Missouri Western State University to celebrate Founder’s Day, open 1990 time capsule

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Missouri Western State University will celebrate Founder's Day with a mayoral proclamation and the opening of a time capsule buried on campus in 1990.

The event will take place at the Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower on Monday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception in the MWSU Library's Hearnes Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Attendees can park in Lot K, across from Popplewell Hall. Golf cart shuttles will be provided to the clock tower. If there is inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Fulkerson Center.

Featured speakers include Missouri Western State University President Dr. Lenny Klaver; Dr. Suzanne Kissock, dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies; Student Government Association President Tawanda Charumuka II and Vice President Unyque Mallett Floyd; St. Joseph Mayor Larry Miller; and Dr. Melody Smith, president of the Alumni Council.

The time capsule was buried in 1990 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first class of students to graduate from Missouri Western after it became a four-year college. It was initially located behind Eder Hall but was moved to make room for the construction of Murphy Hall.

The capsule was originally scheduled to be opened in 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic. All items from the time capsule will be displayed at the reception in the library following the ceremony.