History of the Kedzie Cane Award

Frank S. Kedzie, President of MSU 1915-1921 (photo courtesy of MSU Archives)

In 1915, Frank Kedzie became the President of MSU. In 1929, at the suggestion of "Uncle Frank", MSU held its first Patriarchs Reunion for alums who graduated 50 or more years ago. At the third Patriarchs Luncheon, President Kedzie presented a coffeewood cane to the oldest living alum in attendance, Mr. Daniel Strange, Class of 1867, a farmer from Eaton County. The cane belonged to President Kedzie�s father Robert, a former chemistry chair, who had acquired it in Mexico. Ever since, the cane has been awarded at the Patriarchs Luncheon to the oldest living alum in attendance, and since 1994 to the oldest male and female in attendance. It should be noted that they do not actually receive the cane, but receive a plaque to honor them. To date, there have been 37 recipients of the Kedzie Cane, one of MSU�s enduring traditions.

Click here to learn more about Frank Kedzie.