A time capsule created by Dal medical students a quarter century ago was unexpectedly brought to light during Spring Convocation this year.聽
The capsule, sealed by the Class of 2000, was discovered by Evan Starratt of the Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) office while organizing a storage room in the Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building.
It was a chance find that turned into a memorable moment for the graduating class.
The unboxing took place during the med school's annual graduation barbecue in late May and . Current class co-presidents Ali Abidali and Alexie Ouellette, Dr. Stephen Miller, senior associate dean of medical education, and the current and former deans of medicine, Drs. David Anderson and Noni MacDonald, all took part.
鈥淚 was delighted and honoured to be the dean for the Class of 2000, just as I am to be here today,鈥� said Dr. MacDonald during the opening, who originally oversaw the capsule鈥檚 creation 25 years ago.
Inside the box were artifacts from the turn of the millennium: medical equipment, 麻豆社 Medical Student Society materials, news clippings, and memorabilia that helped paint a picture of life at the medical school at the time.聽
Among the standout items was a guestbook from the Tupper Building, beginning with the signature of the Queen Mother from its 1967 opening. A VHS tape of the 2000 Euphoria! performance 鈥� Dal Med鈥檚 annual variety show 鈥� also drew laughs and a sense of nostalgia from the crowd.
'Best wishes from the year 2000'
One of the most moving moments came when Alexie Ouellette read aloud excerpts from a letter written by Dr. MacDonald on behalf of the class to their future counterparts. The letter reflected pride, hope for the future, and a desire to leave an impact on those who would follow in their footsteps.
鈥淭he capsule contains items from students, faculty, and residents representing the turn of the century,鈥� the letter read. 鈥淲e were the first medical school in the country to offer a virtual tour that included stops at all teaching hospitals in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. We hope this inspires you to share a legacy of your own.鈥�
The letter continued with a heartfelt message:
鈥淭his is a tangible connection with real people who, in the year 2000, studied, taught, conducted research, and administered and carried out the day-to-day functions of running a busy medical school. On behalf of all these people 鈥� best wishes from the year 2000.鈥�
Dr. Ouellette enjoyed looking through the materials and seeing familiar faces.聽
鈥淚t was a reminder that although medical school has been challenging, the people who have taught us and the people we look up to were in our shoes at one point and one day we鈥檒l be the ones who seem to have it all figured out!鈥�
Reflections across time
Dr. MacDonald shared a touching observation about the generational shift between the two classes.聽聽
鈥淭he Class of 2000 saw that moment in time as so pivotal 鈥� something worth marking,鈥� she noted, referencing the turn of the millennium.
鈥淭hey were struck by the differences. It鈥檚 a reminder of how much changes, and how much stays the same 鈥� like life itself.鈥�
It鈥檚 a reminder of how much changes, and how much stays the same 鈥� like life itself.
Dr. Abidali, the class co-president, agrees.聽
鈥淚 really feel like the med school experience has been mostly the same over the years,鈥� says Dr. Abidali. 鈥淚t was just cool to see us all share similar fond experiences.鈥澛�
Her reflections highlight the evolution of medical education at Dal and the spirit that connects generations of graduates.
The discovery and opening of the Class of 2000鈥檚 time capsule offered more than just a look at old equipment and memorabilia 鈥� it sparked conversations about how far medical education has come, and what values and traditions continue.聽
As the Class of 2025 steps into their future, they do so with a new sense of connection to the past, and perhaps, the inspiration to leave a legacy of their own.
Watch the Moment
The full unboxing was captured and shared live on Instagram. You can watch it聽