Minnesota State University, Mankato promotes learning through effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, scholarship, and research in service to the state, the region, and the global community.
Using a process that includes all segments of the University, Minnesota State University, Mankato will move forward with the following:
When the Mankato Normal School opened its doors in 1868, the institution's primary goal was to educate teachers for rural schools. In 1921, the Normal School became Mankato State Teacher's College. The school expanded its enrollment and class offerings throughout the 1920s and 1930s and its mission evolved to include both liberal arts and professional studies. Master's degree programs were instituted in the 1950s and this shift in emphasis resulted in the institution becoming Mankato State College (1953). Also, in the 1950s, work on the Highland Campus began and for two decades both the Valley and Highland Campuses were in operation. In 1975, Mankato State College was granted university status and became Mankato State University. In 1979, the University consolidated all operations onto the Highland Campus. Mankato State University celebrated its 125th anniversary during the 1992-93 academic year. In 1998, Mankato State University became Minnesota State University, Mankato in recognition of expanded service to Minnesota and the nation.
The University currently offers undergraduate majors, pre-professional programs, graduate majors, and extensive general education opportunities. New facilities designed to meet the changing educational needs of students and society include the new Taylor Center, Bresnan Arena, Andreas Theatre, the remodeling of Carkoski Commons, and the expansion of the Centennial Student Union.
Hail to our colors
The Purple and the Gold.
Rally for vict'ry.
We're back of you
So fight, fight, fight
You'll conquer our foes
All you Mavericks brave and bold.
So fight on Minnesota State
Come on! Let's go!
M-A-V-E-R-I-C-K-S! MAV-'RICKS! MAV-'RICKS!
GO STATE!
Minnesota State, we hail; Hail the purple and the gold.
All alumni, Old and new, Take you with them when they go.
From the hilltop, from the Prairie, Where the river bends to lead them
We are walking proud and strong, Minnesota State on and on.
Racha Macha, MSU Now and always we'll be true
In the classroom, on the mall, By the fountain, spring and fall
In the cities in their towers, in the nations far from home.
Minnesota State we hail to you. Purple and gold we're ever true.
For correct usage of the official logo, please refer to the University Graphic Standards Web site www.mnsu.edu/standards/ or by contracting the Office of Intergrated Marekting at 389-2523. Approval from the Office of Intergrated Marketing is required before using Minnesota State Mankato logos.
Minnesota State Mankato Seal |
Minnesota State Mankato Logo |
Minnesota State Mankato Official ColorsPurple (PMS 269) Gold (PMS 108) |
Minnesota State Mankato Mascot |
Alumni Arch and PlazaAn arch from Minnesota State Mankato's former laboratory school was incorporated into the design of the plaza near the Bell Tower. Dollars raised from the sale of almost 500 bricks and a generous donation from the Minnesota State Mankato Alumni Association funded the first phase of the plaza which surrounds the arch. Names and sentiments from alumni and friends are represented in the bricks in the plaza, which was dedicated in July 1993.
Building BlocksThis artwork was dedicated in December 1990, following expansion of Wiecking Center (formerly Wilson Campus School). Artist Joyce Marguess Carey designed the piece recognizing that much of the remodeling centered on the Family Consumer Science Department and the Children's House. The theme deals with children learning how to build and create new things with their hands and minds, using many materials including building blocks.
ChthonicTwo of the sculptures on the Minnesota State Mankato mall are the works of Arnoldus Grüter, a former artist-in-residence at Minnesota State Mankato. The black sculpture titled "Chthonic" was carved on-site by the artist from a single block of poured polyurethane foam. "Chthonic" was the first sculpture placed on the new mall.
The FountainThe Fountain, in part from the New York City 1965 World Fair, was installed in 1969. It was designed to create a spiral effect with stationary water jets. The fountain sculpture, by Roger Johnson, a former faculty member in the Art Department, was not originally part of the work but was added in 1975.
Kent State – Jackson State MemorialThe memorial on the northwest corner of Morris Hall was dedicated in 1972 to the students who were killed in the Kent State–Jackson State riots in 1970. It states, "Hate, War, Poverty And Racism Are Buried Here."
