iPad among items filling new time capsule at Macky

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, left, and CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano examine the contents of the Macky Auditorium time capsule at the University of Colorado at Boulder on Oct. 8, 2010. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

A year after Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano revealed the contents of the 1910 Macky Auditorium time capsule, the contents of a new memo to posterity are being finalized.

At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, campus officials will gather at CU-Boulder’s Macky Auditorium for the ceremonial placement of the building’s new time capsule. The event will feature remarks from campus officials and a performance by Artist Series favorite Yamato, a Japanese Taiko drumming ensemble. The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public.

Transcripts of speeches from campus leaders, copies of the day’s newspapers, CDs of campus performances and copies of campus magazines such as The Coloradan, Colorado Engineer and Bylines are among items planned for inclusion in the time capsule. A decidedly modern touch will be an iPad loaded with contemporary digital content.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to take a snapshot of our world,” said Rudy Betancourt, director of the Macky Auditorium Concert Hall. “After the thrill of discovering what was left for us by our campus colleagues in 1910, I feel challenged to provide compelling artifacts from our era.”

Macky Auditorium is a fitting home for a time capsule. The facility has played a central role in campus life, with its 2,000-seat auditorium serving as a gathering point for the campus community. Over the years, it has housed the offices of the CU president, the dean of students, journalism, the registrar, the book store and admissions. The auditorium has hosted the popular Artist Series since 1937.