In 1917 St. Dunstan's officially became a university by an act of the Prince Edward Island Legislature. However, it chose to delay the granting of its own degrees until 1941 when the staff was properly prepared and suitable scientific laboratories were available. Arts degrees were conferred first and science degrees came on stream in 1944. Business administration or Commerce degrees eventually followed. In 1942 University became a co-educational institution with women being accepted as students. Prior to that, however, a few Sisters of Saint Martha had been full-time students there. Post-war construction included Memorial Hall, built in 1946, and a new dining hall-chapel-convent complex, as well as the Alumni Gymnasium in 1 950. Over the next two decades a whole spread of new buildings appeared on campus: rink, Marian Hall and Bernadine Hall, the Duffy Science Building and the Kelley Memorial Library . Athletics became a part of St. Dunstan's from the beginning. In later years it was football, basketball and hockey that put the university on the sports map with great competitions with outside teams. Beginning in the late 1930s debating with outside universities became common, with St. Dunstan's several times winning championship trophies, even national ones. In the 1880s St. Dunstan's came up with its cherished motto which in English reads "From the same source faith and knowledge". It remained faithful to that motto in the college/university as well as in its excellent high school with much good knowledge, tempered by a faith often tested by fire. The bishops and priests were always a deep inspiration to the success of old St. Dunstan's . The students, their parents and loyal supporters were a steady and stalwart force as well. But much credit also has to Maritime 2t)tcrco\lspiaU J /7 go to a long list of dedicated religious sisters who through their efficient domestic services contributed immensely to the running and dignity of the institution. These sisters were: Daughters of Jesus, Sisters of the Holy Family and our own Sisters of Saint Martha. Some of the Martha Sisters also served as teachers there. In 1954 the university's centennial year was fittingly celebrated, culminating in August with a gala three-day commemoration of the first hundred years of the "college on the hill". Present was one of St. Dunstan's most illustrious graduates, Cardinal McGuigan, Archbishop of Toronto . Many other dignitaries and great numbers of people graced the occasion to acclaim the accomplishments of old St. Dunstan's . In 1969 University ceased to operate. A major shortfall in government funding, especially after Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown was raised to the status of a university in 1967, was a principal cause. In St. Dunstan's final year nearly 1,100 students were enrolled and its last graduating class of 1 75 was the largest in its 11 5-year history. The campus was sold to the provincial government in 1969 and the same year it became the site of the newly established University of Prince Edward Island . Educational Institutions ♦ 17