Kobus & Associates.

The building was dedicated on April 17, 2009 and has been a central gathering place on campus ever since.

A social center

Social spaces are available for groups to convene and interact in an inviting, dynamic location in the heart of the campus. A Fun Room has been codesigned by students and Communication Arts, Inc. featuring garage doors that can be raised or lowered, modular furniture, chalkboard walls and high-tech audiovisual equipment.

“Ibby would be very pleased by having her name attached to this wonderful center,” said Dr. William H. Danforth. “I have countless warm memories of our years together at Washington University. She would see the new Danforth University Center as a special place where students can gather with their friends and classmates for activities and talks, for learning and for growing.”

Sustainability

The Danforth University Center is a green structure that is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-NC Gold certified, in accordance with standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED system awards points to the building based on a 100-point scale, and points are weighted to reflect their potential environmental impacts. Gold is the second-highest certification level achievable.

The DUC has improved water and energy use efficiencies exceeding state and federal codes. The building’s construction included the use of many recycled products and materials, and about 75 percent of the construction waste was recycled.

Learn more about LEED certification and green buildings at WashU on the Office of Sustainability’s website.

Services & centers

DUC Donors