Time capsule debuts at Sunday’s Toast to Augusta University event

At Sunday’s Toast to Augusta University event, which marks the kickoff to Inauguration Week, the Augusta University community will have its first chance to make contributions to the university’s time capsule.

To be opened in 2028, the 200^th anniversary of the institution’s founding, this time capsule is a little different than most. Rather than sealing up trinkets of the present, things that people assume will become the forgotten relics of the future’s past, this time capsule will be filled with cards detailing the community’s expectations for the future of the university.

“This is an opportunity during a very exciting time in this institution’s history for members of the Augusta University community – and also the greater Augusta community – to get engaged in the life and future of the university,” said Deb Barshafsky, strategist for the Augusta University Heritage Project. “We’re asking people to document their hopes and aspirations for the future of the university, sentiments that’ll we revisit when we open the capsule in 12 years.”

The cards, which read “When the bells ring for Augusta University in 2028 …” further spotlight the tradition represented by the bell tower, something organizers hope to emphasize even more with the time capsule’s eventual placement: in the first new bell tower erected on campus.

Community members will have several opportunities to contribute to the time capsule throughout 2016, and after the last cards are deposited at the end of the year, the capsule will be kept sealed and safe until the bell tower is constructed.

“We want people to feel good, not only about the time they spent at the university in the past, but also about the future of the university,” Barshafsky said. “Whether Augusta is your alma mater or the university that happens to be located a few blocks from where you live, we want to nurture meaningful and lifelong connections. The time capsule is a great way for us to document and preserve the tremendous amount of goodwill our faculty, staff, students, alums, supporters and neighbors have for this great university.”

Below is a list additional opportunities to contribute to the time capsule

Sunday

Kick-off Event: Toast to Augusta University, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Summerville Campus by the Blanchard Fountain

Monday

Ice Cream Social, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Amphitheater on the Summerville Campus

Tuesday

President’s Research Symposium, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lee Auditorium

Wednesday

Investiture and Reception, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Augusta Convention Center

Thursday

Class of 2016 Senior Celebration, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Grove on Summerville Campus

Friday

Alumni Weekend Registration, 8 a.m. to noon, Alumni Center on Health Sciences Campus

Arsenal Oak Celebration, 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., front lawn of Benet House

Saturday

Alumni Weekend Scholarship Brunch, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Legends Club

President’s Cookout, noon to 2 p.m., Twin Gables

Alumni Weekend Signature Event, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre

Sunday

Alumni Weekend Farewell Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Legends Club