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.

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.

 

Latest News

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.

Promotional graphic encouraging Spartans to celebrate 100 years of the MSU Union. Features a vintage photo of the Union building, celebratory confetti background, and a call to share personal stories at go.msu.edu/union100. Includes QR code for survey participation and text announcing yearlong centennial events starting June 12, 2025.

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

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.

FD Hayes Electric Co.

MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities

R.A. Dinkel & Associates