The time capsule was installed in the foyer of the Trinity Business School, and contains 155 messages from the graduating class of 2025, current students, and staff. According to Professor Laurent Muzellec, Dean of Trinity Business School: “Designed to resemble a bank vault, the real currency this time capsule holds is the messages from our School community to the next generation of business leaders.”
The contributions range from politics and the environment to the future of learning in the age of AI – in the words of Muzzellec – “This time capsule captures who we are today and what mattered to our students in this moment. It also carries messages of enduring faith in humanity and intergenerational solidarity, reminding us that the values we share today can resonate far beyond our own time.” Set to be open in 2075, on the School’s 150th birthday, and that the graduates of that year will contribute their own messages and reseal the capsule for another 50 years, further fostering the intergenerational community and connection.
Some of the messages sealed within the capsule underline the prevalent concerns of the graduating class of 2025, such as climate or love. Others carry hope for the future: “May your world be free from hatred and inhumanity, where every human is treated with dignity and compassion—what I dreamed of, I hope you achieved.”, as well as humorous tips for future students: “Relax—no one in 2025 had it all figured out either. Show up, ask questions, drink water, and stop pretending AI didn’t do half your assignments.”. As such, the contents are and will be a valuable insight into the Trinity student life in 2025.
The capsule itself resembles a bank vault, and was designed and crafted by designer, sculptor and master metalworker Shane Holland. Made from mainly recycled, found or repurposed materials, the capsule aims to reflect the School’s commitment to sustainability. The capsule-sculpture was named “Tempus Fugit” – “time flies” in Latin. The flywheel, forming the centre of the artwork spins, underlining the message in a playful manner.
The capsule, as part of the celebrations of the 100th birthday of the Trinity Business School, reflects the wider goals and aspirations that the whole college holds for its future. As the Dean of the School summed up – “In an institution like Trinity, which has thrived for more than 400 years, it is vital that we pursue strategies that adapt to our times while also keeping a long-term perspective—recognising our responsibilities from one generation to the next.”
