Outgoing MSU President Peter McPherson said only the elite had education available to them in the 1850s, but creation of the land-grant college democratized education
MSU launches 150-year bash
15 months of events to include parade, books, celebrations
By Sally Trout
Lansing State Journal
EAST LANSING - MSU's sesquicentennial celebration will draw on the university's past glories while looking to future accomplishments in the 21st century.
The 15-month-long observance was kicked off Tuesday at Beaumont Tower, a well-known Michigan State University landmark.
Planned 150th anniversary events will pay tribute to the university's academic contributions and its leadership in the world, while not overlooking its fun side.
MSU history books, academic conferences, statue dedications and a massive parade are just a few of the highlights.
MSU was founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant college.
Outgoing MSU President Peter McPherson said only the elite had education available to them in the 1850s, but creation of the land-grant college democratized education.
"We are now the university of opportunity," McPherson said.
The sesquicentennial theme will be evident in everything from fancy parties and educational programs. The sesquicentennial even has its own Web site, www.s150.msu.edu/celebrations.php.
Provost Lou Anna Simon, who will succeed McPherson on Jan. 1, points to MSU's land-grant roots as the basis of today's university, which is making a difference here and abroad.
A land-grant university is designated by Congress or a state legislature to receive the proceeds from grants of federal land. The university must focus on research and education that benefits the public.
"This celebration provides a chance for the community, here in East Lansing and around the world, to think about MSU and what it means to our lives," Simon said. "Through technology, we hope to involve the broader international MSU community."
Jackie Finnerman, 19, an MSU pre-nursing student, thinks the 150th celebration is good for MSU.
"I haven't heard anything about the celebration yet, but think it's a great way to get students involved with the university," she said.
The sophomore, who works at the Spartan Spirit store, said with work and juggling studies she probably won't have time to read the MSU history books coming out.
"But I definitely will go to the parade," she said.
The Michigan Parade and MSU Homecoming Parade organizers are planning a three-hour event that begins in downtown Lansing and ends at Spartan Stadium. The parade is set for Oct. 8, 2005.
"We hope to have more than 100,000 people on hand to see this parade that portrays MSU accomplishments one decade at a time," said Duane Vernon, a Michigan Parade organizer.
Contact Sally Trout at 377-1040 or strout@lsj.com.
