LOCAL

Angelo State breaks ground on Stephens Chapel

San Angelo

Artwork of the new Stephens Chapel being built at Angelo State University.

SAN ANGELO — The new 3,100-square foot Stephens Chapel is being built at Angelo State University, according to a news release from ASU.

The college had a groundbreaking ceremony April 17, 2019.

The chapel, which will be at 1965 S. Johnson Street, is being named after F.L. "Steve" and Pollyanna Stephens, two longtime ASU supporters. The couple gave a $1.925 million gift to fully fund the chapel, the release states.

“The Stephens Chapel is going to be a beautiful building and a wonderful centerpiece for the Angelo State campus,” ASU President Brian J. May said in the release. “The generosity of Steve and Pollyanna Stephens in funding this project is truly heartwarming because, without them, building the chapel would not be possible.

"In addition to campus services, we look forward to hosting a lot of weddings. Today is a great day for the ASU Ram Family.”

This will be the second building on the ASU campus named after the Stephens as the Stephens Arena in the Junell Center is also named after them.

Steve is known most in the business industry, as he is the retired chairman, CEO and co-founder of Town & Country Food Stores Inc. He was nationally recognized for his contributions to the convenience store industry.

Pollyana co-owned and was the board secretary and director of public relations and special events for the Town & Country Food Stores. She was also on the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System for 12 years during the time ASU was part of the system.

The ASU Alumni Association has made them "Honorary Alumni" and has awarded them Doctor of Humane Letters degrees for their support.

May said he believes the chapel will be open by Dec. 1.

Samuel Sutton is a multimedia journalist for GoSanAngelo.com. If you have a news tip, either send it to Samuel.Sutton@gosanangelo.com or News@gosanangelo.com, or call 325-812-7179.