History of the University Club of MSU The organization known today as the University Club of Michigan State University was officially incorporated on March 15, 1962. MSU Roots The group of faculty members who formally organized the University Club had been meeting together for the previous 33 years under various names. The parent organization was called the State College Club. Organized in 1929, it consisted of a group of men who met socially in various University buildings for luncheons and seminars on topics of mutual concern. The group had no formal business organization or assets. Membership in this club was open to any interested male faculty member. When was the original building constructed? The original Clubhouse on Forest Road opened in October of 1970. It was designed by the Lansing architectural firm of  Warren-Holmes. The addition to the building, designed by Keystone Architects of Lansing, opened in October 2001. The main level of the new facility is occupied by the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development, of The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, The Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University. The lower level contains the University Club's private membership Fitness Center & Spa, and the Forest Akers Golf Courses West Pro Shop and management offices                                                                                                                 As membership and interests changed, so did the club's name, from the State College Club tothe MSU Men’s Club to the MSU Faculty Club, the name that remained with the group through the 60s. Clubhouse Origins In the late 1960s, the group determined that the long-term interests of the membership could best be served through a more formal organization, the acquisition of property, construction of a club building and the securing of a liquor license. To accomplish these goals, the group  left their long-time quarters on the third floor of the MSU Union in 1969. The present University Club building was completed and open to members in October 1970.   70s and 80s - A Growing Membership In the early 70s, membership was expanded to include university alumni and community members. In 1982, the Club’s development was documented in a history written by Dr. Karl T. Wright, professor emeritus of Agricultural Economics, and president of the Club in 1981-82. Published as The First 50 Years: A History of the University Club, the book was edited by Ron Karle, then secretary of the Club's Board of Directors, and former editor of the MSU Alumni Magazine. In the years that followed, building on continuing innovations in dining, member amenities, activities and services, the University Club’s membership grew to over 2,000 families. The Club evolved into a traditional private membership social and recreational club serving primarily faculty, staff and alumni of Michigan State University. In the late 1990s, a series of member-initiated strategic planning programs led to further ground-breaking developments. City Club Connection In May 1999, the University Club joined forces in a merger with the historic City Club of Lansing, combining the members and resources of both clubs into one unique social membership organization enjoying two distinctive club facilities. Ground-Breaking Developments In October of 1999, the Club marked the celebration of its 70th anniversary by once again announcing ground-breaking developments. The University Club joined in an innovative partnership with the MSU College of Business and Candlewood Suites Hotels to create the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development. This state-of-the-art educational conference center adjoins the original club building. It includes hotel facilities, classrooms, a health & fitness club with spa, a child care room, and new banquet rooms; along with MSU's Forest Akers Golf Courses West Pro Shop and management offices. 75 Years of Success Five years later, the University Club reached its milestone 75th anniversary, celebrating throughout the year with monthly special events recognizing the growth and achievements of each decade in the Club's history – culminating in a gala 75th Anniversary Celebration dinner attended by over 600 club members, university dignitaries, and honored guests. At that event, MSU Professor Emeritus Milton Muelder was honored as the club member of longest tenure at that time – with almost 70 years of continuous membership, having joined the University Club in 1935 at the age of 24!     Celebrating 80 Fabulous Years! In 2009, the Club commemorated its 80th anniversary and proud legacy of service with a series of celebrations, including a gala "String of Pearls" Anniversary Dinner.  At that dinner, the Club was privileged to once again recognize MSU Professor Emeritus Milton Muelder as the club member of longest tenure.  As the Club celebrated its 80th, Dr. Muelder marked 75 years as a member.  The various anniversary events focused on the Club's historic roots in Michigan State University, and also on the many connections it has developed throughout the greater Lansing community.  As an anniversary gift from the members to the community, proceeds from the Gala Dinner and several other events were donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Through the generosity of the members, the Club was proud to give $6,000 to help feed local families in need.    Today, the "U-Club" – as it's been affectionately nick-named by members – continues to grow and thrive. In May 2011, the Club opened Mingle, a full-service private restaurant for Club members, and Mixx Lounge, a contemporary and comfortable cocktail lounge.  Both venues offer wireless computer access, a blend of booth and table seating, sophisticated ambiance, and a delicious mix of gourmet creations and casual dining.  More recently, in March 2012, the Club unveiled the newly renovated Heritage Room, (previously the Main Dining Room), and Lobby renovations were completed in March, 2013.  With all-new state-of-the-art lighting and audio-visual technology, as well as new carpeting, ceilings, window treatments, and special fesatures, the U-Club provides the area's most spectacular venue for member family celebrations and business events. Recognized nationwide as one of the premiere college campus clubs in North America, the U-Club is often host to visiting guests from other universities and clubs.  In 2001, the U-Club received the prestigious Excellence in Club Management Award, presented annually in three categories to club general managers who have exhibited outstanding skills and innovation in club management. As the U-Club continues to provide excellence in service to its members, it also has become an educational forum for others. Working with The School of Hospitality Business at MSU, the U-Club is sponsor of the MSU Student Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA).  Each spring semester, general manager Richard A. Bruner, CCM, teaches the class in Club Management for upperclassmen majoring in Hospitality Business.  The U-Club also hosts the CMAA Business Management Institute III, a program central to the professional education and certification of over 200 club managers each year.  In 2005, the U-Club established a scholarship endowment to award academic scholarships to qualifying University Club employees. Just as envisioned by the founding faculty members in 1929, education, discussion, recreation, and community fellowship remain vital components of the U-Club. The University Club adds an exciting and stimulating dimension to life at Michigan State University and the surrounding community, providing a welcoming home-away-from-home where its diverse members gather for intellectual, social, business, and recreational camaraderie and enjoyment.