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Women's League, 1936In 1921, a group of faculty women and wives at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota joined together to form a club devoted to both social activities and to raising money for students in financial need. In the almost seventy years that followed, the Concordia Women’s League formed successful student loan and scholarship funds, contributed to several worthwhile campus projects, and developed a long-lasting legacy.

When the United States decided to forego their neutrality to the first World War in 1917, thousands of American men were drafted into the armed forces.  Although women were unable to enlist, their services were required and appreciated in Red Cross work either as nurses or as citizen volunteers simply rolling and packing bandages.  Women of Concordia College were quick to participate in the Moorhead chapter of the Red Cross by rolling bandages and knitting sweaters, mittens, caps, and scarves.    

In the midst of World War II Concordia College adapted to wartime restrictions and decreasing enrollment.  Due to the military draft the number of male students enrolled dropped, while the number of females attending the college increased dramatically.  Accordingly, Concordia established programs and courses that allowed and encouraged women to contribute to the war effort.