Peddrew-Yates Residence Hall
Peddrew-Yates was built in 1998 and is part of the Drillfield Community. The building houses approximately 215 residents, primarily freshmen students participating in the Residential Leadership Community theme housing program. The residence hall is a suite-style building with either two or three rooms sharing a common living room and bathroom.
Peddrew-Yates Residence Hall
Irving Linwood Peddrew III and Charlie Lee Yates
Irving Linwood Peddrew III
Irving Linwood Peddrew III (1935- ), was a student from 1953 to 1956. The Hampton, Va., native enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in 1953, becoming its first African-American student. Disillusioned by his experiences, he left after three years. He worked primarily in the aerospace and food industries and became a professional musician. His historic action in opening the doors to blacks at VPI helped ensure equal opportunities in higher education for all people.
Charlie Lee Yates
Charlie Lee Yates (1936-) was a student from 1954 to 1958, professor from 1979 to 1983 and from 1987 to 2000, and a member of the Board of Visitors from 1983 to 1987. A popular student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), Yates graduated with honors in 1958, becoming VPI's first African-American graduate. After earning his Ph.D., he returned twice to teach in separate engineering departments and served on the board of visitors in the interim. Described as brave and impressive, he is a pioneer in desegregating education and the workplace.
Address: Washington Street (Lower Quad) | Map Grid: M-6
Originally Built: 1998 | Abbreviation: PY