1930s: Perseverance Through Adversity
Science Forum at Mundelein College, 1939
Even though the Great Depression was causing great struggle all over the world and another war was brewing in Europe, perseverance could be seen on both Loyola’s campuses and in Chicago as a whole. In spite of financial struggles, the university continued to expand the Lake Shore campus. First, the Elizabeth M. Cudahy Memorial Library was built, and later in the decade, Father James Mertz, S.J.’s long-time dream was realized when construction began on the Madonna della Strada Chapel. The beginning of the decade also saw the opening of Mundelein College. In its first years, Mundelein created an atmosphere that encouraged a varied and well-rounded education for women. The students of both campuses took part in a variety of educational and civic activities that involved them in the growing and changing city around them. This marked the beginning of a community between the two colleges that would last for 60 years. At this same time, Chicago showed its resilience by hosting another World’s Fair and opening many of the museums and attractions that still bring people to the city today.
*Mundelein College, founded and operated by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), provided education to women from 1930 until 1991, when it affiliated with Loyola University Chicago.
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