The MSU Museum invites the public to an opening reception for What If We Kissed in the Shadows of Beaumont Tower?: Connecting Generations through MSU Student Traditions on Friday, April 24 from 4:30–6:00 p.m. The exhibition, developed by students in Michigan State University’s Museum Studies program, offers a dynamic exploration of student life and traditions that have connected Spartans across generations.
Presented in the MSU Museum’s newly opened Forest Akers Trust Student Exhibition Lab, the exhibition marks the third collaboration between the Museum Studies program and the MSU Museum, and the first exhibition in this purpose-built space dedicated to hands-on, student-driven learning.
Through objects, stories, and creative interpretation, the exhibition traces the evolution of student traditions, from early 20th-century class rivalries to contemporary campus rituals, highlighting how shared experiences continue to shape Spartan identity. Developed through a collaborative, project-based course, students worked directly with the Museum’s collections, conducting research and transforming historical materials into a public-facing exhibition.
“The MSU Museum exists as a collaboratory where disciplines collide and curiosity drives discovery,” said Devon Akmon, director of the MSU Museum. “This exhibition is a testament to what becomes possible when students are given the space, resources, and mentorship to learn by doing. By working directly with our collections and bringing their own perspectives to bear, these students didn’t just study museum practice. They practiced it, producing something meaningful for our campus community and beyond.
The Forest Akers Trust Student Exhibition Lab is part of the Museum’s recent renovation, designed to prioritize teaching, learning, and research. The space provides students with opportunities to develop exhibitions that bridge classroom learning with professional museum practice.
“It’s an investment in putting students first,” said Suzanne Fischer, assistant professor of Museum Studies. “Having spaces like this allows students to imagine, experiment, and create exhibitions that connect past and present in meaningful ways.”
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibition and reflect on how traditions evolve while continuing to foster connection, identity, and shared experience within the Spartan community. Admission to the MSU Museum is free and open to all.
What If We Kissed in the Shadows of Beaumont Tower?: Connecting Generations through MSU Student Traditions will be on view April 25 – July 31, 2026.