On Tuesday, March 11, Andrews University celebrated the conclusion of its sesquicentennial events with the presentation of a time capsule, which was buried under a monument outside Buller Hall—the original location of the Administration Building. Created by the Andrews University 150th Anniversary Planning Committee, the time capsule signifies the resilience, unity and faith that are at the core of Andrews’ values. It includes items to commemorate the impact of students, faculty, staff and alumni at Andrews University.
A brief video explaining Andrews’ transition from Emmanuel Missionary College to Andrews University opened the ceremony, followed by a short devotion that asked the question, “Why do we bury a time capsule?” Chaplain Prescott Khair explained that the university wanted to bury the capsule as a reminder of the people to whom we are connected and to inspire the next generation.
Several representatives placed items in the box, each of which hold a special meaning to the school. Notable items include the books “Forward in Faith,” which tells the story of Emmanuel Missionary College’s transition into Andrews University, and “Christ’s Object Lessons,” along with a recipe for Sam’s Chicken, a COVID-19 mask and sheep’s wool—sheared from sheep at Andrews’ Agriculture Education Center—from special blankets that were made for the 150th commemoration. A ceremony program featuring the signatures of participants and attendees was spontaneously added, as organizers wanted to document those present at the burial. People in attendance included students, faculty, staff, alumni and a reporter from ABC 57 News.
As participants filed onto the lawn of Buller Hall after the indoor portion of the ceremony, the Wind Symphony played a special rendition of the University’s theme song “Our Dear AU.”
John Wesley Taylor V, president of Andrews, gave a brief address before shoveling the first scoop of dirt onto the box. Others followed his lead, each helping to fill in the hole that will remain the capsule’s resting place for the next 50 years—the university plans to retrieve the capsule in 2075.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.