A Century of Spartan Spirit: The History and Enduring Legacy of the MSU Union
The MSU Union stands as a vibrant hub of student life, a testament to community, connection, and tradition at Michigan State University. For a century, it has served as a second home for countless Spartans, fostering friendships, facilitating academic pursuits, and hosting memorable events. From its humble beginnings as a student-led dream to its current status as a cornerstone of campus, the MSU Union embodies the resilient spirit of the Spartan community.
Inception and Early Visions
The genesis of the MSU Union can be traced back to 1905, when Michigan State University was known as Michigan Agricultural College (M.A.C.). Even with a modest student body, the need for a central gathering place was evident. Inspired by the growing trend of college unions across the country, a committee was formed to explore the possibility of constructing such a building at M.A.C. However, the project faced significant funding obstacles, and the initial vision remained largely unrealized.
In 1915, the concept of the M.A.C. Union was revived, fueled by a pledge from the graduating class to contribute $5 from each student. With the support of the Alumni Association, plans were set in motion to construct a union building. However, the onset of World War I brought these efforts to a halt as the nation's attention shifted to the war effort.
A Memorial to Service and Sacrifice
In the aftermath of the Great War, a renewed sense of purpose emerged. Inspired by the sacrifice of the Spartan soldiers who had served, the president of the M.A.C. Association called upon students and alumni to contribute to the completion of the M.A.C. Memorial Union in 1919. The vision was no longer just for a building - it became a memorial to those who had given so much for their country. Their donations would assist in funding the creation of a gathering space for all students and alums, a hub for camaraderie, connection and community. Through their generosity, the MSU Union would become a living testament to Spartan strength, unity and resilience.
Designed by Chicago architects Irving and Allen Pond, the MSU Union began taking shape. A pivotal moment in the construction process was "Excavation Week," which took place from November 19-24, 1923. Organized by Robert J. McCarthy, the Alumni Association’s Secretary, male students, faculty, and volunteers were organized into teams of 30 to dig the foundation for the Memorial Union Building. It was hard labor, but they were good sports about it and enjoyed competing with their profs for prizes each day. They were excused from class and assigned to work in 4-hour shifts, while the Varsity band played and the female students served refreshments. "Excavation Week" was a one-of-a-kind event and a huge success-it received national attention, which helped to get contributions rolling in again. The building’s cornerstone was laid June 14, 1924, during Alumni Day.
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Opening and Early Years
At last the MAC Memorial Union opened June 12, 1925. The Pond brothers employed a Scholastic Gothic style of construction, and hired many artists to create the many paintings and sculptures that adorn the building inside and out. All of the fireplaces were lined with Pewabic tiles. Over the south entrance of the Union, Samuel A. The new building had a 955-capacity second-floor, two-story auditorium for dining, dancing, and meetings. There were 16 private guest rooms on the second and third floors for alumni and friends; a barber shop; a bookstore; a beauty salon; a large centralized kitchen, and the offices of the Alumni Association. The Union became the center of campus life, and it was constantly hopping.
At the time of its opening the Union was quite different than it is today. The main entrance was off of faculty row (currently West Circle Drive), there were 11 dining rooms (some were available to both men and women, and some available only to men), 10 conference rooms, a 2-story assembly hall, separate lounging rooms for men and women, a barber shop, a beauty parlor, a Billiards room (for men only, of course), and a total of 16 guest rooms each with its own bathroom. The building was the center of life on campus. Constantly full, men and women would mingle, people would enjoy a nice lunch, and guests were able to stay overnight so they could experience college life with their friends.
Evolution and Expansion
Since its opening in 1925, the Union has undergone many additions and renovations. In 1936, an east annex was added to house classrooms and art studios. A major post-war renovation began in 1946, which transformed the union into a full-service student center, adding bowling lanes, billiards, lounges, dining spaces and more. In 1955, when the University officially changed its name to Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, the building became known as the MSU Union. A handicap-accessible ramp was added. Guest rooms were converted, and other functions moved into the Union. Jacqueline D.
Over the decades, ongoing renovations have modernized the MSU Union while preserving its role as a central hub for student affairs, academics and Spartan community spirit.
A Hub of Activity and Services
The MSU Union is home to many services for MSU students, alumni, and the community! The MSU Union Welcome Center is here to assist all visitors to The MSU Union and the campus at large. The helpful staff is always ready to provide directions and answer any questions you may have.
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The MSU Union offers a variety of spaces for studying, meetings, or simply catching up with friends. Located on the second floor, the MSU Union Art Gallery features rotating exhibits throughout the year and is programmed and operated by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University. The Art Gallery is free and open to the public. Located on the main floor of the Union, the MSU Federal Credit Union is the premier financial institution for MSU students, faculty and their families. Parents can use their checking and savings accounts to electronically transfer money into their student's accounts.
