University renamed its yearbook from The Uhlan (a German soldier) to The Beacon. The next year Valparaiso changed its athletic team name from the Uhlans to the Crusaders.
=== Golden Era ===
In 1940, O. P. Kretzmann became president of the university. During his 28 years in office, he marshaled significant changes, many of which remain in place. Valparaiso University bought about 90 acres (36 ha) of land in 1944 east of campus near the corner of Sturdy Road and US Highway 30. The large oak tree occupying this land was named "Merlin" and remains a central feature of the campus. This purchase would transform the campus, as the university moved to its current location over many years.
Kretzmann increased enrollment from 400 to more than 4,000. Academic rigor increased along with enrollment. Valparaiso created its Honor Code in 1943 and remains in place today, as students continue to write the code on top of assignments. After the Second World War, Valparaiso offered its first four-year degrees: mechanical, civil, …
