On Thursday, Jan. 5, construction workers began to remove the dedication plaque from the Heimerman Science Center, which will be replaced by the Bishop Gerber Science Center. A cylindrical object appeared behind the plaque and was believed to be a time capsule. When the object was fully removed from the wall on Jan. 6, it was confirmed to be a time capsule – although no member of the current Newman community knew anything about a time capsule being placed there. Speculation and excitement grew within people at Newman as to what the capsule might contain, as it would have dated back to 1966 when the Heimerman Science Building was completed.
On Jan. 9, as part of a celebration for reaching the fundraising goal for the Facing Forwardcampaign and a “Topping-Off” ceremony for the new science center, Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. opened the contents of the capsule in front of a large crowd. Below are some of the contents contained within the capsule:
The front of a booklet for potential campaign donors for the Heimerman Science Center.
The inside of an invitation to the dedication of the Heimerman Science Center.
Front of the invitation to the dedication of the Heimerman Science Center.
The cover artwork of this Admissions brochure was done by Sacred Heart art majors to signify the four areas of learning: Science, Math, Art, and Literature. The original paintings hung for many years in Sacred Heart Hall.
The inside of the Admissions brochure includes photos of campus buildings.
News article in The Wichita Eagle in 1966: “Science Center Plans Set”
Newspaper article referring to the construction of what is now Merlini Hall.
“Wichitan Gives $50,000 To Sacred Heart College” – News article in a 1966 Wichita Eagle.
The “Beacon” refers to the Wichita Beacon, which was an independent newspaper at the time that later merged with the Eagle.
Heimerman architects.
An article from the Sacred Heart College newspaper “The Pacemaker” in October 1966 announcing “Science Building Dedication Set For Sunday, October 16th”
Sister M. Sylvia Gorges, ASC is featured as “A President on the Move” in the Fall 1966 edition of the “Sacred Heart College Challenge” newsletter.
Sister Mary Aquinas Stieferman, ASC founded the Biological Science Department in 1933 and was the first science teacher of the college. She also served as head of the Alumni Association for 25 years.
Science faculty circa 1966. L-r: Sister M. Gertrude Bauman, ASC (Chemistry), Ralph Reiser (Biology), Sister M. Gabriel Diller, ASC (Biology), Sister M. Claudine Axman, ASC (Biology), Ralph Shenk (Chemistry).
