Dr. John A. Bertrand – Bachelor’s Degree, 1950

John A. Bertrand

Class of 1950

Dear Dr. Dugas:

It was July 1947 that I enrolled at S.L.I. (U.S.L.) along with hundreds of World War II veterans.  I was married with one child and my wife expecting another in October.  Thank God for the GI bill.  It was the only way that I could have gone to college.

I thank S.L.I. (U.S.L.) for its foresight in providing housing for married veterans on the campus.  We were like one big family living in “Vet Village.”  We even had a co-op store in the “Village”, which was most convenient since many of us had no cars.

The primary means of travel was by bicycle and there were many of those.  The college baseball team played its games across the street from “Vet Village”, thus providing a sport that all of us and our children could enjoy  of charge.  None of us had much money since the  GI substance was $120 per month.

When I went to S.L.I. (U.S.L.), I felt that I wanted to be an engineer.  All veterans took an aptitude test and were counseled.  It was here that I was counseled by an outstanding professor, Dr. Howard Turner, who recommended that I major in Education.  I took his advice which I have appreciated ever since.

The faculty in the College of Education was very small at that time.  Some of those that I remember well were Dr. J. B. Wooley, Dr. J. B. Aycock, Dr. Turner, Mr. G. Zernott, and, of course, Dean Doucet.  They were all professors who really cared for their students.  Outside of education, I was privileged to have one of the finest professors that I have ever known.  I took five history courses with him.  His name was Harry Delarue.

I served as president of Kappa Delta Pi while in college.  The highlight of my term was attendance at the national convention that was held at the Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, Indiana.  I was also inducted into Pi Gamma Mu and Blue Key.

It was during this time that the college began growing into the University that it is today.  The returning veterans swelled the enrollment to a record 3500!  When I graduated in 1950, there were some 700 graduates.  It was during this time also that an R.O.T.C. unit was formed.  It existed for several years and was disbanded.  It was also the time of the tenure of George “Gee” Mitchell as head football coach.  The team was the S.L.I. Bulldogs.  The mascot was a bulldog named “Gee.”

I have great memories of S.L.I.  I remember one occasion when I was walking along and saw President Joel Fletcher walking near me toward another building.  To my utter amazement and delight, he called me by my name and chatted for a few minutes.  I had no idea that he knew who I was.  I found out later that this was a special talent of his and that he could call many students by name.

I could go on and on but suffice it to say that I will always be grateful for my days at S.L.I. where people cared for you and were willing to assist you.  The key words were friendliness, helpfulness, and kindness on the road to learning.

Sincerely,

John A. Bertrand, Ph.D.