86 LIFE AND WORK OF DR. A. A. MURPHREE

the training of students. In 1918 the Student Army Train-
ing Corps was established at the University, with about 400
men in the battalion. During the summer of that year a voca-
tional training school was also established on the Florida cam-
pus. The purpose of this school was to train young men in
trades and vocations needed in warfare, such as motor me-
chanics, cooks, and the like.
 The summer of 1918 furnished no vacation for Dr. Mur-
phree, nor for scarcely any of the members of the University
faculty. The spirit of winning the war had seized every loyal
American. The University campus was turned into a camp.
A large searchlight placed on top of Peabody Hall flashed
here and there around the campus, throwing the dark places
suddenly into the light. Sentries were placed at all the gates
and before the dormitories, and no one could enter the grounds
after a certain hour without being challenged.
 It was during the following fall that the flu epidemic
broke out on the campus. The auditorium, which was then
on the upper floor of the Agricultural College, was turned
into a hospital and a number of the men were requisitioned
into hospital service.
 During this critical period in the life of the University,
and in fact, in the life of the very nation itself, the firm,
calm but energetic nature of Dr. Murphree asserted itself.
One who worked shoulder to shoulder with him in those try-
ing times has paid him this tribute:
 "I have seen the University president work until ex-
hausted during those days of the flu epidemic, and then come
back early the next morning to plunge into the exacting duties
again. He carried with him during such times of stress an
optimistic spirit, and his presence among men and women who
were trying to alleviate suffering or minister to the unfortu-
nate was an assurance that all his heart, mind and physical
power were at their disposal."
 During the period of the Student Army Training Corps
the personnel of the staff of officers under Col. Walker was
augmented to a score or more, and this number remained on
the campus during the vocational training days. Dr. Mur-
phree showed to the military staff a spirit of cooperation at
all times, and won from them frequent expressions of esteem.