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Edward Conradi, President, FSCW

These years brought major changes to the Florida State College for Women: new buildings were erected, the faculty grew in number, and World War I loomed on the horizon.

Edward Conradi, President, FSCW Flastacowo 1932 (FSCW Yearbook)

In 1909, Dr. Edward Conradi was named president of the college. The college constructed an Administration Building in 1910, an Education Building in 1917, and two dormitories. The Education Building was the first structure built for the sole purpose of housing classes. The Administration Building (now the Westcott Building) replaced College Hall the original Seminary building, which stood on the present-day site of Westcott fountain. The Education Building is known today as Francis Eppes Hall. Reynolds and Broward halls, the two new dormitories, were named for Mrs. W.H. Reynolds, and former governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward.

With some difficulty, President Conradi managed to increase the number of faculty from 18 to 58. In 1911, Ella Scoble Opperman was hired as Director of the School of Music. Under her able leadership the school amending its "finishing school" curriculum evolved into a full Bachelor's program, and continued to improve. Opperman Music Hall is named in her honor.

Lt. Col. Americo Pio, Italian Army, singing Italian gondola song (Photo donated by member of Class of 1919) c1919

The school experienced a severe food shortage during WWI. Students learned how to preserve fruits and vegetables. Conradi, of recent German heritage, ignored any talk questioning his patriotism to the United States and remained focused on the well being of his students. This included making sure that the young ladies attending FSCW adhered to strict rules, both on campus and off. Night matrons patrolled dormitory halls and performed bed checks each night. Trips into town were permitted only once a week, and all off campus activities were stricltly chaperoned.

Source:

• Sellers, Robin, Ph.D. Femina Perfecta: The Genesis of Florida State University, Tallahassee: The Florida State University Foundation, 1995.