As referenced in Histories of Students of Color at OSU, though Black students were forbidden to live on campus at the time, Carrie Halsell became Oregon State University’s first Black graduate in 1926. Carrie continued to break barriers as she attained her Masters and continued her work at higher education institutions, working in various departments from teaching to admissions.

In 2002, as an honor of her immense courage, strength, and excellence, Oregon State University named a residence hall, Halsell Hall, in her honor, as she exemplified what it meant to overcome barriers for an education and additionally created opportunities for others to do the same. Halsell Hall is currently the only gender-inclusive living space on campus.