Marso-Schmitz Plaza and Jane Rush Gathering PlaceMade possible by a lead gift from former Minnesota State Mankato Foundation president Mary Marso-Schmitz, ('68). The Plaza creates a place for students to relax, study, and meet others. Its design allows for outdoor music performances, as well as community and University events and receptions. The Jane Rush Gathering Place was created to honor the late Jane Rush, wife of former President Richard R. Rush, and her contributions to campus life. .
Ostrander – Student Memorial Bell TowerThe Ostrander-Student Memorial Bell Tower stands in the Minnesota State Mankato campus arboretum. Its construction was made possible by a donation from Lloyd B. Ostrander, a 1927 Minnesota State Mankato graduate, his wife Mildred, donations from the Minnesota State Mankato Student Association, and gifts from other contributors. The Bell Tower, with its clock, was completed in 1989. Though known as the "bell tower," no bells exist and the music provided is from a carillon.
Shurson GardensLocated in Wiecking Center's open courtyard, Shurson Gardens, was dedicated October 18, 1996, and named after Judy Shurson. Judy, who died after a nine-month battle with cancer, was a respected and well-liked employee who served the University for 14 years in various capacities including Theatre Arts business manager, and finally as office manager and job order controller for Printing Services. Judy helped transform the neglected Wiecking Center courtyard into one full of flowering plants.
SpinThe black cement cast spheres situated at the east entrance of the Trafton Science Center were created in 1993 by Janet Lofquist. They are graded into an amphitheater-like space, creating a welcoming entrance to the building.
Vietnam War MemorialThe memorial on the southeast corner of the library was dedicated, by the Minnesota State Mankato Vets Club in 1990, to the veterans of the Vietnam War. It states, "For those who fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know."
WavesThe red, steel sculpture, titled "Waves," was designed by Arnoldus Grüter and fabricated at Jones Metal Products in Mankato. In the artist's words, "Waves" symbolizes in static form, the dynamic action of the ocean and a university. This sculpture was built in honor of Jerry W. Berger, a graduate student who was killed in a 1969 industrial accident.
Pillars, by Saint Paul sculptor Steven Woodward, is comprised of eight massive limestone blocks set in grassy berms at the corner of Stadium Road and Ellis Avenue, just west and south of Otto Recreation Center. Woodward describes the amphitheater-like space is a "sculptural landform." Most of the four-ton blocks are etched with the names of academic disciplines: Literature, Physics, Theatre, Astronomy, History, and Philosophy and Geology, which are upside down. "It makes you think," Woodward says. "That's part of a university. The sculputres are foundation blocks, metaphorically reflecting the mission of the university as books nestled within the terraces, and steps and platforms to actively engage the students in a landscape of learning."
Minnesota State Mankato MaceThe Minnesota State Mankato mace was made entirely from Minnesota materials in recognition of the value and beauty of the state's natural resources and people. A university mace symbolizes both the university's power — overcoming ignorance and prejudice by seeking truth — and the power of the president to protect the university and its community from forces opposed to those goals. The mace used in each graduation ceremony was commissioned and donated by Fred and Karin Bock. The mace was created by Phil Swan, a Minnesota State Mankato alumnus from Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Completed in the summer of 1989, the Alumni and Foundation Center houses the division of University Advancement which includes Alumni Relations, Integrated Marketing, Development, and KMSU radio. In addition, the Center for Continuous Learning, College of Graduate Studies and Research and Extended Learning are located in the building. The facility was constructed by the Minnesota State University Foundation.
The Andreas Observatory, completed in 1990, was made possible through the $230,000 gift of Lowell and Nadine Andreas of Mankato. It houses a 20-inch telescope provided in part by a National Science Foundation grant.
Armstrong Hall was constructed in 1964, and is named in honor of Dr. Grace Armstrong, who taught professional education at the institution for 36 years, 1927-1963. The building currently houses the Affirmative Action Office and various classrooms and offices of the Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Education, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Built in 1963, the stadium is named after C.P. Blakeslee, a professor in Health and Physical Education and a coach from1924-1961. Blakeslee was responsible for the expansion of Minnesota State Mankato Intercollegiate Athletics program from two to nine sports all of which he coached at one time or another, and initiation of the intramural program.
