1941

Navy ROTC unit established at RPI.

1943

Livingston W. Houston is appointed president.
V-5 and V-12 Naval training programs are established on campus.
Curriculum accelerated to 2 2/3 years with three, sixteen week semesters per year.  Curtiss-Wright Cadette training program held at R.P.I.

1946

Lois Graham and Mary Ellen Rathbun are the first women to earn a Rensselaer degree. GI Bill triples student enrollment.

Post-war housing accommodates married students and expands the Rensselaer campus.

1949

Houston Field House is completed.