This content was published: March 9, 2012. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Sylvania putting final touches on 50th anniversary time capsule
Photos and story by Kate Chester
As part of the college’s 50th anniversary celebration this year, Sylvania Campus students and graphics arts instructor Mike Creger are in the process of creating a bronze-casted time capsule. Designed in the shape of a dragon boat, the sculpture will be unveiled during the college’s annual Art Beat Festival the week of May 7. Campus administrators are evaluating possible permanent display locations for the piece once it’s completed.
Polished bronze head of Sylvania's 50th anniversary dragon boat time capsule.
“This is the year to celebrate how far the college has come in 50 years,” said Linda Gerber, Sylvania Campus president. “And the more we talked, the more we liked the idea of creating something to cherish for the next 50 years.”
The idea of a time capsule came about last summer, when those on Sylvania’s 50th anniversary and In-Service planning committees were brainstorming concepts that incorporated anniversary themes into campus celebrations throughout the year.
The time capsule idea was turned over to the campus Traditions, Rituals and Fun Committee to develop further. Dave Happ, coordinator of the campus computer labs and chair of the TRF committee, fleshed out details with the Visual and Performing Arts and Design division. Upon getting the division’s “green light” for the project, Happ joined Gerber at the campus’ 50th anniversary kick-off party Oct. 13 to announce the time capsule plans.
Since then, Creger has enlisted the help of several of his students – Julian Boyer, Shelly Donohoe and Nina Prince – to create the design, make the molds, and pour and fire the bronze castings. The final piece will be showcased at a special ceremony on May 9 during “Art Beat,” at the Sylvania Campus.
“This has been a very fun project to work on,” said Creger. “And what I’ve been most impressed with is the students’ level of precision and ability – especially as this was the first bronze pour for several of them.
“To work with such talented and skilled students on a project that is tied with the college’s history – and its future, for at least the next 50 years – has been incredibly rewarding,” said Creger. “I’m looking forward to showing off the students’ work come May 9.”