Carkoski Commons were built to adjoin Crawford and McElroy Residence Communities and named for Chester Carkoski, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing, 1960-1973.
The Centennial Student Union (CSU), constructed and operated by student activity fees, opened in September 1967. A second stage was added in 1972, and in 1999 the third phase was completed and named the Student Activities Center. On March 21, 2005, the renovated CSU opened. The renovated areas include a new south entrance, two-level food court, the Campus Hub, and the Hearth Lounge. The three-level building is the social and activity center of the University. It contains conference and meeting rooms, dining facilities, a recreation center, a bookstore, an art gallery, and many offices and services. The CSU houses the offices of Student Leadership Development and Service-Learning, the International Student Center, the Elizabeth & Wynn Kearney International Center, the Minnesota State Student Association/Student Senate, the Blue Earth Review, and the Reporter student newspaper. A Student Art Gallery is located in the lower level near the Hearth Lounge. The CSU and the Minnesota State mankato Department of Art collaborate to present student art exhibits throughout the year.
This residence hall is the oldest building on campus and was built in stages. Buildings A and B were the first to be built on the upper campus and were open for use in 1959, with Halls C and D opening in 1967. Crawford Center honors Minnesota State's seventh president, Clarence Crawford, 1946-1965.
Effie Conkling taught at Minnesota State Mankato for 32 years. The Effie Conkling Gallery is located in the passage between Nelson Hall and Armstrong Hall along with art studios and various offices.
The Leonard A. Ford Hall addition to the Trafton Science Center is named for an esteemed former Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Geology (1939-47), Chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics (1947-65), Coordiantor of Special programs and professor of chemistry. Dr. Ford initatied the Nursing, Medical technology, Physical Therapy, and Dental Hygiene/Dental Assistant programs and launched the Science Fair, now one of the largest in the country. The Ford hall addition brings disciplines together and creates space for collaboration and discovery in science, engineering and technology.
Built in 1965-66, Gage Residence Community is named in memory of the principal of the Normal School (George M. Gage) IN 1868. Gage's "A" tower (to the east) was completed in 1965 and at one time housed only male students. The "B" tower, Maverick Hall, completed in 1966, at one time housed only female students. Currently both towers are co-educational. Within Maverick Hall is housed First Year Experience, which is aimed at enhancing first year student success at Minnesota State Mankato.
Constructed in 2002, the new Highland Center replaces much of the old center. The new Center houses several different features: classrooms; Human Performance and Athletic Training labs; offices for Human Performance, Athletics, and Campus Recreation; Athletic locker rooms; Athletic equipment issue; and a student atrium/gathering area with a food/vending area. The remainder of the original center which was constructed in 1962 and is still in operation, includes Otto Arena (which has been converted into a student recreation facility with a gym, weight, and cardio areas, and a matted area for martial arts and wrestling) and the swimming pool (6 lanes, 25 yards). Originally named Highland Arena until 1991, the name of the gymnasium was changed to Otto Arena to honor James Robert "Bob" Otto who was a faculty member for 30 years. Otto was also the Minnesota State Mankato football coach for 17 years and Athletic Director for 13 years.
Constructed in 1979, Highland North includes Schellberg Gymnasium, racquetball courts, an aerobics/dance studio, locker rooms, and offices for Human Performance, Health Science, and Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services. Schellberg Gym was named in honor of Ruth Schellberg, faculty member for 25 years and chairperson of the Women's Physical Education Department for 22 years. Schellberg also provided guidance for the development of the Women's Intercollegiate Athletic program.
The Julia A. Sears Residence Hall Community, which opened in fall 2008, is located in the heart of campus and houses 608 primarily upperclass residents. All of the modern semi-suites have two bedrooms and a full compartmentalized bathroom. Most of the semi-suites house four residents, and 30 residents can choose single, or two-person semi suites.
Built in 1961, McElroy is named for Frank D. McElroy, sixth president of the institution, 1930-1946. It was the second residence community on the upper campus of then Mankato State College. Halls E, F, and G were opened in 1961 as all male residence halls. By 1964, Halls H and I housed only women. All residence halls on campus are now co-educational.
Memorial Library was built in 1969. It is named in honor of those faculty and community members who made significant contributions to the growth of the institution, and those graduates who gave their lives in service to their country in several wars. Remodeling was completed in January 1992.
