After 35 years of service to DePaul University, Darryl Arrington is retiring, leaving a legacy grounded in compassion, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to students.
Arrington held many roles across his decades at DePaul, from his early work in Student Life and Enrollment Management to his most recent position in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity. Throughout, his focus remained the same: building an environment where every student could succeed.
“Our students are working, raising families, navigating health challenges or immigration status,” says Arrington. “There’s no such thing as a traditional student anymore. We have to honor this by building empathy into how our institution operates.”
He points to DePaul’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of his proudest moments. “We made hard decisions and worked tirelessly to care for students. That effort reflected who we are and what our mission calls us to be.”
Among his many milestones, Arrington fondly recalls the university’s first Student Convocation at Wintrust Arena. “Walking into a sea of blue, seeing faculty in regalia and the energy of our students—this was what a true university welcome should feel like.”
Throughout his career, Arrington led with mission. A Double Demon and a Mission Ambassador, he describes DePaul’s Vincentian identity as a guiding force. “It’s not just something we say, it’s how we make decisions, how we treat people. When we lead with empathy and do what must be done, we live the mission.”
Darryl Arrington helped support hundreds of students navigate challenges and succeed at DePaul University. (Jeff Carrion/DePaul University)He also helped champion inclusion and belonging through initiatives like the Student Success Summit, which brought together departments to collaborate more closely on student success. “Departments can’t solve problems in isolation,” he notes. “We need to include student voices, and partner with them to create the best experience.”
One of his most personal and meaningful moments came in his final year—handing his son a DePaul diploma at commencement. “That was a full circle,” he said. “To see my family and my DePaul family together, that was everything.”
Arrington also supported countless students behind the scenes, helping them overcome personal and academic challenges. “Sometimes we expect students to do all the heavy lifting, but they need someone to walk them through. I’ve been lucky to walk with students through some of their most difficult moments.”
Asked what advice he would leave for future leaders, he offers: “Incorporate empathy into your work. Do the right thing, not just the easiest. Students come here with a dream. It’s our job to help them reach it.”
While he plans to rest after retirement, Arrington is not finished contributing. He hopes to stay engaged through consulting, research, and mentoring. “I still have gas in the tank,” he says with a smile.
When asked what he’ll miss most, his answer is immediate. “The people. Colleagues who became friends and family. Students who inspired me. That’s what I’ll carry with me.”
As he prepares to begin his next chapter, Arrington shares a simple but heartfelt farewell: “Thanks for the memories, thanks for the camaraderie, thanks for the love.”