Alabama State University once again paid homage to its rich history and enduring legacy as it sealed a new time capsule filled with artifacts from the present, set to be opened in 2074.
On Aug. 22, at 11 a.m., members of the Hornet Nation family, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, gathered in the university’s academic mall to contribute items that reflect the university’s culture, achievements, and aspirations. This historic event followed the university’s opening of a 50-year-old time capsule from 1974, which was unearthed on Feb. 1, 2024.
President Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D., reflected on the university’s storied past.
“Today, we stand proud,” he said. “Proud of Alabama State University, proud of all that she has done and all that she has become in these last 157 years.”
Ross also paid tribute to the university’s sixth president, Levi Watkins Sr., L.H.D., whose vision led to the burial of the original time capsule in 1974.
“A few months ago, we had the opportunity to look at the wisdom and vision of our sixth president, Dr. Levi Watkins Sr.,” he said. “He and the administration had the foresight back in 1974 to place items in a capsule so that we could experience what was happening back then.”
As Ross looked toward the future, he contemplated the significance of the 2024 time capsule.
“When the capsule is open in 2074, unless it’s God’s will, I won’t be here, but to stand here today and think about how in 2074, someone will open this capsule and be able to relive this moment, this time at Alabama State University and the history, it’s really a surreal moment,” he said. “We should all be thankful for this opportunity that we have to impact generations to come.”
The atmosphere was one of pride as the university community came together to participate in this symbolic event. The time capsule, positioned in the same spot as the one from 1974, serves as a testament to the university’s dedication to preserving its history and preparing for the future.

Amber Douglas, the university’s marketing and communications coordinator, was one of the key figures involved in organizing the event. She shared her excitement and pride about the diverse range of items selected for inclusion in the capsule.
“We have some wonderful things from all of the different colleges and departments around the university,” she said with enthusiasm. “We have something I thought was really cool from our championship track and field team. We have a Wheaties cereal box with the picture of the track and field team on it, so we’re excited to include that.”
Douglas went on to list other significant items.
“We have basketball jerseys, baseball jerseys, signed softballs, ASU teddy bears, different pamphlets and things from the different colleges of the university,” she said. “We are also including lots of pictures from the different student organizations on campus. We also have special videos from Dr. Ross, this year’s SGA president and from Miss ASU as well.”
The selection process was an emotional one for Douglas, who acknowledged the deeper meaning of the event.
“It’s just a reminder of how important time is, the reminder of how important it is to look back and remember,” she said. “It’s good to move forward, it’s good to progress, but traditions and what’s done in the past shouldn’t be forgotten. We cannot forget our history; we cannot forget where we’ve come from; and we cannot forget the people who paved the way for where we are now. This will be a good testament to where we are in 2024 and what we are establishing and building right now for ASU.”
The time capsule itself holds historical significance, as the university decided to reuse the same capsule from 1974, which had been carefully refurbished. Douglas shared the challenges faced in securing a new capsule.
“Time capsules aren’t very common so finding a time capsule was difficult,” she said. “Thankfully, speaking with some of my coworkers, they suggested reusing the time capsule we have because I was trying to find a new one. It’s not many companies that do that, so I just wanted to make sure we found a reputable company that was actually legit.”
Douglas shared that the university’s department of archives played a crucial role in the preservation and preparation of the capsule.
“We have the department of archives in the library who keeps up with all this information,” she said. “They have helped me so much in this process of putting this time capsule together and getting everything collected.
She also expressed her appreciation to the physical plant staff, who ensured that the capsule and its vault, which had been in place since 1974, were still in excellent condition after 50 years.
The event attracted students eager to contribute to the legacy of the university. Tyrin Moorer, a senior majoring in finance, expressed his excitement about being part of history.
“I feel like it’s a great opportunity to be able to be a part of history, especially being at a university where history is made,” Moorer shared. “We just opened a time capsule back in February, and now, we’re here today to place another one that won’t be opened until 2074.”

Moorer also reflected on what he would personally contribute to the time capsule.
“I would put my resume in there so that my children could see 50 years later that their dad was ‘him,’” he mused with a smile. “I would also put a voter’s registration form in there so everyone would know that that was my focus.”
Looking toward the future of the university, Moorer expressed hope for the university’s continued growth and vitality.
“I would hope in 2074 that our campus has expanded, enrollment increases and the campus is back buzzing like how Alabama State used to be,” he said. “That’s what I always hear from older alumni. The campus was buzzing, students were always outside and there was always something to do. So I hope that energy comes back and we advance.”
For many, the event was more than a ceremony, it was a symbol of the university’s enduring spirit and the resilience of its students, faculty and alumni.
Latasha Egland, administrative assistant in the office of marketing and communications, described the day as monumental.
“Today’s event is so monumental,” she said. “It’s so special to be part of this legacy. The capsule has so many things that the students now and hopefully those in the future can relate to. These items symbolize ASU, where we came from and our Hornet pride!”
Even students who had not originally planned to attend the event found themselves moved by the experience. Kiasa Trabue, a senior majoring in communications with a focus on radio and television, was grateful for the opportunity to participate.
“I’m actually glad I came to this event, even though it was last minute for me,” he said. “It was really cool to see all the things they were putting inside and to be a part of the experience. Especially since I missed when they opened the capsule last semester. This time I get to contribute.”