Historical dates: 1970s

  • 1970: Dr. Leigh Gerdine became President of Webster College.
  • 1970: Due to mounting deficits, The Repertory Theatre closed in March.
  • 1971: The Repertory Theatre reopened as a separate not-for-profit organization in the fall.
  • 1972: The Danforth Foundation awarded Webster College a $1.4 million grant—$500,000 to cover the College‘s operating deficit for the year, $600,000 as a challenge grant to eliminate the College‘s short-term debt, and $300,000 as a challenge grant to assist with the ongoing and future development of the College.
  • 1973: The Master of Arts (M.A.) program was established. Modeled after the M.A.T. program, it was designed as an evening program to meet the needs of working professionals in management and human services.
  • 1974: At the invitation of the U.S. Department of Defense, Webster College offered its programs for the first time at a military location, Ft. Sheridan, north of Chicago.
  • 1975: A campus was established in downtown St. Louis to serve working adults.
  • 1975: The College became the home of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
  • 1978: In September, the first European campus opened in Geneva, Switzerland. Courses leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees were offered in English.
  • 1979: The College School was closed.