Honoring the legacy, building the future of the MSU School of Packaging
Print
EmailA tribute to the visionaries who pioneered packaging education and the transformational support that ensures MSU’s continued leadership in the field.
The Michigan State University (MSU) School of Packaging (SoP) is more than an academic program. It is a symbol of innovation, vision and Spartan legacy. As the birthplace of university-level packaging education, the SoP has shaped generations of professionals and continues to evolve to meet the needs of a dynamic global industry.
The SoP was established in 1952 as the first academic program of its kind in the world. The idea emerged during a time when consumer goods were becoming increasingly complex, and distribution systems required new solutions.
Under the leadership of MSU President John Hannah, the program began within the Department of Forest Products, reflecting its early focus on materials such as wood and paper. By 1957, the program became an independent school offering a full four-year curriculum. In the decades that followed, MSU introduced the first Ph.D. in Packaging in the U.S., cementing its role as a global leader in packaging education and research.
Early faculty members such as Dr. James Goff and Dr. Harold J. “Pete” Raphael were instrumental in shaping the curriculum and building industry partnerships. Their foresight established the foundation for what is now the largest and most influential packaging program in the world.
Timeline of key milestones
1952 – MSU launches the first university-level packaging program within the Department of Forest Products
1957 – Packaging becomes an independent school offering a full four-year curriculum
1960s – Research expands into plastics and barrier materials as consumer packaging evolves
1966–1976 – Dr. James Goff serves as director, formalizing curriculum and strengthening industry ties
1970s – Partnerships with companies like Kellogg and Dow Chemical drive food packaging and polymer research
1986 – Major privately funded building renovation introduces advanced labs for materials testing and food packaging systems
1990s – MSU leads research in sustainability and life-cycle analysis partnering with Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola
2000s – Growth in global collaborations and packaging automation research; MSU becomes a hub for RFID and smart packaging studies
2010s – Industry partnerships expand to include Amazon and e-commerce packaging optimization
2023 – Completion of Phase I renovation with modernized classrooms, labs and collaborative spaces
2025 and beyond – Launch of Packaging 2.0, an expansion initiative that will double the current building's footprint and advance interdisciplinary research
Industry partnerships and research breakthroughs
The SoP has consistently partnered with leading corporations to address real-world challenges. In the 1970s, collaborations with Kellogg and Dow Chemical advanced food packaging and polymer science. The 1990s brought sustainability research with Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola focusing on reducing environmental impact through life-cycle analysis and recyclable materials.
In the 2000s, MSU pioneered studies in RFID technology and smart packaging working with logistics and retail giants to improve supply chain efficiency. More recently, partnerships with Amazon and major e-commerce companies have driven innovations in packaging optimization for global distribution.
These collaborations have positioned MSU as a thought leader in areas such as:
- Sustainable materials and circular economy packaging
- Food safety and shelf-life extension through advanced barrier technologies
- Smart packaging systems integrating sensors and data analytics
- Packaging machinery and automation for high-speed production environments
Mentorship and vision
The success of the SoP has always been rooted in mentorship and collaboration. Leaders like Dr. Raphael and Dr. Goff inspired generations of students to see packaging as a critical component of commerce, sustainability and innovation. Their influence extended beyond classrooms, shaping careers and fueling industry advancements.
One such student was William “Bill” Somerville. A native of Lansing, Michigan, Somerville’s connection to packaging began in high school, when he met Dr. Raphael through his then-girlfriend Jane. Originally planning to study forestry, Somerville was inspired to pursue packaging by Dr. Raphael. This decision led to a dynamic career with the Cryovac division of W.R. Grace Company, where he worked for over three decades in engineering, sales and management.
His story reflects the transformative power of faculty mentorship and the school’s pioneering spirit. Somerville credits the mentoring he received at the SoP School of Packaging with shaping his life’s trajectory.
“Nothing happens in life without a package,” said Somerville. “For me, the MSU School of Packaging made for such an unbelievable life and career. It led to an adventuresome, entrepreneurial and creative path that I otherwise would not have found.”
Honoring the past and fueling the future
In April 2023, MSU celebrated the grand reopening of the newly renovated Packaging Building after its first major update since 1986. The privately funded renovation created spaces designed for collaboration, sustainability and innovation.
To recognize the foundational figures who helped found and shape the SoP, Somerville and his wife Mary Lou funded the renovation of the building’s executive conference room.
The William J. and Mary Lou Somerville Conference Room — in memory of President Hannah, Dr. Raphael and Dr. Goff — now features modern furnishings and full video conferencing capabilities supporting the collaborative ethos that has defined the school since its inception.
“The conference room is a decision-making room that can affect the whole building, the university, as well as what happens tomorrow,” said Somerville. “This is a continued adoption of my attitude towards Michigan State. Much was given to me, and I certainly need to return that.”
Thinking big
With the first phase of renovations complete, MSU has launched Packaging 2.0, an ambitious expansion initiative that will double the building’s footprint. This expansion will enable growth in faculty, graduate student population and research capabilities.
This expansion will advance sustainability efforts, attract top-tier talent and ensure MSU remains the global leader in packaging education. Corporate and individual partners are invited to support the campaign through space-naming opportunities and strategic collaborations.
Embracing its legacy as the first of its kind in the nation, Somerville hopes that today’s SoP leaders will dream big like the foundational figures who helped build the program generations ago.
“The MSU School of Packaging started it all. It was the place to go if you wanted to be part of this industry, and as far as I’m concerned it still is. The visionary leaders of our past brought us to this moment. And now is the time to think big because the opportunities in front of us are just endless.”
Learn more about Packaging 2.0 here.
Learn more about the history of the MSU School of Packaging here.
