Sherman, Texas -- Austin College buried a time capsule in commemoration of the College’s 175th year, in a ceremony held May 9, 2024, near the Honors Court.
Student Assembly President Nia Carter ’25, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and discussing some of the items sealed inside the capsule, including letters from presidents of Greek organizations, posters from campus events, a list of all students, eclipse glasses, students’ letters to their future selves, and a crocheted ’Roo. “Student Assembly wanted to find a way to get the entire campus to participate in the celebration of 175 years of Austin College,” she said. “We are elected representatives of the Student Body, and we wanted to make Heidi Rushing, Steven P. O’Day, and Nia Carter place the capsule in the ground.sure that everyone had a chance to make an impact on this momentous occasion!”
Carter then introduced Heidi Rushing ’04, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Austin College alumna, who credited Rev. Dr. John Williams ’84, Chaplain and Director of Church Relations, with spearheading the time capsule, and Student Assembly for bringing it to fruition.
“I want to congratulate the Student Assembly and the entire student body for all the ways you have helped us mark and celebrate the 175th year of Austin College,” said Rushing. “Truly, how lucky for you to be students during this significant milestone year.”
President Steven P. O’Day added, “Tonight, I want us all to celebrate this moment. You are all part of a long legacy of change makers, world builders, problem solvers, and smart, kind, resilient human beings. And you are already making a difference in our world.”
The time capsule will be opened in 2074, 50 years after its burial. The College previously buried a time capsule in 1999 as part of the sesquicentennial (150th year) celebrations. That capsule will be opened in 2049.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.