Occidental's first coeducational residence hall, originally accommodating ninety three men and sixty-two women, was erected in 1966 in honor of Eileen Norris (Mrs. Kenneth T.) in recognition of the gifts from her and her husband.

Eileen Lunsford Norris was born in 1902 in Rogers, Arkansas, and with her family moved at an early age to San Angelo, Texas, followed by residence in Seattle, Washington, and then in 1919 the family settled in Los Angeles. In 1923 she married Kenneth T. Norris, who in time became founder and chairman of the board of Norris Thermador Corporation. She and her husband had one child, Kenneth T. Norris, Jr., and two grandsons, Bradley and Dale.

Mrs. Norris, who lived in San Marino, was a charter member of the San Marino Guild of the Huntington Hospital. She was also a member of the Pasadena Guild of the Children's Hospital, the Opera Guild of Southern California, and the Pasadena Symphony Association. Gardening was a hobby. With her husband, who was an Occidental trustee from 1951 until his death in 1972, Eileen Norris became an enthusiastic supporter of Occidental College. Their generous contribution made possible constriction of Norris Hall of Science (now known as Norris Hall of Chemistry) in 1960.

Mrs. Norris died in 1988.

By Jean Paule