Linus Carl Pauling (1901-1994) graduated from Oregon Agricultural College in 1922 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. A giant of twentieth century science and a peace activist of international consequence, Pauling is Oregon State's most famous alumnus. He remains history's only recipient of two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry, 1954; Peace, 1962).
The building was originally built as Snell Hall, a women's dorm. It later became Extension Hall around 1958. Today it is known as Ballard Extension Hall.