GRAND FORKS – As work moves the new Altru Hospital closer to completion, officials will mark this historic development with the placement of a time capsule in an interior wall. Altru officials will mark the occasion with an invitation-only event at 4 p.m.
on Tuesday, July 16. The capsule will be placed and sealed in a wall near the hospital’s cafeteria. An outward-facing plaque signifies the date and location of the capsule, making it easier to locate and remove in the future, compared to the last capsule that was opened in summer 2023 at a picnic for Altru employees.
Todd Forkel, chief executive officer for Altru Health System, has written a letter, addressed to “Dear future us,” that will be included in the large wooden box with a domed, hinged lid, custom-made by employees of Community Contractors Inc. To the future CEO of Altru Hospital, Forkel said he hopes the organization’s vision statement, “Relentless Pursuit of Excellence,” continues to be at the forefront of leaders’ minds. ADVERTISEMENT In determining the contents of the time capsule, hospital executives invited each department and distinct unit to contribute items that represent the uniqueness and individuality of their units, Forkel said.
About 30 units have provided items, and some individual requests may also be made, Forkel said in an interview on Wednesday, July 10. “We gave latitude for each area to take it seriously, but also have some fun.” Those who open the capsule at some point in t.