In honor of Central Michigan University's 132nd birthday, we're looking back at some historic and iconic images from years past.
CMU’s fifth President, Dr. Charles L. Anspach, receives a pen from Governor Gerhard Williams. That pen was used to officially declare Central Michigan College’s status as a four-year university (1959).Three students stand beside the Central Michigan College Seal. The Seal was designed by Flint sophomore, Pete Keszler, and was approved by the Michigan State Board of Education in the spring of 1954. (unknown)Today, the Seal stands as a landmark location on campus, a prime destination for professional photos and selfies. Inscribed below the center are the latin words, “sapientia, virtus, amicitia” – wisdom, character and friendship. (2016)Central State Normal School’s football team poses for a group photo in 1905.CMU’s football team takes the field in their home opener against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (2024). CMU’s division 1 football program has been home to football greats, including Dan LeFevour, Ray Bentley, Cullen Jenkins and Joe Staley.A group of CMU students sit in the lounge area of the Keeler Union building – known today as the Bovee University Center. (unknown)Members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe pound a ceremonial drum inside the Bovee University Center commemorating the unveiling of a mural honoring their history (2022). The steel artwork of the state of Michigan can still be seen in the lounge area today.Students and fans participate in the toilet paper toss at a men’s basketball game against rival school Western Michigan University (1987). The tradition began during the 1982-83 season, with fans tossing toilet paper onto the court following CMU’s first basket of the game. The fad usually resulted in a technical foul against CMU, and as a result, the tradition has been halted and brought back several times by the athletic department.CMU’s 15th President, Bob Davies, celebrates with players on the court for the 40th anniversary of the toilet paper toss in McGuirk Arena (2023). Today, the toilet paper toss remains a beloved tradition by CMU students and fans – and is far less disruptive now that it occurs outside of game time.Alumni members of CMU’s Marching Chippewas perform a halftime show during homecoming festivities on Alumni Field. (unknown)Today, 102 years after their founding, members of the Marching Chips still return to campus to perform alongside their friends at homecoming (2021).
