MSU Union Centennial

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.

Latest News

Stay tuned to this space for all programming related to the MSU Union's centennial.

 

Sponsors

MAC Memorial Union Sponsors

MSU Spartan Bookstore

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

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.

 

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.

 

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

Cathy Carson Fitzpatrick

In-Kind Sponsors

FD Hayes Electric Co.

MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities

A. Dean Watkins - East, Inc.

R.A. Dinkel & Associates