Core Viewpoint The article discusses the establishment and development of the Southwest Associated University (西南联合大学) during the Second Sino-Japanese War, highlighting its contributions to education and the war effort, particularly through its engineering programs. Group 1: Establishment and Infrastructure - The Southwest Associated University initially rented various locations for its campus before acquiring 124 acres of land in Kunming for a new campus in July 1938, with the new buildings completed by April 1939 [1][4]. - The new campus featured classrooms with iron roofs and mud walls, reflecting the challenging conditions faced by the university during wartime [1][4]. - The university's design was led by renowned architects Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, but financial constraints forced multiple revisions of their plans [2]. Group 2: Academic Structure and Programs - The university comprised five colleges and 26 departments, making it one of the largest higher education institutions in China at the time [8]. - The engineering college was primarily formed from the original faculty of Tsinghua University's engineering department, maintaining its structure and offering various engineering disciplines [4][6]. - An aviation engineering department was established in response to wartime needs, marking the first of its kind in China, with the first cohort of students admitted in 1938 [7][9]. Group 3: Contributions to War Efforts - The aviation engineering department played a crucial role in developing China's aviation capabilities, with students participating in practical training and research that gained recognition from American experts [9][12]. - Faculty and students engaged in various initiatives to support the war effort, including the development of affordable ink that became popular in Kunming [12][13]. - Engineering students collaborated with government agencies to conduct research and develop plans for hydropower resources and road improvements in Yunnan, contributing significantly to local infrastructure [13]. Group 4: Student Experiences and Military Involvement - Despite harsh conditions, the engineering college maintained rigorous academic standards, with strict examinations and practical training [15][17]. - Many engineering students were encouraged to join military training programs, with a significant number serving in various capacities during the war [18][20]. - The university's leadership actively supported student enlistment, with many students participating in military service as translators and technical experts [19][22]. Group 5: Legacy and Conclusion - By the end of the war, over 800 students from the university had served in the military, reflecting the institution's significant contribution to the war effort [25]. - The university officially ended in 1946, with its legacy commemorated by a monument listing the names of its students who served in the military [25].