Vawter Hall is named for Charles Erastus Vawter Sr., a member of the board of visitors (1886-1900) and rector of the board for nine years. Vawter was an authority on industrial education and a successful superintendent of a school for orphans, leading the governor to request his help in reorganizing Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech). A member of the State Board of Education, he helped organize Virginia's public schools under the Constitution of 1902.

Rasche Hall memorializes William Henry "Bosco" Rasche, professor of mechanism and descriptive geometry from 1895 to 1951. Rasche was a cantankerous yet brilliant professor who enjoyed making mincemeat of sophomores. They, in turn, christened him "Bosco" after seeing a snake-eater of that name at a carnival. A student here who never graduated, he moved through the ranks to become head of the Department of Graphics and Mechanism. Two Bugle yearbooks were dedicated to the greatly respected teacher.

Pritchard Hall is named for Samuel Reynolds Pritchard Sr., who worked here from 1893 until 1928 as professor and head of physics and electrical engineering and dean of engineering. An extraordinary teacher and man of unusual ability, Pritchard created and developed the Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering and built a favorable reputation for the department. He was one of the most well known laymen of the Baltimore Methodist Conference and was noted for his innate goodness.

Irving Linwood Peddrew III (at top) and Charlie Lee Yates

Peddrew-Yates Hall honors Irving Linwood Peddrew III, the first black student to enroll in Virginia Tech (1952), and the late Charlie Lee Yates, the first black graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in 1957. After leaving at the end of his junior year, Peddrew worked in the aerospace and food industries and became a musician. Yates was a member of the board of visitors for one term and taught in two departments at his alma mater.

Payne Hall is named for Alfred Cook "Al" Payne, associate secretary of the YMCA from 1946 to 1949. He left Blacksburg but returned in 1958 to spend 23 years as YMCA secretary, assistant to Virginia Tech's dean of students, and counselor of religious affairs. A decorated World War II officer, Payne was a beloved spiritual advisor whose thought-provoking prayers were a staple at university events. He played an integral role in the integration of area schools.

O'Shaughnessy Hall is named for 1903 alumnus Louis O'Shaughnessy, who worked at his alma mater from 1918 to 1954 as a professor, head of applied mechanics, acting dean of engineering, and director of graduate studies. Renowned for his memory, O'Shaughnessy taught mathematics and engineering-related courses before becoming the first head of applied mechanics, which he built into a strong department. He served the Athletic Council for a quarter-century and spent years heading freshman orientation week.

In 1949, Monteith Hall was named for First Lieutenant Jimmie Waters Monteith Jr., who attended Virginia Tech for two years in the early 1940s. During World War II, he trained soldiers until he was shipped overseas. Part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, he landed on Omaha Beach in the first wave of attack, distinguishing himself in battle before he was killed. General Dwight D. Eisenhower recommended Monteith for the Medal of Honor.

Miles Hall was named in 1964 for 1901 alumnus Clarence Paul "Sally" Miles, who worked here from 1901 to 1950 as a chemistry instructor, instructor and professor of foreign languages, director of athletics, and dean of the college. A national leader in athletics, Miles helped organize the Southern Conference, introduced collegiate wrestling to the conference, and headed his school's Athletic Association. He was known as "Mr. VPI" for his numerous contributions to the college that became Virginia Tech.

Lee Hall was named for Claudius Lee, an 1896 alumnus whose affiliation with the Blacksburg college began in 1893 and ended in 1936. Hired to set up a physics laboratory, Lee took his pay in education. He became a professor of electrical engineering, superintendent of the Light Plant, and acting head of electrical engineering. He developed the college clock system, named The Bugle, and was an American Institute of Electrical Engineers Fellow and a Professional Engineer.