Time capsules saved for posterity

Ten capsules to be opened by 2054

By Elizabeth Leffall

Red, white and blue clothing littered the crowd of administrators, alumni, students and media gathered in support of a time capsule ceremony at the Save Mart Center on Friday.

The 3,200-pound bronze bulldog statue in the lobby was the center of attention during the event. Ten time capsules were placed in the base of the seven-foot-tall statue to remain for 50 years before the reopening ceremony in 2054.

All 10 capsules contained memorabilia from groups including the Bulldog Foundation, Associated Students and the Bulldog Women’s Foundation.

University President John Welty included a letter to his successor in his time capsule, explaining to them how the Save Mart Center came to be.

Scott Johnson, Fresno State’s athletic director, included sports predictions, editorials, media records, credentials and team accomplishments.

Associated Students added T-shirts, a copy of The Collegian, on-campus living literature, a Korean flag, a Russian Bible and many other items representing the diverse student culture of the university. A box of macaroni and cheese was also included, representing the diet staple of the average college student.

In their capsule, Student Athletes Foundation Services presented the current NCAA manual, a WAC conference brochure and a copy of the Grant A Letter of Intent, which all athletes must sign to receive scholarships, in their capsule.

Commemorative pins, programs, CD’s of the marching band, mementos from the Save Mart Center’s opening week activities and video of the bulldog statue’s construction were also included.

Provost Jeri Echeverria also participated in the day’s events.

“ This was an excellent way to begin my first week in my official capacity,” she said. “I was very excited to represent the fine deans and administrators of our university.”

Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and Save Mart Center Coordinator, Deborah Adishian-Astone said she was pleased with Friday’s turn out.

“ This was a great way to have it all in one place,” Adishian-Astone said. “The bulldog symbolizes our school spirit and to have all our constituents in one place was just perfect.”

Jennifer Lucero, alumni student aide for the Fresno State Association, said some of her favorite items placed in the time capsule were aerial photographs taken during construction of the Save Mart Center from beginning to end and a hard hat that was given to all 500 construction workers involved in the process.

Jacqui Glasener, executive director of the Fresno State Alumni Association said she wanted to leave a good first impression on future students and alumni when her organization’s capsule was opened.

“ By including our member directory as well as the PAW pin, which has been distributed to over 20,000 people including dignitaries, we wanted students in 2054 to see that we were growing, that we were in support of education, and that we encouraged scholarships and supported our own,” Glasener said.