Jack Breslin


Jacweir "Jack" Breslin worked at Michigan State University, as a distinguished student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and relentless advocate. His personification of the MSU "Spartan" spirit, and his innovative leadership, played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the university. MSU was the first land-grant university in the United States. During Breslin's career, from the early 1950s to the late 1970s, MSU transformed from a small state university focused on agriculture to an internationally respected research university. The student population grew from about 6,000 to about 40,000
In 1969, Breslin was one of the first administrators to initiate planning for a multi-purpose, student building; and continued to be the leading force through its conceptual design. Prints of such a design were completed in January 1970 and featured such innovations as an extra “practice gymnasium,” and a dedicated space for male and female performers. When Breslin died, the building was named in his honor.
He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and died in Lansing, Michigan.