Media Coverage

The construction and dedication of the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values caught the attention of media. The following is a selection of this coverage.

$20 Million University of Tampa Chapel is a Dream Fulfilled

Jan. 28, 2011 (The Tampa Tribune) - Dedicated in December, the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values is a place that Stephanie Russell Holz, associate dean of students, hopes will be a place where students can find peace and serenity. "If nothing else, it's a place to come and get relief from stress," she says. "We can take this as a learning experience as well, to open our minds to other cultures and religions. That's a lesson you take with you when you leave campus life, and hopefully make an impact in the outside world." | Full story

Benefactor, Mayor Dedicate UT Chapel

Dec. 10, 2010 (Tampa Tribune) - The Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values was dedicated on Dec. 10. In her congratulatory remarks, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio heralded how the chapel will aid students on their own for the first time. "It is a time in a young life when young people need an anchor," Iorio said. "They need a center on the campus they can go to and feel at peace, where they can find themselves, where they can ask the important questions and come to their own conclusions. And this Sykes Chapel is that place." | Full Story
Similar stories appeared on MSNBC.com and Bay News 9.

UT Construction Adds Space For Chapel, Health, Science Classrooms, Labs

Aug. 3, 2010 (83 Degrees) - Soon-to-be completed construction projects at the University of Tampa will improve the spiritual, health and intellectual needs of its student body with a new chapel, health center and science building. | Full Story

University Chapel Fills a Void

Dec. 2, 2009 (Tampa Tribune) - The $19.5 million Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values is on track for completion in 2010. The chapel, which has been in the university's master plan for more than 20 years, features a large hall vaulting 65 feet high and a plaza with a lighted fountain enhanced with 60 musical bells. Stephanie Russell Holz, associate dean of students and director of the office of student leadership and engagement and who is charge of chapel programming, said the chapel provides an interfaith place for students to engage in meaningful dialog on topics like character building, spiritual development and world cultures and religions. | Full Story

UT Benefactors Donate Millions For Chapel

May 23, 2008 (Tampa Tribune) - This article covers John and Susan Sykes’ multi-million dollar donation to UT to help build the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values. In the article, Sykes was quoted as saying the chapel will “allow people of all faiths to have a place they could go and meditate." A similar story also appeared in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. | Full Story