World War Two

Salute to soldiers (Yearbook 1942)

Patriotic dedication (Yearbook 1942)

Dedication to members of the class of 1943 fighting in World War II (Yearbook 1943)

As with colleges across the country, World War Two had a significant impact on the St. Francis College community. Prior to the US entry into World War Two, St. Francis College had 240 students enrolled. By 1944, when the War was at its peak, the number of students dropped to 45 (mostly members of the Franciscan order and those excempt from military service). 

The 1942 Franciscan reflects the concerns of the students amid escalating conflict in Europe. These concerns, however dark, are still tempered with a determination to make the most of their time at St. Francis and enjoy the college experience:

"The Class of ’43 returned for its Junior Year amid the threat of war, draft and enlistment problems. These more somber aspects could not darken the spirits and joviality of what is considered the best year of college life." (Yearbook 1942)

The Franciscan shows a recognition among the students that many more, if not all, of them will be enlisted to serve in the War at some point. The 1942 describes the students looking on this service with pride - a necessary duty to uphold democratic freedoms:

"The entire class is of military age and is willing to defend and protect this land of freedom. It has given many boys to the service in the past year and it will undoubtedly give many more in the coming year. This is to be expected. It is our way of earning the benefits that living in a democracy confers on us. We have always tried to do our part and we have always upheld our end. The Class of ’43 will be true to their duty, and whether we spend 1942 and 1943 in the service of our country or in the halls of St. Francis College, we will do all in our power to make our school and our country proud of us. So the Class of ’43 looks forward to doing its duty, proudly." (Yearbook 1942)

After the War, enrollment at St. Francis increased to 878 students. This was aided by the passage of the G.I. Bill which covered tuition fees for returning soldiers.