In 1973, Dean Richard Swensen asked the UWRF Physics Department to design a large sundial to be constructed on the south most wall of the Fine Arts building. Professors Campbell and Shepard undertook the necessary calculations for the design of a Sundial that will be accurate to one minute of time. A local Artist submitted a design, which proved to be too costly, and the sundial was never completed. In 1993, Dean Prochnow proposed reviving the project to commemorate the service of Richard Swenson to the University. Since Dr. Campbell had already retired, the task of reviving the calculations and design fell to Dr. Shepard. In April 1993, he presented a tentative design, which was accepted, and Gene Olson of Elk River, Minnesota took the commission of constructing the sundial.

This collection consists of, but is not limited to, design plans and building instructions, financial donations, examples of materials used.