- Brigham Young University packed a time capsule for its bicentennial year in 2075 on Tuesday.
- Contents include an iPhone, a roll of discontinued pennies, and athletics jerseys.
- President Dallin H. Oaks' devotional speech and Richie Saunders' jersey highlight BYU's sesquicentennial celebrations.
SALT LAKE CITY — As Brigham Young University nears the end of its sesquicentennial year celebrations, BYU President Shane Reese and Vice President Keith Vorkink packed a time capsule on Tuesday that will remain unopened for 50 years, until the university's bicentennial year in 2075.
What was put inside?
At Brigham's Square on campus Tuesday, some of the first things placed inside the box were the same measuring tools taken out during the October time capsule unveiling — tools originally dropped in for posterity in 1976.
Perhaps with a little hope the nation might move to the metric system, a measuring tape and a measuring cup were placed in 50 years ago on the chance that they may not be around in a half-century.
On Tuesday, BYU leaders added a few more things that may not be around when the capsule is opened later this century, including a roll of pennies from BYU's vaults — as the U.S. has discontinued production of the one-cent piece — and samples of cursive handwriting.
Seeing what phones look like today compared to 1975, and wondering what phones will be like 50 years from now, Reese added an iPhone.
An old diploma signed by Karl G. Maeser, who was instrumental in the founding of Brigham Young Academy in 1875, was put back into the vault, along with an original copy of newly designed graduation diplomas.
Reese and Vorkink also put in two textbooks for one of BYU's newest courses, called University 101. Piloted in fall 2023 and required for all new students in 2024, the course teaches students the history of BYU and introduces them to its unique offerings, such as devotionals.
Also included were clothing items commemorating the 150th year, jerseys of two prominent BYU athletes, Stanley cups, and, of course, shoes signed by the university president known for his footwear.
Vorkink joked that the box would not be complete without them, while ensuring everyone they would be disinfected before sitting secluded from the world for 50 years.
A new church president
During BYU's 150th anniversary year, President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 14, two days before the time capsule was opened.
President Oaks served as president of BYU when the school turned 100, and so he helped fill the time capsule in 1976. Included in the time capsule then was a gavel that belonged to him.
The then-44-year-old university president likely didn't realize where he would be when the box was opened 50 years later, serving as the president of the church sponsoring the Provo institution.
But during this historic year, he found himself speaking to students, faculty and any others who would listen to his message.
In a Feb. 10, 2026, devotional, President Oaks reiterated what past prophets and leaders knew the university could become: "BYU will become the great university of the Lord — not in the world's way but in the Lord's way."
In the speech, President Oaks reminded the audience that the second century of BYU is half over and invited the current body to be a "covenant community" as they think about what they are becoming at BYU.
A printed copy of his talk was included in the capsule as a bridge between BYU's centennial and sesquicentennial year.
There were 16 temples in operation when President Oaks packed the centennial time capsule, a small number compared to the list of 383 temples announced or in operation that were included with his speech in the sesquicentennial time capsule.
What did Richie Saunders and Jane Hedengren put in?
Jokingly worrying he might be on the same trajectory as former BYU quarterback Gifford Nielsen, an emeritus general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ, BYU basketball star Richie Saunders, who just concluded his Cougar career, placed a blackout edition of his No. 15 jersey in the capsule — just like Nielsen did with his football jersey in 1976.
One of BYU's most beloved athletes in recent memory, Saunders said that if anyone remembers him 50 years from now he hopes he will be an example of what a belief in God and hard work can do.
"I spent four years just giving everything, my whole soul to this place. I'm sure people 50 years from now will say, 'Who is this dude?'" he joked. "But what I want is for just anybody that sees this, that good stuff happens when you exercise faith while working super hard."
Freshman phenom runner Jane Hedengren is one of BYU's most outstanding athletes. The Provo native was the 2025 NCAA cross-country runner-up and won the 5,000 and 3,000 meter championships in March. Just recently, Hedengren also set the women's NCAA record in the 10,000 meter race at the Stanford Invitational with a 30:46.80 time.
She expressed her gratitude to be a part of BYU's history, as she placed one of her uniforms in the vault along with a bib she wore during her 3,000- and 5,000-meter title races.
'BYU 150' in review
As students and faculty gathered for "150" themed devotionals, events and activities to recognize the anniversary of the year the deed of trust was signed to make Brigham Young Academy official, BYU had a historic year. Here are some of the highlights:
- Bear Bachmeier and BYU football were Big 12 Conference runners-up.
- BYU basketball attracted its highest-ever rated recruit in AJ Dybantsa, who many believe will be drafted No. 1 in the 2026 NBA draft.
- New Creamery on Ninth East was opened.
The time capsule will rest in the new administration building when it is finished in an estimated two or three years from now.
