EOU 1979 time capsule opened on eve of University's 75th anniversary

Published: April 9, 2004

by C.J. Gish
Media and publication writer
University Advancement
541-962-3585 / fax 541-962-3680

EOU Assitant Vice President for University Advancment Tim Seydel (left) and President Dixie Lund look over items from Eastern's 1979 time capsule.

La Grande -- In 1979, the Ayatollah Khoemeini seized power in Iran, Great Britain elected Margaret Thatcher as its first female prime minister, the Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident occurred and the disco craze was fazing.

At Eastern Oregon State College, a time capsule was sealed on Dec. 13, with instructions not to be opened until 2004 for the school's 75th anniversary. On Thursday afternoon in Ackerman 105, Eastern Oregon University President Dixie Lund unsealed the taped box and discovered the mementoes passed down by an administration from three decades ago.

Inside the time capsule were newspapers ranging from the Portland Oregonian to the La Grande Observer and Eastern's student publication, The Beacon. The taped box also featured a 1979 50th anniversary lapel pin and belt buckle, along with a summer session catalog and letters from Eastern president Rodney Briggs and the college relations director, among other items.

The items from the 1979 time capsule will be placed in another time capsule to be opened for EOU's 100th anniversary celebration. The time capsule opening kicked off the first 75th anniversary committee meeting, which included more than a dozen people from the community and EOU. Meetings will be held throughout the summer to coordinate events for the 2004-05 academic year.

Items from the Eastern Oregon State College 1979 time capsule box included issues of the Portland Oregonian, the La Grande Observer and The Eastern Beacon student newspaper, a 1979 50th anniverary lapel pin and belt buckle, a bumper sticker, letters from then EOSC president Rodney Briggs and a summer session catalog, among other items.

Contact Information

University Advancement Eastern Oregon University One University Boulevard La Grande, OR 97850 phone 541.962.3740 fax 541.962.3680 email University Advancement