Looking Forward

The 1930s were a time of great turmoil for Americans. Although the effects of the Great Depression were delayed for most American universities, there was still a pressing need to get creative in regard to finances. While St. Edward's was cutting the salaries of paid faculty members, they simultaneously continued investing in their sports programs. Not only did this provide an escape for students and alumni alike, but it also gave the university an opportunity to make money.

Creativity at the hands of the university, such as expanding academic offerings or diverting focus to sports, combatted the occasional situation of an inability to pay tuition. Even though money was tight, St. Edward's worked with parents who couldn't pay their tuition payments on time. 

The compassion of the university, coupled with its resourcefulness and implementation of escapism-fueled sports programs, allowed the university to not only weather the Great Depression, but also to do quite well for itself. Not only was it difficult being a Catholic University in a largely Protestant section of the country, but St. Edward's also dealt with the challenge of being a private university, which kept them from receiving state funding. Against nearly all odds, our colloquial “St. Ed's” came out of the Great Depression stronger than before it started: enrollment increased, new majors and schools of study were opened, and new buildings were built.

Moving forward, St. Edward's University would continue to expand and adapt to their student's needs. With the onset of the United States' involvement in World War II in 1941, the university would shift its focus to becoming a military academy. St. Edward's ability to “Take On Their World”—to adapt to their ever-changing economic, social, and political surroundings—is why the university still exists today.