Timeline Series 1940s With our upcoming Centennial in 2010, West Texas A&M University takes a look back at the past 98 years. In the months to come, we’ll bring you snippets of WTAMU history through accounts of the past and photos from days gone by. War and Post War Times America was faced with war in the early 1940s, and WT faculty and students answered the call. More than 50 WT students and one faculty member gave their lives in World War II. As others returned from war, they found the GI Bill waiting for them, offering unprecedented educational opportunities. As a result, WT found it difficult to accommodate all the returning vets, and even housing became an issue. The lack of housing in Canyon soon led to campus unrest as students led a strike, halting classes for several days in 1946. The Veteran’s Administration threatened to suspend payments to the strikers, and the situation subsided. The housing problem was further resolved with the addition of more than 30 surplus war buildings and 45 trailer houses being moved to campus. Other government buildings were reconditioned to serve the English department, speech-arts department and band. Conner Hall was opened, and a cafeteria (part of what is now the Old SUB) was constructed. Out of this decade came some notable moments. By 1948, WT saw a record high of 2,149 students and welcomed in a new president, James P. Cornette. The WT Foundation was formed and is still going strong today, helping students realize their dreams of a college education. More success came in the form of athletic achievements. The legendary WT men’s basketball teams during the ‘30s and ‘40s garnered national acclaim. Dubbed “The World’s Tallest Team,” the Buffaloes won two championships in 1940 and lost the National Intercollegiate Basketball Championship by just one point. In 1942, they played against Long Island University at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Despite losing by two points in overtime, the tall Texans captivated the media with their boots and cowboy hats. Things were looking up at the close of the decade as voters approved a property tax to pay for buildings at state colleges and the State Legislature approved salary increases and additional teaching positions. The next decade of WT students would greatly benefit from these appropriations. | 
