MSU Union Centennial

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SPARTAN MEMORIES! In the bottom-left corner, the logo says: 100 MSU UNION CENTENNIAL 1925–2025 And beneath the image, it notes: Photo courtesy of Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections.

 

Centennial Kickoff Event

📅 Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕓 4–6 p.m. (remarks at 4:30)
📍 MSU Union
 📩 RSVP Here

Let’s celebrate the MSU Union’s proud history and look ahead to the next 100 years together! Come enjoy:

  • A slice of MSU Bakery cake in a cupcake and a scoop of the limited-edition Dairy Store ice cream flavor: Centennial Celebration Cookie Jar. Vegan and gluten free options will be available while supplies last. 
  • Strange Matter Coffee tasting with refreshers, iced tea, lemonade, lattes and coffee while supplies last.
  • Remarks in the main lounge starting at 4:30 p.m. including the current Director of the MSU Union, a representative from MSU Alumni Office, and UAB Alumni!
  • Tours of the historic MSU Union building from MSU Tours. Tour signage will be on the main floor and ground floor.
  • Family fun: inflatable vertical rush slide (weather permitting), bouncy house, face painting, Sparty coloring pages, caricature artist and an appearance by Sparty.
  • Photo booth and Polaroid photos with the Bronze Sparty bench.
  • A special exhibit featuring carving tables from the Union Grill and historical artifacts and information in the MOSAIC display cases on the second floor.
  • Fun giveaways, including a reproduction of the 1923 Holcad newspaper announcing the original MSU Union campaign, magnets, buttons, and a fun Spartan themed sticker sheet, all while supplies last!

This is just the beginning — stay tuned for more events throughout fall 2025 and spring 2026.

100 MSU UNION CENTENNIAL 1925–2025 And beneath the image, it notes: Photo courtesy of Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections.

GIVEAWAYS • KIDS ACTIVITIES • BUILDING TOURS • PHOTO BOOTH • CARICATURES • MSU BAKERS CAKE CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SPARTAN MEMORIES! The MSU Union is turning 100, and you’re invited to celebrate! Join us for the MSU Union Centennial Celebration kickoff at the MSU Union. Enjoy a taste of the limited-edition Dairy Store ice cream flavor, Centennial Celebration Cookie Jar (cake-batter-flavored ice cream with cake chunks, fudge ripple, cookie dough and Oreos)! June 12, 4–6 p.m. • Remarks at 4:30 p.m. Look for more events throughout fall 2025 and spring 2026. Details will be shared at msuunion.com. Join us in celebrating the MSU Union’s legacy and the next 100 years to come! [QR code graphic] PLEASE SCAN THE CODE AND LET US KNOW YOU’LL BE THERE INFLATABLE VERTICAL RUSH SLIDE • PICS WITH BRONZE SPARTY • FACE PAINTING • HISTORICAL DISPLAY

 

100 Years of Spartan Memories

The MSU Union has welcomed generations of Michigan State students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors through its storied doors for nearly 100 years. The building offers Spartans a variety of meeting or study spaces, shopping and entertainment. It’s a place to gather to study or relax, to learn from one another, to laugh together and to be in community.

Share your favorite MSU Union memories to help mark a century of unforgettable moments. Your story could be featured on our website and social media! Submit your memories today at go.msu.edu/union100.

Sponsors

MAC Memorial Union Sponsors

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

MSU Spartan Bookstore

MSU Federal Credit Union logo with stylized green lines and bold lowercase text reading “msufcu.” Financial services provider serving the Michigan State University community with banking, credit, loan and investment solutions.Spartan Bookstore logo featuring the Michigan State University Spartan helmet icon and the words “Spartan Bookstore – The Official MSU Bookstore.” Official retail source for MSU apparel, textbooks, supplies and gifts.

 

Heritage Sponsors

Associated Students of Michigan State University

Logo of the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU), established in 1965. The green circular emblem features three abstract figures with raised arms surrounded by laurel leaves, symbolizing student unity, leadership, and advocacy at MSU.

Bronze Sparty Sponsors

Lansing Sanitary Supply

Lansing Sanitary Supply, Inc. logo with blue and green branding. Includes the company’s phone number and lists core services: janitorial, paper products, equipment, laundry and warewashing. Commercial cleaning and sanitation supplier based in Michigan.

 

Friends of the MSU Union

Bluewater Technologies

Cathy Carson Fitzpatrick

FD Hayes Electric Co.

Dean Transportation

Dean Trailways logo featuring bold black lettering with green graphic accents and the word “Trailways” in green beneath. Dean Trailways is a transportation service provider offering charter bus rentals and group travel solutions across Michigan and the Midwest.

In-Kind Sponsors

A. Dean Watkins - East, Inc.

MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities

R.A. Dinkel & Associates

 

MSU Union History

The MSU Union’s history dates back to 1905 when MSU was known as Michigan Agricultural College, though funding was difficult to come by. It wasn’t until 1915 when the concept of the MAC Union was revived. That graduating class pledged $5 from each student and with the help of the Alumni Association, plans for construction were developed. However, construction was brought to a halt due to WWI. Years later, following construction, the union was, for a time, called the Memorial Union in honor of U.S. soldiers who perished in their service. 

The official MAC Union Groundbreaking ceremony took place June 12, 1923, followed by what was called Excavation Week, which began that November. This week saw male students, faculty and community volunteers divvied up into teams of 30 who dug the foundation of the union. While labor intensive, Excavation Week also had fun activities, such as daily appearances by the Swartz Creek and Varsity bands. The MAC Memorial Union opened June 12, 1925.

Informational poster about MSU’s 1923 Excavation Week, highlighting student and faculty efforts to dig the foundation of the Union building. Includes historic newspaper clippings, black-and-white photos of student teams, and a description of shift schedules, activities, and prizes. Notes the involvement of the Holcad newspaper and mentions the Swartz Creek and Varsity bands performing.

 

Educational display titled “MSU Union Excavation Week” featuring a historic photo of Michigan Agricultural College (MAC) students digging the foundation in November 1923. Text outlines the early 1900s movement to build campus union buildings, details MAC’s fundraising efforts, and explains how WWI delayed construction. The board emphasizes the student-led nature of the project and commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the MSU Union.