When a future generation of Brock Badgers opens a time capsule from the University’s 60th year, what should they find inside?

That’s the question the Brock community now has the chance to answer.

The working group overseeing the special anniversary project is welcoming suggestions for items to include in the time capsule, which will be sealed this June and reopened at the University’s 100th anniversary in 2064. The contents aim to offer an inclusive snapshot of what Brock was like, and focused on achieving, in 2024-25.

“We can’t wait to hear all of the creative ideas we know will come from our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” says Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students and Chair of Brock’s 60th Anniversary Steering Committee. “This is a rare opportunity to reflect on where we are today while directly delivering a message to the future Brock community that showcases our long-standing pride in this world-class institution.”

The time capsule is intended to “convey the vibrancy of the Brock experience at 60 years,” Clarke adds.

Submissions are encouraged from individuals as well as from various groups across campus, such as student groups, academic departments and administrative units, who may submit artifacts that represent and reflect collective experiences and achievements.

Items must meet the following criteria to be considered for inclusion:

• Reflective of Brock’s 60th anniversary period from 2024-25.
• Highlights one or many present-day aspects of the Brock experience.
• Fits within the time capsule dimensions — 47” x 39.2” x 15.5” — while allowing a reasonable amount of space for other items.
• Can be enjoyed without the use of technology.
• Likely to be preserved for 40 years.

The materials in the time capsule should be more analog than digital to ensure they can be properly accessed by those unsealing the vessel, says David Sharron, Head of Brock’s Archives and Special Collections. It’s unlikely, he adds, that the technology of today will still be in regular use 40 years down the road.

“Remember, only 15 years ago, every computer had a DVD drive. Now, DVDs are considered an old, at-risk media and finding a functional DVD player gets more difficult every year,” he says. “We need hard-copy records for this project such as photos, department and club histories, booklets, our Brock newspapers, vinyl records and other creative, tangible representations of this time period. We’re excited to see what people submit.”

Ideas for the project can be submitted by filling out this form on the University’s 60th anniversary website. The deadline to participate is Friday, March 14.