Reunions

The Kedzie Cane, also known as the “Kedzie Old-Timers Stick,” is a tradition that dates back to 1931. It was in that year that former MSU president, Frank S. Kedzie, donated a cane that was previously owned by his father. The cane itself is 37 inches long, features intricate carvings and is made from coffee wood. Starting in 1929, at the suggestion of former president Kedzie, MSU began hosting a luncheon for alums who graduated 50 or more years ago. It was at the third annual luncheon that the cane was presented to the oldest living alum in attendance, Daniel Strange, class of 1867. The luncheon was eventually renamed the Kedzie Reunion and each year, members of the 50-year class get their photo taken with the cane at the Kedzie Reunion.

Take a cruise down memory lane with the 1976 Red Cedar Log yearbook. Relive the headlines, hairstyles and unforgettable moments that defined your time at MSU. From campus life to familiar faces, it’s a snapshot of your Spartan story — 50 years later.

Interested in other years? MSU alums can now access campus memories from across the globe as the collection at the MSU Libraries has been digitized. 

All alums are invited back to campus for Spartan Reunion.

Of course, guests are welcome! Because the reunion activities are designed for adult participants and involve interaction in primarily adult settings, we recommend that guests be at least 16 years of age. 

MSU is a dynamic campus and there are many activities that you can undertake at your leisure while you’re here. Be sure to check out the Campus Activities page for ideas on places to visit.

Yes, there will be registration fee and we’re currently working to determine what this will be. Registration helps to cover the various expenses (food and beverage, rentals, parking, entertainment, etc.) for the event. 

This webpage will contain all information regarding Spartan Reunion, so bookmark it and periodically check back for updates. We’re finalizing the event schedule in anticipation of registration opening April 1. 

Additionally, keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll send a few emails with important event details. To ensure you receive these updates, we strongly encourage you to update your profile with your current contact information.

There are several ways to get back to MSU's campus depending on your preferred mode of travel:

By Air:

• Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) – 90 miles from campus. The Michigan Flyer offers bus service to/from East Lansing ($30 one way, ~2-hour travel time).
• Capital Region International Airport (LAN) – Less than 10 miles from campus.
• Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) – ~45 miles from campus.
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – ~60 miles from campus.

By Public Transportation:

• The Capital Area Multimodal Gateway on campus includes:
  • Amtrak Blue Water train stop
  • Greyhound and Indian Trails bus services
  • Local CATA bus routes
  • Taxicab and bike-sharing services

By Car:

• East Lansing is centrally located at the junction of I-96, I-127 and I-69.
• All airports offer car rental services for easy access to campus.

Additional Travel Resources:

• Interactive Campus Map
• Interactive Greater Lansing Map
• ChargePoint
• MI Drive – Construction & traffic updates from MDOT

Spartan Reunion is an active program with events taking place at various locations across campus — so walking will be involved. This is MSU, after all! And if you haven’t been to campus in a while, you may notice some big changes. You can also check out this interactive campus map to help you find your way around before and during the reunion.

Spartan Reunion guests can enjoy complimentary parking and will be provided a link and QR code to use in designated visitor parking lots/ramps on campus. With the exception of handicap-accessible spaces, which are located relatively close to event venues, you should expect to walk from your parking location to your destination. Walking distances will vary depending on the location. Check out this interactive campus map for the location of handicap-accessible parking spaces. 

MSU is one of the greenest and most beautiful college campuses in the nation, and we hope you take some time to explore it during your visit. And let’s be thankful it’s May — you won’t be trekking to an 8 a.m. class in the snow or crossing the south campus tundra in January!

Unfortunately, RV parking is not available on campus during Spartan Reunion. For information about local RV parks and campgrounds, we recommend visiting Choose Lansing for options in the area.

Yes, EV charging stations are available in the following visitor parking locations:

• Lot 39
• Lot 62
• Lot 79
• Lot 112
• Ramp 3 / Lot 19
• Ramp 5 / Lot 102

Please note that regular lot restrictions still apply when parked at a charging station — payment or a valid permit is required.

For detailed information on charging station locations and availability, visit ChargePoint.

Important reminders:

• Vehicles must be actively charging to park in EV spaces.
• Non-electric vehicles or EVs not actively charging will be ticketed by MSU.

• Once fully charged, you have 30 minutes to move your vehicle; after that, a per-hour fee will be assessed via the vendor app.

There are many lodging options in the East Lansing/Lansing area. Visit Choose Lansing for a full list of accommodations.

Hotels within Walking Distance of Campus:

• The Graduate Hotel
• Marriott East Lansing at University Place
• Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

Note: The MSU Alumni Office is not involved in the lodging reservation process and cannot assist with reservations. Please contact the hotel directly for any inquiries.

MSU residence halls are not available for lodging during Spartan Reunion. 

Unfortunately, the residence halls are not available for lodging during Spartan Reunion.  

Your registration will include some meals and refreshments. More information will be provided in mid-February.

There are many restaurants in East Lansing and Lansing for additional dining options. You can also check out Choose Lansing for information. 

You’re welcome to enjoy meals in MSU’s dining halls, but please note that many will be closed during the summer. For the most up-to-date information on open locations and available services, check MSU’s dining hours.

In addition to dining halls, there are several retail options across campus, including Sparty’s mini-markets, Starbucks locations and various food courts.

MSU encourages all individuals to participate in our events and we strive to treat all participants fairly and equally and keep everyone safe while enjoying the event. If you require accommodation for this event, you will specify this when you register. Please provide enough detail about what accommodation you’re seeking so that we can assist you best. Your request will be kept confidential and shared only with relevant MSU staff preparing for the event.   

Considerations:

• Mobility Assistance: Outside of the campus bus loop, Spartan Reunion is unable to provide direct assistance for individuals.
• Campus Accessibility: Use the interactive entryway campus map to locate accessible building entrances. Simply search using the “Select a Facility” option on the left side of the page.
• Lodging Accessibility: The MSU Alumni Office cannot answer accessibility-related inquiries about lodging. Please contact the property directly.
• Personal Assistance: The MSU Alumni Office cannot provide ongoing individual assistance during the event, nor accept responsibility for any guest who doesn't communicate an accommodation request prior to Spartan Reunion.
• Dietary Requests/Food Allergies: A variety of dietary options will be available.

Yes. Details will be provided when you check-in for Spartan Reunion. 

Spartan Reunion is a casual event, so please come as you are — comfort is key! Green and white are always in style, of course.

We recommend dressing for summer weather and bringing a light layer in case indoor venues feel chilly due to air conditioning.

While pets are welcome to enjoy outdoor spaces, they are not allowed inside campus facilities. Service animals are permitted in accordance with university policy.

Visitors to campus with service animals are permitted to access all public facilities, except in areas where service animals are specifically prohibited due to safety or health concerns, where the animal may be at risk, or where its presence could compromise the integrity of research.

MSU recognizes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Under this law, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of an individual with a disability — whether physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or another mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, do not qualify as service animals under this definition.

Yes. MSU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. In addition to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes is also prohibited.

We're happy to help! Email us at alum.events@msu.edu.