World War II and the Korean War had a profound impact on Syracuse University and its students. Thousands of male students were drafted and had to put their studies on hold in order to serve their country.
After World War II ended, SU became nationally known for its acceptance of young men under the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944-better known as the G.I. Bill. Then-Chancellor William Pearson Tolley made a promise that soldiers returning from war would have a place at SU. They took him up on the offer, and the ensuing "G.I. Bulge" years brought unique housing, curricular and social challenges to the University.
SU's L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) will look back to those years as it brings alumni from the Classes of 1940-54 back to campus, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, for a War Years Reunion. While the reunion is hosted by ECS, all University alumni from those years are invited to participate. A presentation on the war years by University archivists Ed Galvin and Mary O'Brien-which is open to the public-will be held Oct. 1 at 2 p.m., in SU's Maxwell Auditorium.
"The campus was a very busy place in those days with many serious and hard-working students. I think they felt they had some real catching up to do," says Brad Strait, professor and dean emeritus of the College of Engineering. "Attendees at this reunion will love seeing old friends and discussing names, places and things from long ago. They will recall names like Mitchell, Galbraith
and Faigle, places such as Slocum Heights, Collendale and Thompson Road and things like blue buses and pre-fabs. This should be a terrific reunion."
Registration and more information on the reunion are available from Reunion Coordinator Denise Hendee at (315) 443-4345 or dahendee@syr.edu.
Events on Sept. 30 include a guided tour of the Carrier Dome and a dinner reception at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center, featuring a special video presentation. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m.
On Oct. 1, a War Years Reunion Memorial Service will begin at 10 a.m. in Hendricks Chapel, featuring the University's ROTC color guard and a flyover by Syracuse's 174th Fighter Wing. During the service, Douglas D. Danforth Dean Eric F. Spina will give an update on the college. A group photo will be taken on the steps of Hendricks Chapel immediately following the service.
Saturday's events also include a luncheon on the Quad in front of Link Hall, at noon, and guided bus or walking tours of campus led by faculty emeriti and ECS students. For SU football fans, arrangements will be made to watch SU take on Florida State.
