As Augustana University embarked on the renovation and expansion of its Chapel of Reconciliation, the owl statue, "Hindsight, Insight, Foresight," created by Professors Emeriti of Art Palmer Eide ‘30 and Ogden Dalrymple, was moved from its long-time home outside of Morrison Commons for refurbishment. The chapel and campus patio upgrades would lead to the discovery of a 40-year-old time capsule hidden within the statue.
The capsule, which was found in the statue’s plinth or pedestal, was designed to preserve a snapshot of campus life in 1985 — Augustana’s 125th anniversary. Inside are copies of The Augustana Mirror and Augustana Today, a dust jacket from Don Sneen’s book, Through Trials and Triumphs: A History of Augustana College, and coins minted from that year.
“Being involved with the 125th anniversary was something that you couldn’t do every year — it wasn’t like Viking Days or something like that,” said Staci (Thiel) Aesop ‘86 — one of two student representatives on the committee who created the capsule. “I knew it was kind of a big deal.”
The capsule will be on display at the Vikings Reunite and Viking Bold Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Midco Arena.
“I think it’s a nice way to reflect on what was happening back then,” Aesop said. “Obviously, so much has changed, and technology alone has just changed the world.”
While rediscovering the capsule brought back memories of the anniversary celebration, Aesop — a rancher and substitute teacher from North Hyde County, South Dakota — said it also reminded her of other fond memories from her time at Augustana.
“There was just so much going on with the football game and the parade — that was always a highlight,” she said. “Augustana had a very community-oriented atmosphere, and that was wonderful.”
As the capsule is reopened more than four decades after it was sealed, Aesop hopes it teaches today’s students of the traditions and community that shaped generations of Vikings.
“When I find out somebody’s going there, I get so excited,” she said. “I think education is so important, and it’s important to take the opportunities that you can get. You can learn something new every day.”
To learn more about Viking Days events, visit augie.edu/VikingDays.