On June 12, Michigan State University will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the MSU Union, a landmark that stands for connection, community and Spartan pride. From 4 to 6 p.m., students, alum, faculty, staff and East Lansing community members are invited to a family-friendly open house featuring storytelling, historical exhibits, kids’ activities, giveaways and more.

"June 12, 1925, marked the official opening of the MSU Union," shares MSU Union and Alumni Memorial Chapel Director Cathy Fitzpatrick. "It was built as a space where students and alumni could gather, and it has continued to evolve over the past century to meet the needs of the Spartan community."

From Vision to Reality
The MSU Union’s story began in 1905 when Michigan Agricultural College first envisioned a student hub. Though funding challenges stalled the project, the idea was revived in 1915. After World War I, inspired by Spartan soldiers’ sacrifices, students and alumni came together to complete the M.A.C. Memorial Union, turning it into both a gathering place and a living tribute to Spartan resilience.

Designed by Chicago architects Irving and Allen Pond, the cornerstone was laid on Alumni Day, June 14, 1924, and the union officially opened June 12, 1925. Over time, additions like the 1936 east annex and post-WWII renovations expanded its role as a full-service student center, adding bowling lanes, lounges and dining spaces. Modern updates have preserved its role as a central hub for student life and Spartan spirit.

The Team Behind the Celebration
Centennial planning began in November 2023, led by a passionate cross-campus committee. Leaders from the Alumni Office, Spartan Spirit Shop, University Activities Board, REHS Communications, University Trademarks and Licensing, MSU Health and Wellbeing, CoREM, the College of Nursing, the College of Engineering and more joined forces.

"We wanted this to reflect what the union means to people," Fitzpatrick says. "We gathered stories, secured sponsorships and worked to make sure the celebration stretches beyond one afternoon."

Special thanks go to committee members Erika Austin, Emily Blue, Dana Buckhave, Molly Chrome, Dan DiMaggio, Jeffery Elsworth, Thomas Enterline, Cathy Fitzpatrick, Craig Gunn, Jonglim Han, Paige Higley, Brittanie Johnson, Linda Keilman, Danielle Matlick, Katie Nye, Delaney Rogers, Megan Spedoske, Rochelle Spencer, Meg Vandermark and Francisco Velazquez.

Personal Connections That Bring It to Life
Fitzpatrick has a deep personal tie to the union: she got engaged, married and even hosted her baby shower there.  

"This is my home away from home," says Fitzpatrick. "It has been incredible to see how much the building has meant to so many Spartans."

Director of Student Engagement for the Alumni Office Dan DiMaggio worked on the Events Committee, helping coordinate logistics, alumni involvement and historical storytelling.  

"I spent over eight years working in the union, and it always felt like one big family," says DiMaggio. "It’s a space that continues to adapt and anyone who has spent time here knows how much it stays with you."

Spartan Spirit Shop Manager Molly Chrome contributes to the Events and Branding Committees, creating giveaway items with the 100th Anniversary logo, as well as an exclusive Union Tartan pattern she will sell this fall at the Spartan Spirit Shop.

"I love the spontaneity of this place," says Chrome. "You never know when Sparty will pop into the store or when alumni will drop by to share stories."

Assistant Director of UAB Rochelle Spencer ensured student-centered programming and recruited student committee members. REHS Communications Marketing Lead Katie Nye Cogley helped lead the logo and branding efforts, helping select enamel pins, collectible magnets and other popular items.

What to Expect on June 12
The kickoff celebration will offer free MSU Bakery cake and a taste of the limited-edition Dairy Store ice cream, Centennial Celebration Cookie Jar — cake batter ice cream with cake chunks, fudge ripple, cookie dough and Oreos.  

Guests can enjoy MSU Union building tours, historical exhibits like Spartan Lanes bowling shoes and Union Grill carving tables, and kids’ activities including an inflatable slide, caricature artists, Sparty coloring pages, face painting, a photo booth and Polaroid photos with the Bronze Sparty Bench.  

Exciting giveaways include a reproduction of the 1923 Holcad Newspaper announcing the union’s campaign, an MSU Union sticker sheet, buttons, magnets and more. Merchandise featuring the new MSU Union tartan will debut this fall. Remarks from UAB alums, campus leaders and community partners will round out the program.

Additional events will continue throughout fall 2025 and spring 2026. Stay updated at msuunion.com.

A Celebration That Lasts All Year
June 12 is just the beginning. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the union will host commemorations, homecoming events, UAB collaborations and a final centennial closing celebration.  

"We want students to know the union is here for them," says Fitzpatrick. "It has been a space for belonging for 100 years and we are committed to making sure it stays meaningful for the next 100."

Our Proud Partners and Sponsors
MAC Memorial Union Sponsors: Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Spartan Bookstore

Heritage Sponsor: Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU)

Bronze Sparty Sponsor: Lansing Sanitary Supply

Friends of the MSU Union: Bluewater Technologies, Cathy Carson Fitzpatrick, Dean Transportation, FD Hayes Electric Co.

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

Join the Celebration
As the centennial year unfolds, the MSU Union invites Spartans past and present to come together, reflect on its enduring legacy and help shape its future.

"The union has been a space for belonging for 100 years," says Fitzpatrick. "We are excited to carry its legacy forward into the next century."

You can be part of this historic moment by sharing your favorite MSU Union memories — your story could be featured online or on social media. Visit go.msu.edu/union100 to submit your memories today.

You can also help ensure the union’s future by contributing here.

Together, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and build the next century of Spartan community and connection.

This article was originally published on the Student Life & Engagement website.