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Syracuse University World War II Collection

An inventory of the collection at the Syracuse University Archives

Summary

Creator: Syracuse University.
Title: Syracuse University World War II Collection
Dates: 1941-1950
Size: 6 boxes (2.25 linear feet)
Abstract: Materials related to activities at Syracuse University during and immediately after the Second World War
Language: English
Repository: University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Historical Note

World War II ushered in a new era of expansion at Syracuse University. While many colleges and universities faced major drops in admissions, Chancellor William Tolley actively made space for service members and those contributing directly to the war effort in order to preserve enrollment. Syracuse University hosted several educational programs, including the War Service College, the Cadet Nurse Corps, and the Army Specialized Training Program, which prepared both military and non-military students for jobs related to the war effort. In order to make room for the large influx of students, Syracuse University rushed to purchase real estate to house the service members, often displacing fraternity members, civilian students, and female students. Despite the challenges of such rapid expansion, there was little dissent amongst the student body.

After the war, the G.I. Bill encouraged veterans to pursue a college education in record numbers across the country, and Chancellor Tolley was committed to providing opportunities for veterans at Syracuse University. Veterans began enrolling in significant numbers immediately after the war. Although still a small university by national standards, Syracuse ranked first in New York State and 17th in the country in veteran enrollment. The resulting "G.I. Bulge" called for more housing and classrooms. Temporary buildings sprang up all around campus and surrounding areas. New academic programs were developed and social rules were changed.

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Scope and Content Note

The Syracuse University World War II Collection spans from 1941 to 1950 and includes materials related to the war effort and the following "G.I. Bulge" on campus. Materials include correspondence between architectural students and alumni and professors, class materials for war programs, service and veteran records and lists, and publications.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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Related Material

The University Archives holds clipping files as well as photographs in the Syracuse University Photograph Collection related to World War II and the impact of veterans on campus.

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Selected Search Terms

Names

Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

Veterans.
World War, 1939-1945.
Higher education.

Types of material

Correspondence.
Publications (documents)
Records (documents)

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Syracuse University World War II Collection,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

There is no record of how materials in the collection were acquired.

Processing Information

The collection was pulled from a larger collection, the Syracuse University World Wars and the Military Collection, which was broken up into smaller collections. Materials were rehoused in folders and boxes.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Nicole Wright
Date: 2019
Revision history: Aug 2023 - Box 6 added, bound volume of The Fledgling moved to Box 6 (SS)

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Arrangement

Folders are arranged alphabetically.

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Inventory

Collection
Box 1 Armed Service Program - area and language studies program 1943-1944
Army Air Forces College Training
Box 1 Aviation student regulations circa 1945
Box 1 C.T.D. 65 song circa 1943
Box 1 First year report 1943-1945
Box 1 The fledgling 1943-1944 (2 folders)
Box 6 The fledgling 1943-1944 Bound volume
Box 1 History course schedules 1943-1944
College of Applied Science
Box 1 Engineering, Science, and Management War Training - guides for teachers circa 1945
Box 1 Engineering, Science, and Management War Training Programs 1941-1944
Box 1 Honor roll 1944, 1946
Box 1 College of Liberal Arts - war emergency supplement 1942
Department of Architecture
Box 1 Air raid shelter scenarios 1940-1941
Box 1 Camouflage course 1943-1944
Correspondence
Box 1 Alumni and draftees 1941-1945
Box 2 Alumni and draftees 1941-1945
Box 2 Deferments 1941-1942
Box 2 Military appointments 1941
Box 2 Defense course 1941-1942
Box 2 Former students and recent alumni in armed forces 1944
Box 2 Educational exchange survey report 1949
G.I. Bill
Box 2 Veterans Rehabilitation Program 1944
Box 2 List of veterans in training 1946-1947 (3 folders)
Box 3 List of veterans in training 1947-1949 (3 folders)
Box 3 Graduate School Council on War Cooperation 1942
Box 3 News from Syracuse 1943-1944
Box 3 Onondaga Historical Association - correspondence - war service records 1944-1945
Box 3 School of Fine Arts - war records collected materials 1944
Service records of faculty
Box 3 A-f 1944
Box 3 G-s 1944
Box 4 T-z 1944
Box 4 Student correspondence 1944-1945
Box 4 U.S. Naval Reserve circular of information 1941-1942
U.S. Navy Pre-Flight School
Box 4 Athletic marking system 1944
Box 4 Physical fitness program circa 1944
Box 4 War record reports - Hendrick's Chapel Social Center 1943-1945
Box 4 War Records Committee 1943-1950
War Service College
Box 5 Bulletins 1943-1945
Box 5 Certificate of completion circa 1943
Box 5 Student materials circa 1943
Box 4 War service questionnaire - faculty and administration 1944

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