The 1990s was a decade of massive cultural shifts, from the rise of grunge and hip-hop to the dawn of the digital age. At Michigan State University, the 90s were marked by key advancements in research and athletics and by the establishment of campus traditions and resources that still exist today. Take a look back at some of the top moments.
Interested in going farther back in MSU's history? Check out what was happening at Michigan State in the 1980s.
MSU produces the world's first medical cyclotron
In 1990, Henry Blosser continued his groundbreaking physics work at MSU by developing the world's first medical superconducting cyclotron, the K100. The tool was built at MSU's National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and then delivered to Harper Hospital in Detroit.
Cyclotrons are still widely used in medical and research settings today as they provide the ability to produce radioisotopes, such as those used during medical imaging scans, without using uranium.
Merrily Dean Baker becomes the first female athletic director in the Big Ten
In 1992, MSU selected Merrily Dean Baker as its athletic director. Baker was the first female athletic director in the Big Ten Conference and the second in the nation.
During her time at MSU, Baker oversaw the school’s 25-sport, $18-million athletics program that included more than 800 student-athletes and significantly increased student-athlete support services. She also oversaw the implementation of MSU’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
In 2006, she was inducted to the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame.
MSU Safe Place is established
Former MSU first lady Joanne McPherson led the establishment of MSU Safe Place, the first university domestic violence shelter in the nation.
MSU Safe Place, which is part of the Center for Survivors, provides emergency shelter and support for survivors of intimate partner violence and stalking. The shelter serves MSU students, faculty, staff, their partners and the surrounding community of Ingham County.
Political figures take the stage
The decade included several visits from prominent national political figures.
First, on Oct. 19, 1992, the final debate of that year’s presidential election was held at the Wharton Center. Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot took the stage to answer questions from moderator Jim Lehrer and panelists.
Then, on May 5, 1995, President Clinton served as the spring commencement speaker. Roughly 6,500 graduates and 50,000 friends and family gathered in Spartan Stadium to hear the address.
The Rolling Stones rock Spartan Stadium
On Sept. 9, 1994, the Rolling Stones took to the stage at Spartan Stadium for the venue’s first concert.
The stop was part of the band’s Voodoo Lounge Tour. The performance featured Lenny Kravitz as the opener and an encore of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” to close out the show. Roughly 46,000 people attended the event.
MSU cancels classes due to weather for fourth time in history
The state of Michigan is no stranger to winter weather, but on Jan. 19, 1994, frigid temperatures led to MSU’s fourth weather-related closure. Temperatures were 18 degrees below zero with a wind chill of 51 degrees below zero. Though classes were canceled, the university remained open.
The evening before the closure, students rallied in front of Cowles House chanting “Hell no, it’s 40 below!” and “Frostbite is not right!” to urge then President M. Peter McPherson to cancel classes. He would decide to do just that at 5:30 a.m. the next day.
Merritt Norvell becomes the Big Ten’s first Black athletic director
In 1995, Merritt Norvell became the 18th athletic director at MSU. He was the first Black athletic director in the Big Ten and one of just a few Black leaders nationwide heading major collegiate athletic departments at the time.
MSU made several notable strides under Norvell, especially in fundraising. He led the department’s first capital campaign, which raised $8.2 million in nine months. Advertising and sponsorship revenue also grew significantly during his tenure.
The Detroit College of Law finds a new home at MSU
In 1995, President McPherson led a proactive effort to bring the Detroit College of Law, established in 1891, to MSU’s campus. The two schools affiliated, providing the law college’s students with greater access to resources and opportunities at MSU.
After years of close affiliation, MSU and law college leadership decided to fully integrate in October 2018, a process that was completed in August 2020, with the school officially becoming the MSU College of Law.
The legendary Izzone student section forms
After serving as an assistant coach and associate head coach for the Spartans for 12 seasons, Tom Izzo took over as the head men’s basketball coach ahead of the 1995-96 season.
As the new coach took over, the student section decided to adopt a new name.
Previously called the Spartan Spirits, followed by Jud’s Jungle after coach Jud Heathcoate, in September 1995 the group decided to dub themselves the Izzone — and thus one of the most iconic student sections in college basketball was born.
Ranked one of the most passionate and well-known student sections in the game, the group has grown from 180 members in 1995 to more than 5,000 today.
Spartan athletes see four Final Fours
Though no national titles were won, the 90s were still filled with athletic prowess for several MSU teams.
In 1995, the MSU women’s volleyball team led a dominant season under coach Chuck Erbe. The team had a near-perfect season record (34-3) and made it to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. They lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Nebraska.
In 1992 and 1999 under coach Ron Mason, the MSU men’s hockey team made its way to the Frozen Four. Though defeated in the semifinals of both tournaments, the repeat appearances for the Spartans solidified their reputation of excellence in collegiate men’s ice hockey.
The year 1999 also brought a Final Four appearance to the men’s basketball team under Tom Izzo. The Spartans would lose in their semifinal game against Duke University, but their deep tournament run foreshadowed their tournament win in 2000 and a new age of excellence for MSU men’s basketball.
