Angelo State Breaks Ground for New Stephens Chapel

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Angelo State University hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony for its new Stephens Chapel yesterday at 1965 S. Johnson St. in the heart of the ASU campus.  

The new chapel is named in honor of longtime ASU supporters F.L. “Steve” and Pollyanna Stephens. In recognition of the honorary naming, the Stephens have fully funded construction of the chapel with a gift of $1.925 million and were present for today’s groundbreaking.  

“The Stephens Chapel is going to be a beautiful building and a wonderful centerpiece for the Angelo State campus,” said ASU President Brian J. May. “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.”  

At 3,100 square feet, the Stephens Chapel will include a portico, narthex, sanctuary, bride’s room, groom’s room/vesting, sacristy, restrooms and service areas. It will have metal-framed, brick/stone-clad exterior walls and a metal roof. The finishes will include stone tile flooring, interior brick walls, stained glass windows, custom light fixtures, wood deck ceilings and custom pews. Businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor individual pews and/or stained glass windows.  

This is the second ASU facility to be named for the Stephens, whose name also adorns the Stephens Arena inside the ASU Junell Center athletics facility on South Jackson Street.  

Steve Stephens is the retired chairman, CEO and co-founder of Town & Country Food Stores Inc. One of the state’s most prominent businessmen, he has been recognized nationwide for his contributions to the convenience store industry. Pollyanna Stephens is the retired co-owner, board secretary, and director of public relations and special events for Town & Country Food Stores. She also served 12 years on the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System, including a term as chairman, when ASU belonged to the TSUS.

Over the years, the Stephens have made a dynamic pair and compiled a long and enviable record of public service at the community and statewide levels. Their business, civic, cultural and philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of virtually everyone in San Angelo. The ASU Alumni Association has designated them as “Honorary Alumni” and the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce has named them “Citizens of the Year.” In March 2008, they were each awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from ASU for their longstanding support of the university.