Mississippi State's John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development staff celebrate 50 years of service and research Tuesday [Feb. 10]. Established Feb.  9, 1976 in honor of the long-serving senator's service to the Magnolia State and his alma mater, the institute was created to strengthen Mississippi's state and local governments, advancing the mission through applied research, training, technical assistance and civic education. The milestone celebration continues April 16 with a formal anniversary event at The Mill at MSU.