1944 Campus Shaped by WWII

Soldiers and students sit on the steps of Parrish Hall

Soldiers and students sit on the steps of Parrish Hall.

In the War's early years, the College cooperated with civil defense, Red Cross and first-aid training, and other nonmilitary support services. It also moved to a year-round class schedule, which lasted for three years, to accelerate graduation for those who might be drafted. The College experienced further strain by the departure of a quarter of the faculty for war work.  

Beginning in July 1943, and for the next three years, the U.S. Navy's V-5 and V-12 programs brought more than 900 men to Swarthmore College. Most were on campus for a short time in programs that trained engineers, line officers, aviation candidates, and pre-medical and pre-theological students. In fall 1944, only 75 civilian men were on campus, joined by 250 Navy men and about 360 women.