THE UNIVERSITY CHAPEL
THE UNIVERSITY CHAPEL
The Tuskegee University Chapel is a vital resource for the university community The centrality of religious life at Tuskegee University has been evident since the university’s founding. It remains a predominant focus of the university’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education in which the value of providing service to humankind is a priority. The chapel is central to the many diverse educational, research and community service programs provided at the university. To that end, the spiritual dimension anchored by the chapel permeates the mission of the university. Under the leadership of Gregory S. Gray, Sr., Dean, the chapel continues to play a significant role in the education of generation after generation of Tuskegee students. The chapel’s distinctive architecture inspires admiration, not only from design aficionados, but also those simply seeking the comfort of faith and spirituality. It is the site for religious, cultural and intellectual gatherings; it has been visited by U.S. presidents, foreign leaders and dignitaries. It is also the home of the world-renowned Golden Voices Concert Choir, directed by Wayne A. Barr.
“ The ‘saints above’ and the ‘saints below’ all attest to the experience of a Sacred Reality, even in the midst of human pain and suffering, which renders life meaningful and calls forth the highest possibilities of human resilience and courage.” G RE G O R Y S . G R A Y , SR., D EAN
MISSION
The mission of the Tuskegee University Chapel continues to be focused on providing for the nurturing of that dimension of the human experience aligned with the university’s rich history. “Faith Week,” a week-long observance filled with nationally prominent speakers and other activities, elucidates the significance of faith or spirituality in the never-ending journey toward human fulfillment. The chapel attempts to achieve its mission through: 1. All University Worship 2. Education/Instruction in religious studies 3. Pastoral care and counseling 4. Conscientious maintenance of the chapel facility 5. Outreach to the community
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Given its vital mission, the chapel has identified six funding priorities that are necessary to sustain a level of excellence aligned with the university’s rich history. Those priorities total $18 million and are as follows: Chapel Building Maintenance and Upgrades Million
$5
The chapel serves as a centerpiece for the Tuskegee University campus, providing a venue not only for All University Worship services, but also for convocations, special events, and conferences. Years of deferred maintenance have resulted in the need for extensive repairs and upgrades. The list of needed repairs and upgrades includes: • HVAC system • Electrical system and interior and exterior lighting systems • Plumbing system • Roof • Alleviation of a ground water ingress problem, and other irrigation and landscaping • Floor coverings, interior and exterior doors, interior walls and ceiling surface finishes, pew surface finishes and office ceilings • Elevator and mechanical lift installations • Multi-media system installation • Power wash of the building exterior, and miscellaneous cleaning and repair • Concert grand piano and pipes for the existing digital pipe organ Endowed Dean of the chapel, Professor of Religion and Society
$5 Million
The key leadership position of the chapel’s vital operations is the Dean of the Chapel who also serves as Professor of Religion and Society. This position needs to be supported with an endowment that will sustain it for decades to come. Increase Religious Studies Faculty
$4 Million
The university curriculum would be enriched by increasing the number of faculty who are qualified to teach in the area of religious studies, i.e., sacred literature, history, theology, ethics, philosophy of religion, world religions, etc. Community Service
$2 Million
An Office of Community Service would be created under the auspices of the chapel and under the direction of the Dean of the Chapel. Every Tuskegee University student would be required to fulfill a community service requirement prior to graduation, which the Office of Community Service would oversee. All University Worship Honorariums
$1 Million
Weekly Sunday worship services and forums for interreligious dialogue would be significantly enhanced by the invitation of high-profile religious leaders, in addition to local clergy. Chapel Associate Deans for Pastoral Care and Counseling
$1 Million
The hiring of two Associate Deans for the Chapel would support the expansion and the extension of Chapel ministries, i.e., pastoral care and counseling, worship, teaching, administration, and community outreach.
Tuskegee University is today poised on the brink of reaching yet another milestone in its stellar history, as we prepare to join the ranks of premier research universities in the world. In order to attain this goal we are embarking on a major capital campaign to raise $250 million – “Programmed for Excellence.” Of major importance to this campaign is the support of the Tuskegee University Chapel and its programs, which are integral to our students’ overall educational experience.
C A M PA I G N F O R
Giving to the Tuskegee University Chapel and the “Programmed for Excellence� Campaign If you have an interest in making a contribution in support of the Tuskegee University Chapel, a representative will work with you and your advisers to assure that your gift is of the greatest possible benefit to you and the university. Naming opportunities are available in recognition of major gifts to the chapel, and a university representative would be happy to explore those opportunities with you. For more information, please contact: Virgil E. Ecton Vice President for Federal Affairs and Director of the Capital Campaign 202-863-9384 vecton@mytu.tuskegee.edu Or Tuskegee University Office of Development 326 Kresge Center Tuskegee, Alabama 36088 334-727-8540 334-727-8195 www.tuskegee.edu