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The Texas Tech Board of Regents recently approved a project to build a non-denominational chapel on campus that will be located east of the Merket Alumni Center during the next 24 to 30 months.
The chapel will be open to Tech students, alumni, faculty, and Lubbock residents as a multi-purpose facility for events such as exchanging wedding vows, memorial services and initiation gatherings.
The 7,500 square foot chapel will hold 250 people, and about 50 parking spots will be added to the lot to accommodate large groups.
Michael Ellicott, vice chancellor for facilities planning and construction, said it will take about two years to find a designer and construct the $3-million chapel.
"That is the amount, assuming that we can raise the rest of the money within the year," he said, "however, with the high costs of construction and gas prices, it could increase."
Students can rest assured, because 100 percent of the costs are private funds, making the chapel an auxiliary or self-supporting project. Fundraising opportunities are available for those interested in raising money for the chapel.
"The chapel is being funded by one [anonymous] individual, who has already made a commitment of $1.5 million." Tech Chancellor Kent Hance said. "We are going to raise the remaining money from a private sector," he said. "No state money or students' tuition fees will be used for it."
The chapel will be available for any student organization, including religious student groups.
As an open facility for a variety of groups to attend, the chapel will remain customary in its design.
Michael Shonrock, vice president of student affairs, said no religious affiliations will be included and there will be stained-glass windows without religious images, and moveable chairs, rather than pews.
The chapel also will be used to bring the student body together in times of remembrance and unity, which Hance said will serve as a key role on Tech's campus.
"I think it is a cornerstone of the campus," he said. "When there are events that draw people together like (Sept. 11, 2001), there is a place to meet, where people can worship their faith and extend their prayers to those who have been harmed in any way."
Tech will be joining other universities in the Big 12 Conference to have a chapel on its campus, including Texas A&M, Baylor, and Kansas. Hance said these university chapels are very popular for wedding ceremonies.
"It is not unusual to have a chapel on a university campus, whether it is private or public," Shonrock said. "I think it will be a nice addition to our campus."
Shonrock said he would like to see students, faculty, and staff members engaging in the chapel's accommodations. The chapel also can host speaking engagements or art exhibits as other points of interest.
The chapel will generate its own revenue, and therefore will be available at a minimal charge while still offering amenities like catering. University catering is partnered with the Merket Alumni Center as its primary food catering service, and will be available for future chapel gatherings.
The chapel will provide an opportunity for more jobs, within the office. Services like catering, as well as chapel upkeep and scheduling will provide more campus jobs for students and Lubbock residents.
The concept, site and budget for the chapel all have been established. Plans and further details regarding the construction of the chapel will be finalized over the course of this summer.
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