Macky Auditorium continues to be an integral part of campus, even after 100 years.
In 1910, during the cornerstone ceremony for Macky Auditorium, a time capsule was placed within a cornerstone of the building, according to the university website. On Friday, a crowd of CU alumni, students and others gathered in the auditorium to witness the unveiling of artifacts contained within the time capsule.
In his speech, Chancellor Philip DiStefano discussed the history of Macky and its significance to the university and to the Boulder community.
“We are very proud of [the building],” DiStefano said. “It proved to be the seed for the beautiful campus that we have today.”
Gov. Bill Ritter and many CU dignitaries joined the Chancellor in giving speeches to celebrate the 100-year anniversary. Following the speeches, to the sound of a drum roll, the cloth covering the glass cases was lifted and the contents of the time capsule were revealed.
Within the glass cases were old newspapers, photos of Macky auditorium, a program for commencement, a program for the cornerstone laying and many other objects that remained perfectly preserved by the bronze box that had been buried in the cornerstone.
The unveiling of the time capsule represents how the past and the future can intersect.
“The university will always have one eye cast back on its rich history and one eye cast forward towards its promising future,” said CU President Bruce Benson.
In addition, it was confirmed at the unveiling that a new time capsule would be buried under Macky sometime in 2010. The contents of the new time capsule have yet to be determined.
The event was well attended but there were very few university students present. The event consisted mostly of alumni and other community members who said they were intrigued by the time capsule.
One of the alums in attendance was Ruth Colby, of the class of 1977, who commented on the significance of Macky to the university.
“Macky is an important part of Boulder for me,” Colby said. “I was happy that this unveiling happened.”
As a building with a 2,600-seat auditorium, Macky has hosted the speeches and performancs of many prominent figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and many others. In addition, the building has housed the offices of the CU President, the CU Book Store, the Department of Journalism, the Registrar, the Dean of Students and Admissions.
Some students said that they find it amazing that Macky is so well known.
“It is impressive that we have a place on campus that has hosted so many celebrities,” said Dane Fowler, a 22-year-old psychology and communication double major. “It’s cool that people know Macky.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Chelsea Barrett at Chelsea.barrett@colorado.edu.
