MSU Alumni Association Executive Director Scott Westerman said the anniversary gives students and alumni alike a chance to celebrate where MSU has been and where it is going.

“What this birthday means to our alumni, is a chance to remember why we came to MSU in the first place,” Westerman said.

The alumni association celebrated through social media campaigns, Westerman said. Twitter and Facebook pictures wishing MSU a happy birthday were found on social media networks from Spartans on campus Wednesday.

The legacy of MSU is something that continues to grow e in Westerman’s eyes.

“One of the things I love about working at MSU is you see the legacy increase every year,” he said. “The land grant ideals we were founded on have become more important over time.”

Feb. 12 also remains important to land grant enthusiasts because the signee of the Morrill Land-Grant Act, Abraham Lincoln, shares a birthday with MSU.

“I think it’s wonderful irony that we share a birthday with President Lincoln,” he said. “It’s an honor to share a birthday with a president who was so visionary.”

The university celebrated with a Live On campaign that passed out free cupcakes in the Gallery at Snyder Phillips, Brody Square, Hubbard Community Center and the Holden Community Kitchen.

Students and alumni took a moment to reflect on what the birthday meant to them as well. Education senior Ben Walter said it is important to celebrate a place with many great moments.

“Why not celebrate the birthday of a place that’s home to a lot of good experiences for everyone?” he said.

Alumni weighed in as well. MSU alumna and Okemos resident Emily Guilford said the day is a reminder of what it took to get her where she is now.

“It’s important to remember where it all began … (to) remind us of our roots and our foundation,” she said.

Staff writer Sierra Lay contributed to this report.