Final Plans For Spiritual Center Approved
March 16, 2001
Hershey, Pa. – Continuing its long-standing commitment to the moral, ethical and spiritual development of students, Penn State’s plans to renovate Eisenhower Chapel and add a stunning addition, came closer to fruition with approval of final plans for the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center today (March 16) by the Board of Trustees.

Student participation in the religious and spiritual activities of more than 30 religious groups and the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs have significantly outgrown Eisenhower Chapel built in 1955.  Thousands of students – Catholics, Jews, Quakers, Baptists, Muslims and those of other faiths – attend lectures, services, study groups and other activities at the Chapel and in overflow spaces such as the HUB-Robeson Center, the Forum and Schwab and Eisenhower Auditoriums. 

“The new multi-faith facility will not only address these needs, it will be tangible evidence of the University’s commitment to value and nurture the cultural, intellectual and spiritual diversity of its students and faculty,” said Penn State President Graham Spanier.

The central element of the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is the brick addition, which uses fundamental characteristics common to all religious architecture, including a tower that will be a beacon to all worshippers.  The building, designed by James Oleg Kruhly & Associates of Philadelphia, emphasizes the experience of an inspiring volume of space and the importance of light – and not only from the inside.  At night, light from the windows and illuminated tower will transform the spiritual center into a luminous presence on campus.

The project includes renovations to the Helen Eakin Eisenhower Chapel as well as the 29,000 gross square-foot addition that will be located between the existing chapel and Allen Road.  Consistent with the Campus Master Plan, the design of the site preserves much of the existing woodlands by locating the addition to the west side of the existing facility and keeping the new footprint compact.  A new ceremonial entrance on the south side connects to a greatly enhanced courtyard, creating a much more welcoming outdoor environment for the spiritual center than now exists.

The first floor features a two-story core worship area that can accommodate 500 people and three adjoining chambers with an additional 300 seats that can be opened to the main area or closed off as separate rooms.  It will also have a reception area, offices, kitchens and programs spaces.  The second floor will have additional office space.

The spiritual center is named in honor of the late Frank and Sylvia Pasquerilla of Johnstown, who provided the leadership gift of $5 million for its construction.  The estimated $9 million expansion and renovation will be supported solely by private funds.  In addition to the Pasquerilla gift, Joe and Sue Paterno have given $1 million, as have Bill and Joan Schreyer.  The total raised so far is $8 million. 

Construction is expected to begin this spring.

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Contact:  Christy Rambeau (814) 865-7517 or e-mail at cmr7@psu.edu