As we’ve seen over these past few weeks, global events impact our lives as individuals, and us as a community at Western New England. But we’ve weathered these disruptions before, and we will this time, too.

Back almost 80 years ago, World War II had a huge impact on Western New England, and all colleges and universities across the nation. It was especially hard on college populations because of draft laws. Able bodied young men were forced out of the classroom and into service, leaving campuses empty and enrollment hit hard.

Check out the article below about the impact the war had on the community, and also on enrollment numbers.

But as the article says, “We and fighting back, AND HOW!” Our mission and community is stronger than anything the world can throw at us!

If you’re looking for something entertaining while stuck at home, or miss campus, take a look at some of the University’s digital archives here.

While we have tons of archival material available in our digital collections already (have you checked it out yet? You can find it here!), there is always more to be added. It would take a life time, or at least a career, for one person to digitize and make available the entirety of the University Archives, so for now, we are chipping away.

Our newest project is going to make Western New England’s School of Law yearbooks, LYTAE, available online. Until 1978, law graduates were included in the school’s all encompassing yearbook, The Cupola. When the Law School was officially accredited, they created their own yearbook, and The Cupola began to feature only undergraduate life.

Check out some of the great images below, taken from the 1978 copy of LYTAE, and see what life used to be like as a law student at Western New England in the 1970s!

We’ll be sure to announce when all of the yearbooks are up and available for viewing.