During this same period, Ricks began to phase out its high school classes. As part of that change, in February 1923, the institution became simply Ricks College. Over the next several years, Ricks continued to grow and gain new facilities. Manwaring served in several responsible positions in the Fremont Stake of the LDS church. Meanwhile, his oldest son went off to New Zealand on his mission. But Hyrum still felt a need for more education. Thus, in the summer of 1929, he took a leave of absence from Ricks to attend George Washington University in Washington, D. C. He sold everything he owned in Idaho and moved his family across the country. His first year of studies proved very encouraging. So much so that Manwaring had decided he would not return to Rexburg. He would find some other way to pay off his debts.