Minister joins staff and students to seal time capsule at University of Stirling

As students return to in-person classes, the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training toured the recently opened £23m building and sealed the time capsule, which signals the three-year project’s completion.

The time capsule contains a number of Covid-related items such as a face mask, safety signage such as ‘Desk not in use’ and a box of lateral flow tests, which will be buried under Campus Central as the University community looks ahead to a future beyond the pandemic.

Vice-President (Education) of the University of Stirling Students’ Union, Calum Brown, had the idea of creating a new time capsule, after hearing about one uncovered by builders during the construction of the new Sports Centre, in January 2019. That one, from 1969, contained sporting relics, old photographs and a bottle of whisky.

Time capsule contents

Students and staff submitted suggestions for a new capsule, and a subgroup, overseen by University archivist Karl Magee, made a final selection. As well as pandemic-related objects, other items include a squirrel mascot soft toy, a copy of student newspaper Brig and a Students’ Union rainbow lanyard.

University Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, said: “It’s a pleasure to see so many students back on campus, making the most of our new Campus Central facilities. The new spaces enhance the student experience, and equip the University for the dynamic teaching and learning of the future. I am delighted that the Minister has been able to experience a little of what the University of Stirling has to offer.

“The time capsule will record this unique chapter in the University’s history, as we emerge, more resilient, from the pandemic, and start to make the most of being together again on our beautiful campus.”

Report and image courtesy University of Stirling.