San Diego State University students and leaders gathered at the Aztec Student Union building on Friday for a historic event: the installation of a time capsule that will be opened 50 years from now.
The time capsule is filled with items and mementos representing campus milestones and what it’s like to be an Aztec in 2013. All of the items were hand-picked by SDSU students.
The time capsule was placed inside a wall in the new, highly-anticipated Aztec Student Union building, which is set to open this fall as a hub for studying, socializing, relaxing and learning for students, faculty, staff and alumni.
The building is funded entirely by a student-approved fee increase and receives no state funding, making it a major landmark and achievement for the campus.
For that very reason, SDSU campus historian Seth Mallios said placing the time capsule inside the walls of the building was a no-brainer.
“This is the Student Union and the students worked so hard to get this building. It’s a focal point for students; their voice is in this. The students chose all the items that are in the time capsule,” said Mallios. “It really ties into their identity at this moment.”
Items inside the time capsule include a campus map and voter pamphlet and promotional materials from the student fee referendum votes that lead to the construction of the Aztec Student Union.
Other items include a framed sketch of the Aztec Center, student council shirt, a letter written by SDSU associated students president Josh Morse and an SDSU student ID card featuring the Aztec Warrior.
Of course, the time capsule wouldn’t be complete without some SDSU basketball memorabilia.
The capsule also contains a basketball signed by SDSU men’s basketball coach Steve Fisher, a Sweet 16 NCAA shirt and a ticket from the 2012 Battle of the Midway game.
Other pop culture items include a dollar bill and penny, photos of the 2012-12013 Associated Students of SDSU Council and a centennial issue of “The Daily Aztec” student newspaper.
Mallios said the project is meant to bring together different generations from the past, present and future.
“The reason time capsules are so exciting, is that they pull together the generations. When you put together a time capsule, you’re thinking about addressing people 50 years, 100 or 1,000 years from now. But then you’re also reflecting,” said Mallios.
When the time capsule is dug out 50 years from now, Mallios believes SDSU will be a much different place.
“It’ll be a completely different community,” he said.
Photo Credit: SDSU