Morris Hall was constructed in 1968 and at that time was called Classroom Building Number 47. The building, and a later addition, currently bear the name of Albert B. Morris, professor of history who served the institution for 36 years, 1919-1955. The Hall currently houses the College of Business, the Urban and Regional Studies Institute, and the Departments of Political Science and Law Enforcement, Women's Studies, and Dental Hygiene. In 1979 hallway links were added from Morris Hall to the Administration Building, Armstrong Hall, and Highland North.
Constructed in 2001, Myers Field House replaces the old field house and features an eight lane 200 meter indoor track with four courts on the infield accommodating basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, baseball, softball, and much more. Named after Bud Myers, the legendary track and field and cross country coach, and Health and Physical Education instructor from 1948-1979, the field house is home to Minnesota State Mankato Athletics, Campus Recreation, and Human Performance. It also houses offices for Athletic Administration, Campus Recreation, and the Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing.
Nelson Hall was constructed in 1962 and was initially called the Industrial Arts Building. The building was later named in honor of Maurice J. Nelson, distinguished professor of Industrial Arts who served the institution for 41 years, 1918-1959. The building currently houses Technology Education, Mass Communications, and the Department of Art.
Minnesota State Mankato's Performing Arts Center was completed in 1967. Formerly called the Music-Speech Building, the center contains the Ted Paul Theatre, named in honor of Dr. Ted Paul Jr., director of theater at Minnesota State Mankato from 1950-1980, and the Elias J. Halling Recital Hall named in honor of Elias J. Halling, who came to Minnesota State Mankato in 1936 and retired in 1974. Elias J. Halling was a vocal music teacher and director, and later the Chairperson of the Division of Fine and Applied Arts and Associate Dean of School of Arts and Sciences. The building also houses scene and costume shops, band and choir rooms, a music library, various studios, classrooms, practice rooms, and related offices. The new Andreas Theatre was funded by gifts from Lowell and Nadine Andreas, together with alumni, friends, businesses, and foundations. The theatre complex houses the state-of-the-art 200 flexible-seat, black-box Andreas Theatre, a green room, dressing rooms, dance studios, a design lab, costume and scenic storage areas, a paint booth, and light maintenance facilities.
Taylor Center, named in honor of alumnus Glen Taylor '62, houses the 4,800-seat Bresnan Arena, named for Bill Bresnan, home of Minnesota State Mankato basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. The Brock-Otto Hall of Champions, named for long time athletic directors Georgene Brock and Bob Otto, showcases Minnesota State Mankato's history of academic and athletic achievements. Admissions facilities, a welcome center, and academic space create a center of activity for students, faculty, visitors, and members of the community.
Trafton was opened in 1972 and named in honor of Gilbert H. Trafton, a biology professor for 32 years, 1911-1943. The complex currently houses the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Trafton is the largest building on campus. It includes specialized laboratories and research areas.
Formerly known as the Wilson Campus School, Wiecking was completed in 1959 and renamed for Anna Wiecking, teacher in Elementary Education, from 1917-1956, and Emma Wiecking, a librarian from 1922-1959. Wiecking Center houses the Department of Family Consumer Sciences, Facilities Management, University Printing Services, Auxiliary Services, Vehicle Office, Minnesota State Mankato Postal Services, Receiving, TRIO Programs, University Stores, ROTC, University Security, Children's House, and Department of Construction Management.
Earl J. Wigley, a history professor, coach, and administrator for 37 years, 1933-1970, gave his name to the building which was completed in 1980. It houses the Office of the President, Office of the Registrar, Office of Business Services, Academic Affairs, Career Development Center, Institutional Research, Human Resources, the Office of Student Affairs, Student Financial Services, and Veteran's Services.
At its completion in 1988, this building was named for Gerrit S. Wissink, chair of the Department of Physics and former dean, who served for 37 years, from 1935-1971. The building houses the Academic Computer Center, offices and classrooms of the Department of Computer Science and Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and offices, laboratories and demonstration/practice areas of the College of Allied Health and Nursing. The Leichsenring Nursing Center is named for Dr. Melba Leichsenring, Dean of the School of Nursing from 1977 until her death in 1987.
