Be Part of Campus History

The public is invited, along with Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College faculty, staff and students, to predict the future of technology. As part of the dedication ceremony for Fairmont State's new Engineering Technology Building, people are invited to submit a paper describing their prediction to be placed in a time capsule.

A ribbon-cutting event is being planned for 2 p.m. Friday, May 9. Tours of the building will be offered.

"The Engineering Technology Building is an outstanding addition to the Fairmont State University campus," said Dr. Anthony F. Gilberti, Dean of FSU's College of Science and Technology. "These facilities offer contemporary equipment and interactive classroom technology to aid in the instruction of our college students. The design and open space areas for student research will serve us well as we continue to prepare graduates to enter science, engineering and technology careers."

To commemorate the event and the importance of science, technology and engineering, a time capsule will be stored in a safe at WesBanco in Fairmont for 20 years. Students, faculty, staff and members of the community (of all ages) are invited to submit a short paper (1-2 pages in length) and address how science, technology or engineering will change our nation or world within the next 20 years. The paper could illustrate the development of a particular scientific and technological artifact, or it could take a global perspective of how advances in science and technology will alter our social, cultural or environmental conditions.

In 2028, the time capsule will be opened, and those who submitted papers will be invited back to campus for a rededication of the Engineering Technology Building. These people will be asked to share their submitted predictions of the future and participate in a series of activities with students and faculty.

Papers must be submitted prior to May 31. Please submit papers to Dr. Anthony F. Gilberti, Dean, College of Science and Technology, Fairmont State University, 302C Engineering Technology Building, 1201 Locust Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554.

Construction began in June 2006 on the new $15 million building. The project involved extensive renovation of the existing two-story Technology Wing of Wallman Hall. Two floors and about 40,000 square feet have been added to the existing building, which has 40,000 square feet. Landau Building Company was the general contractor for the new building.

The facility houses programs for drafting/design engineering technology, graphics technology and mechanical, civil and electronics engineering technology and occupational safety. It features two large lecture rooms and about 12 smaller laboratory classrooms. The building opened for classes in January.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is being underwritten by Thrasher Engineering, and WesBanco is donating its services to preserve the time capsule.