{"id":102640,"date":"2025-06-19T13:18:28","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T17:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=102640"},"modified":"2025-06-20T11:38:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T15:38:12","slug":"building-a-legacy-for-future-badgers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2025\/06\/building-a-legacy-for-future-badgers\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a legacy for future Badgers"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Brock opens its 60th anniversary time capsule decades from now, it won\u2019t just be the items inside sharing the University’s story.<\/p>\n

The capsule itself tells a tale, one of craftsmanship, community and the work of those who\u2019ve helped shape the University from behind the scenes.<\/p>\n

Stephen Renda, Manager of Brock\u2019s Machine Shop, remembers the moment he was asked to lead the time capsule construction project.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was pretty excited,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not every day you get to build something meant to last longer than you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Designed to resemble a large book, the capsule is a thoughtful blend of symbolism and sustainability.<\/p>\n

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A collection of time capsule contents is on display in the Matheson Learning Commons facing the hallway of the Thistle Complex. These items will remain on display until Friday, June 27.<\/p><\/div>\n

The outer shell is made from sleek stainless steel, while the \u201cpages\u201d were crafted from a reclaimed maple table once used in a Brock physics lab. The inner structure, built from Baltic birch plywood and hidden fasteners, brings it all together for a story within a story.<\/p>\n

The time capsule was built by the skilled staff of Brock\u2019s Machine Shop, including Mechanical Instrument Technicians Art Reimer, Nathan Hawkins and Mitch Sillaste.<\/p>\n

Together, they leveraged decades of experience to create something that\u00a0 represents both the past and future of the University.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was our chance to put something tangible into Brock\u2019s legacy. Something our kids and grandkids might one day see,\u201d he said. \u201cHopefully I\u2019ll be here when they open it. But even if I\u2019m not, it feels good knowing we left something behind that tells part of Brock\u2019s story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fittingly, the capsule was built using equipment that\u2019s been on campus since Brock\u2019s earliest days in 1964, a subtle nod to the University\u2019s roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe used the original machine shop tools,\u201d Renda said. \u201cIt was our way of honouring where we came from. This shop has been part of Brock since day one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The shop, which operates under the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, is a centre of design and precision. With staff skilled in a range of trades, the team builds one-of-a-kind tools and research equipment for departments across campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne day, we’re making a vacuum chamber. The next, we’re fixing a photographer\u2019s tripod,\u201d Renda said. \u201cBut everything we do, we put thought into. We design, we build and we see it used.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now that the capsule is complete, the Machine Shop team will move it to the Jubilee Courtyard for Brock\u2019s Wellness Day Barbecue and Anniversary Social<\/a> on Monday, June 24, where community members can view it in person.<\/p>\n

From there, it will be transferred to Library Special Collections and Archives, where it will be packed with a selection of items provided by the Brock community.\u00a0 The capsule will be moved to its permanent home in the Student-Alumni Centre in the fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cA time capsule is more than a container of artifacts,\u201d said Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students. \u201cIts contents signal who we are, what we value and the legacy we hope to leave behind. It reflects the pride, creativity and spirit of our community in this moment in time. I\u2019m incredibly proud of how students, faculty, staff and alumni came together to leave a lasting message for the Brock Badgers of 2064.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t