After conferring with the staff and athletes, it is with sadness that Copper Mountain College…
On a recent sunny Friday morning, a group of CMC staff and community members visited the Joshua Tree Cemetery to witness the retrieval of a time capsule that was buried September 11, 2002, by college students and staff in remembrance of the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 back in 2001.
Buried in a small casket in a peaceful section of the cemetery were a number of mementos from CMC’s earliest days: a photo album, copies of 9/11 articles from the Desert Star and Trail, CMC’s literary magazine Howl, college pens, and catalogs.
During the unveiling, Dr. Otten, Superintendent/President of Copper Mountain College, stated, “Our country was changed forever on 9/11. As we open this time capsule, we take the time to remember, reflect, and honor all those who lost their lives on that day.”
No one currently at the College knows for sure why twenty years was considered to be the appropriate timespan for the time capsule, but the reason might be that 2021 marks a significant anniversary for the College: its 20th anniversary of independent status.
CMC first gained its accreditation in 2001, a year of tremendous national crisis in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Students and staff from that era likely wished to solemnly remember and honor the impact that the national tragedy had on the new College that served so many active duty, retired Marines, and their families.
The College will have several items on display in the Greenleaf Library for viewing. The library’s hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
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