Centennial Celebration

The Great Depression hit the school hard and students struggled to work their way through school. In 1936, Dean Allen was elected to the Supreme Court of Kansas. The democrat surprised everyone including then Chief Justice Rousseau A. Burch. As Dean Allen became Justice Allen, Justice Burch became Dean Burch in the "big switch." Dean Burch would leave after a year due to health reasons.

Dean Lester W. Feezer was hired in 1939 just as the law school moved once more to Boswell Hall, former home of the music school. By 1940, enrollment has increased to 120 students. In 1940, Dean Feezer resigned. His departure was attributed to health reasons, but it may have been due to the college's financial health rather than his own. James E. Price became dean in 1941. That year the school held the largest and most extensive special reunion in the history of Washburn. More than 400 graduates attended festivities, but threat of war loomed again on the horizon.