After World War II, incoming students to North Central College included a number of returning war veterans, many of whom had experience as service radio technicians during the war. As a result of the hard work and efforts of eight student technicians, the campus radio club was born, using ham radio.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited North Central’s campus on Nov. 21, 1960, and presented a speech titled “Stride Toward Freedom” in Pfeiffer Hall during one of the College’s regular chapel services.

King was the most important voice of the American civil rights movement. He was famous for using nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice and never tired of trying to end segregation laws. In 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Born in Lewiston, Pa., Bill Shatzer ’42 moved to Mooseheart, Ill., following the death of his father. He enrolled at North Central College in 1938 and proceeded to excel in a variety of sports here at the College.

Shatzer lettered three times each in basketball and baseball and twice in track. However, he may be best remembered for his accomplishments in football.

Gael D. Swing succeeded Arlo Schilling in 1975 to become the eighth president of North Central College. Born in Indiana, Swing received a bachelor’s degree from Franklin College in 1954 and a master’s degree from Indiana University in 1963.

After 15 years of working in admission and development at Franklin College, he joined Washington University (St. Louis) as director of special program services in the development office. He came to North Central College as executive vice president in 1973 before being named president.