West Fairchild was opened in the fall of 1981 as the home of the International Studies Residential College (ISRC). ISRC was founded to provide a living arrangement that offered a global perspective using language dining tables, the grouping of students with similar cultural interests in living suites, and a general atmosphere encouraging involvement with international affairs. This structure was built in the early 1980s. Constructed at the cost of $2.2 million, West Fairchild houses approximately 107 students in eight-person suites. It was built as one of two Sherman Fairchild Residential Colleges; neighboring East Fairchild is the home of the Communications Residential College. A $2 million gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation helped provide equipment and finance other expenses for the residential colleges. Sherman Fairchild was a pioneer in photography, aviation, and sound engineering. He founded Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation and Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation.