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Open House
Marks 50 Years of Computing at MSU
October 4, 2006
In the fall of 1957 Michigan State University completed construction of the university's first digital computer— the Michigan State Integral Computer (MISTIC). “Primitive by today’s standards, the MISTIC propelled MSU into the uncharted territory of academic computing,” says Tom Davis, Director of Academic Computing and Network Services. In contrast to its massive physical size, the MISTIC had a memory of only 40,960 bits; a modern personal computer today has a memory of over 100,000 times the capacity of the MISTIC. Nevertheless, when completed in November 1957, the MISTIC was in continual use for 8 hours a day by members of the Agricultural Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics departments, among others.
To commemorate this landmark, the MSU’s Department of Academic Computing and Network Services held an open house on Friday, September 29, 2006, at the Computer Center. Displays showcased MSU's rich computing history from the MISTIC to mainframes through today's vast computer network. Select displays will remain available for public viewing in the Computer Center. Throughout the day, visitors listened to first hand accounts of how computing at the university began, visited the room where the MISTIC was located, and shared computing stories of their own. In the afternoon, a panel of MSU's computing pioneers convened to discuss milestones from the past 50 years. More than 240 people were in attendance.
The panel included those who built the MISTIC, as well as MSU’s first programmers:
- Dr. Julian Kateley, Professor Emeritus, Computer Science, and Associate Director Emerit
us, MSU Computer Laboratory - Dr. Henry Blosser, Founder and Director Emeritus, National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory
- Dr. Lawrence W. Von Tersch, Founding Director, MSU Computer Laboratory (Ret) and Professor Emeritus, Electrical Engineering, and Dean Emeritus, College of Engineering
- Dr. Elizabeth A. Unger, Professor, Department of Computing and Information Sciences, Vice Provost, Academic Services and Technology, Dean of Continuing Education, Kansas State University
- Dr. Martin Glen Keeney, Associate Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
- Dr. Richard Reid, Professor Emeritus and Founding Chair, Computer Science
In partnership with the MSU Museum, the exhibition: MISTIC Memories: 50 Years of Computing at MSU also opened in September on the ground floor entry lobby at the MSU Museum. Various forms of calculators which preceded the modern computer such as the abacus and the Warren Calculating Engine, along with early 20th century adding machines, slide rules, and comptometers are just a few of the artifacts on display.
Academic Computing and Network Services will continue their celebration of 50 Years of Computing at MSU through March 2007. Up to date information about all events including a photo gallery and historic timeline can be found at computing.msu.edu/50years
About Academic Computing & Network Services (ACNS)
ACNS carries the responsibility to ensure MSU students, faculty, and staff have the information technology they need to fulfill the university’s mission—advancing knowledge and transforming lives. Our mission is to provide high quality computing and networking services in support of the scholarship and work-related activities of the university community. Visit acns.msu.edu for more information about Academic Computing and Network Services.
About the MSU Museum
The MSU Museum features three floors of special collections and changing exhibits and is open seven days a week free of charge (donations are welcome). The museum is located on West Circle Drive next to Beaumont Tower on the MSU campus in East Lansing and is accessible to persons with disabilities. Hours are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call (517) 355-2370 or see museum.msu.edu.
