East Village buildings honor alumni

The university opened the new 238,715-square-foot East Village Residential Community to its first students this fall. The twin residential facilities each house a thriving living-learning community of students and faculty and were named by a committee of faculty, staff and students to reflect the academic interests of their occupants and honor alumni who have excelled in these fields.

• Gordon Teal Residential College, the north building, houses engineering and computer science students.

A member of the Inventors Hall of Fame, Gordon Teal (1907-2003) graduated from Baylor in 1927 with a degree in math and chemistry. While working at Texas Instruments he was instrumental in developing the first silicon transistor -- an invention that revolutionized the electronics industry. Teal later became the first director of the National Bureau of Standards Institute for Materials Research in Washington, D.C.

• Hallie Earle Hall, the south building, houses the Science and Health Living- Learning Community.

After earning her bachelor's degree from Baylor in 1901 and one year later her master's degree, Dr. Hallie Earle (1880-1963) became the first female graduate of Baylor Medical School in Dallas. She later served as the first licensed female physician in McLennan County history. When she eventually retired in 1948, Dr. Earle was still the only female physician in Waco. In 1996, the Texas Historical Commission placed a marker on her grave in Oakwood Cemetery commemorating her accomplishments in the community.

"With the endorsement of their surviving family members and the approval of the Board of Regents, we are excited for the future of Gordon Teal Residential College and Hallie Earle Hall, which is engaging a new generation of students in living, learning, leadership and life-changing service while carrying on the bold commitment to excellence, which has always been a hallmark of Baylor," said Dr. Kevin Jackson, vice president for student life.