The University Activities Board programs events for students, by students, to enhance the Spartan experience at MSU. Located on the second floor of the MSU Union, The Mosaic Center hosts a variety of different programs throughout the school year, from academically-oriented presentations, student group meetings to informal social receptions. Located on the first floor of the MSU Union, the Amazon Hub Locker is a secure, self-service delivery or return location for packages from Amazon.com. Upon checkout, select “Pick up from an Amazon Locker” and choose “Amazon Hub Locker - Puzzle | at Michigan State University.” Once your package is delivered you will receive a unique pickup code and have three days to pick up your package. You can ensure your package is secure and can pick it up at a convenient time whenever the MSU Union is open.
Enduring Traditions and Memories
Since its opening nearly 86 years ago, the MSU Union has seen a lot of events, traditions, and changes. On May 15, 1952, General Douglas MacArthur and his wife were in attendance at a banquet being held at the Union in which he was an honorary guest. For privacy purposes, the General and his family took a service elevator. The elevator ended up getting stuck and the MacArthurs were trapped inside for nearly 25 min. Do you know of those tables in the Union Grill area that have all of the etchings in them? - Do you know where they came from or whose names they are? In the 1950s-’60s, there was a “Senior Room” located by the Union Grill. This was a dining room designated specifically for seniors. Card playing has always been a favorite pastime of students. In the late ’50s, the administration believed that the frequent card playing going on in the Union Grill was a bad reflection of campus. They believed that students were supposed to be pursuing intellectual past times instead of playing cards all day. So in 1960, card playing was officially banned from the Grill. At one point in time, the Union had pinball machines! In 1971 the Union management agreed to install Pinball Machines in the Billiard Room. Often times when students are hungry and looking to grab a quick bite, they will head over to the Union Grill to grab some grub. Did you know that in the early 1930s hamburgers were only 30¢! In a 1968 publication, students were complaining that price skyrocketed to 40¢! So, after reading this, I encourage you to go explore the Union and think about what it was like almost 50 years ago.
The MSU Union has impacted thousands of students over the decades as the home to essential student services including UAB, the MSU Federal Credit Union, MSU Art Gallery, University Advising, Neighborhood Student Success Center and meeting spaces for countless organizations. From academic advising to coffee breaks, club meetings to quiet study hours, the union continues to serve as a second home for Spartans. It’s a place where needs are met, friendships are formed and memories are made.
Memorials within the Union
As part of ongoing efforts to preserve and highlight that legacy, the MSU Union now features two prominent memorials: a historic plaque commemorating Spartan service members and a newly installed memorial at the west entrance steps. These markers not only acknowledge the building’s past but also reaffirm its enduring significance within the MSU community. Cathy Fitzpatrick, the director of the MSU Union and MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel, emphasized the importance of these memorials in preserving institutional memory, noting that they focus on “some of the most important pieces of the history of the MSU Union.”
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M.A.C. Memorial Union Plaque
The new M.A.C. Memorial Union plaque, mounted on the exterior wall on the south side of the west entrance to the MSU Union, commemorates the 1,400 MSU students and alumni who served in the Great War. The inscription recognizes the union as a “gathering place for all Spartans,” honoring the spirit of camaraderie and unity that has long defined the MSU community. Fitzpatrick partnered with Patrick Forystek, director of the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students at MSU, on the plaque. “CVMAS is honored to partner with the MSU Union to recognize the history of our beloved union,” says Forystek. “Recognizing our shared history in this way is important to our campus and community, and it shows MSU’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices so many of our Spartans have given in service to our country.”
Alumni Association War Memorial Plaque
Most recently kept at the Alumni Memorial Chapel, the Alumni Association War Memorial plaque was a gift from the Washington, D.C., M.S.C. Association (a regional alumni club) and honors lives lost in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I. Weighing over 200 pounds, the plaque was first displayed in the union before updates to the building resulted in it being moved to the chapel at an unknown time. The plaque has now been returned to its original home at the MSU Union in the main concourse.
Centennial Celebration
The MSU Union is turning 100, and all are invited to celebrate a century of connection, community and campus tradition. June 12, 2025, marked the MSU Union Centennial, attracting generations of Spartans young and old to celebrate the landmark’s success. The 100th anniversary was more than a celebration, it was a tribute to a century of memories, milestones and the resilient spirit of the MSU community. The event honored the union’s enduring legacy as a place of belonging, where Spartans come together time and time again. Guests enjoyed cupcakes from MSU Bakers and scoops of the limited-edition Centennial Celebration Cookie Jar ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store. Strange Matter Coffee also provided complimentary lattes, iced tea, lemonade and refreshers. Attendees explored the MSU Union’s history through guided tours, artifacts displayed in the MOSAIC cases and a second floor exhibit featuring carved tables from the Union Grill. At the Bronze Sparty bench, guests snapped Polaroid pictures while Sparty weaved throughout the sea of attendees. Children enjoyed the inflatable slide, bouncy house, face painting and Sparty coloring pages, while the adults participated in giveaways including reprints of the original 1923 Holcad newspaper announcing the MSU Union campaign, magnets, buttons and Spartan-themed stickers.
MSU Union Centennial Committee Special thanks to the planning committee, which has been working on the celebration since November 2023.
tags: #msu #student #union #history #and #services
