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  • The Spartans behind your favorite Michigan golf courses

    July 22, 2026

    The Spartans behind your favorite Michigan golf courses

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    July 14, 2026

    MSU in the 1990s: 10 Spartan milestones

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MSUTODAY
Student Life

Feb. 12, 2026

Test your Spartan history knowledge with this quiz 

By: Laura Mazade, Deon Foster

As Michigan State University heads into its 171st year since its founding on Feb. 12, 1855, we're celebrating with a quick trivia challenge. Try the multiple-choice questions below and see how many answers you get correct. 

This trivia originally appeared in a special edition of the MSUToday Weekly Update newsletter. Sign up here so you don't miss the latest news or special editions like these. 

 
Score: 0 / 0 | Answered: 0 / 0

Spartan Trivia

 

1 How many names has MSU had throughout its history?
The university has had six different names, which include: Agricultural College of the State of Michigan; State Agricultural College; Michigan Agricultural College; Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science; Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science; and in 1964, officially Michigan State University.
https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/564662cd6fd04dabb93ef1f81d97b8f8?v=2f42e20b
https://onthebanks.msu.edu/Timeline/162-568-350/michigan-state-university-has-had-six-different-names-in-its-history/
Read more

 

Explanation

 
2 What year did the original Sparty mascot appear?
The first Sparty mascot, a papier-mâché Spartan head, was created by Theta Xi fraternity brothers in 1955. The head was six feet tall and weighed over 60 pounds.
https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/cd67acbe8f17423795c80f9b6e09b776?v=11bf7e79
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/09/happy-birthday-sparty
Read more

 

Explanation

 
3 Who was MSU’s longest-serving president?
In his 28 years as president — the longest tenure in MSU history — John A. Hannah shaped Michigan State University with bold vision.
https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/c169307cd211455f8dd0bd7f06dcb712?v=36bf1dbd
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/10/5-ways-john-hannah-transformed-msu
Read more

 

Explanation

 
4 What is the oldest building on campus? 
The Alice B. Cowles House was built in 1857 and was originally a modest “farm cottage.” It has been home to presidents and faculty, notably MSU’s first president Joseph R. Williams and renowned botanist William J. Beal. President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., and his family currently reside there.
https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/7c5a36eba12d448ea87fb09b071686aa?v=2d3d2597
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2022/02/building-on-history
Read more

 

Explanation

 
5 The Spartan Marching Band was founded in what year?
The Spartan Marching Band is an iconic part of MSU and, since its founding in 1870, the band has represented the university through tradition and a proud history. Currently led by David Thornton, SMB continues its legacy as one of the finest marching bands in the world.
https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/8c856d84d249475cb5d3128465ef384c?v=a7e01f20
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/08/celebrating-the-legacy-of-the-spartan-marching-band
Read more

 

Explanation

 
6 Of the following campus icons, which was the first to be established on campus?
The Rock has been a campus landmark since it was donated as a gift from the class of 1873. It is now in front of the MSU Auditorium and is known as being an ever-changing campus billboard.
https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/949a0b61938c40278237013b0042087c?v=7b0397cc
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/03/campus-tradition-painting-the-rock
Read more

 

Explanation

 
 

Quiz Complete!

 

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