SDSU Sundial

From a simple time-telling device to a symbol of resilience, the SDSU Sundial’s journey is a captivating tale. The SDSU Sundial has witnessed the evolution of San Diego State University, from its humble beginnings as the San Diego Normal School to the bustling campus it is today. Originally dedicated in 1911 by the graduating class, this horizontal sundial, crafted by local clockmaker Joseph Jessop, stood proudly at the school’s entrance on Park and El Cajon Boulevards. The 18-inch bronze octagonal dial, perched atop a miniature Doric column, served as a reminder of time’s passage and the students’ aspirations. The SDSU Sundial’s story, however, is not without its trials. Lost during the school’s relocation to Montezuma Mesa in 1931, it was later rediscovered, damaged but not forgotten, by alumnus Howard Welty. He lovingly restored the timepiece and passed it on to his son, who eventually offered it to the university’s Special Collections Department in 1990. The SDSU Sundial found a new home in the Mediterranean Garden, east of the Old Quad, in 1998. Sadly, its moment of glory was short-lived. Less than two weeks after its rededication, the sundial was stolen. Mark Hatay, a dedicated campus employee, took up the challenge of recreating the lost treasure. Studying photographs and collaborating with Jessop’s descendants, he meticulously crafted a replica. This reproduction, bearing the inscription “Original by Joseph Jessop 1911 – Reproduction by Mark Hatay 1999,” now graces the garden, a testament to the enduring spirit of the SDSU community. The SDSU Sundial stands as a tribute to the past, a reminder of the university’s rich history and the dedication of those who have shaped it. The SDSU Sundial whispers stories of time, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.