Celebrate This Landmark Anniversary at the Union
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.
Beginning June 12, 2025, the MSU Union team will roll out series of events and commemorations to celebrate this Spartan landmark moving into its second century.

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Celebrate 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


Heritage Sponsors
Associated Students of Michigan State University

Bronze Sparty Sponsors
Lansing Sanitary Supply

Friends of the MSU Union
Bluewater Technologies
Cathy Carson Fitzpatrick
Dean Transportation

In-Kind Sponsors
A. Dean Watkins - East, Inc.
FD Hayes Electric Co.
MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities
R.A. Dinkel & Associates