Published on April 24, 2026  
SGA with President Taylor

Samford University celebrated a tradition dating back half a century, rededicating the university’s time capsule for future generations of students to open in 2050.

The tradition began in 1976 to celebrate America’s bicentennial, when then-president Leslie S. Wright and the student government association decided to preserve items for the future Samford community. The capsule was rededicated again in 2001, then reopened during the 2025-26 academic year. The 2001 capsule items included homecoming t-shirts, a class schedule catalog and a Step Sing scrapbook.

In honor of the country’s 250th birthday, the capsule was once again entrusted to the Samford Library for safekeeping for another 25 years during a ceremony held in Harry’s Coffeehouse on April 24.

“Today, we once again reach across time to a future generation of Bulldogs. We pray they will love this place as we do and proudly join with us all in that unbroken line from 1841 into eternity,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. “Samford University endures and thrives as a community of learning and faith unlike any other. The foundation of our hope in Christ remains secure and strong.”

The capsule was presented to the library by SGA president Caleb John, who, along with his fellow student leaders, selected the items to store. 

Items Included in the 2026 Time Capsule:

  • Envelope for Student Government of 2050
    • Letter from the President, Dr. Beck A. Taylor
    • Letter from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. R, Phillip Kimrey
    • Letter from the SGA President, Caleb N. John
    • Letter from Student Executive Board Officers
    • Student Executive Board Photo
    • Business Card, SGA 2025
    • Pen, SGA
  • The Samford Crimson
  • Entre Nous
  • Samford Magazine, Summer 2025
  • Samford Magazine, Fall 2025
  • Samford Annual Report, 2025
  • The Local Birmingham Magazine, 2025
  • Yearbook 2025-2026
  • Blue T-Shirt, Miss Samford 2025
  • Poster, Miss Samford 2025
  • 75th Step Sing Director Sweater, 2025
  • Green T-Shirt, Your School Your City 2025
  • White T-shirt, Welcome Back Week 2025
  • Blue T-shirt, Freshman Retreat 2025
  • Poster, Hey U SU Day! 2025
  • White T-shirt, Homecoming 2025
  • Hat, Homecoming 2025
  • Student Executive Board Photo Strip, Homecoming 2025
  • Pink Long Sleeve T-shirt, Lighting of the Way 2025
  • White T-Shirt, Winter Welcome Back 2025
  • T-Shirt, SAC Spring Fest 2026
  • Honor Pledge Postcard, SGA
  • Service Program, Harry's Dedication 2026
  • Flyer Invitation, Harry's Dedication 2026
  • White T-shirt, Lead With Love Week 2026
  • Poster, Battle of the Bands Signed, SAC x Student Activities 2025
  • Poster, Global Connections 2026
  • Transition Meeting Agenda, SGA SEB 2026
  • SGA Calendar and Election Dates, 2025-2026
  • Flyer, Get Involved
  • Flyer, Student Suggestion Box
  • Flyer, Elections
  • Pin, SGA Loves the Dogs
  • Cup, SGA
  • Mug, SGA
  • Scarf, SGA
  • Napkin, SGA
  • Navy Samford T-shirt, SGA
  • Blue Bandana, SGA
  • Pocket Journal, SGA
  • Phone Wallet, SGA
  • Hand Sanitizer, SGA
  • Transparent Zip Pouch, SGA
 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.