A Gift for the Chapel

Today at Convocation (April 7), Jesuit interim president Mike Scicchitano unveiled spectacular renderings for a project that will transform the Chapel of the Holy Cross, courtesy of a major gift from a historic donor to the school.

This summer, internationally recognized Conrad Schmitt Studios of Wisconsin will install the striking sacred imagery across the total of 80 unique glass panels covering the Chapel's north and south sides, a project that will transform the magnificent young Chapel at the heart of campus. Designed by American artist Kurt Wenner, the north side will represent the crucifixion, the south side the resurrection.

The $1.7 million project is made possible by a gift from Ray Hyer, P ’01. Hyer, who attended the special Convocation with his family, has been a transformational donor to Jesuit for more than 25 years. The school’s award-winning baseball stadium (Hyer Family Park) and its business and residence building (Hyer Hall) are named in honor of his tremendous generosity.

“We are deeply grateful to Ray Hyer and his family for these sacred works of art which will enhance the beauty of our worship space while serving as a lasting memorial tribute to the faith and legacy of Kathleen Hyer,” said Nick Suszynski, Jesuit’s Director of Development. “The Hyer family’s generosity has provided a deeply meaningful gift that will inspire prayer and reflection for generations of Jesuit High School students, faculty, and visitors.”

With this unique and impactful gift to the school, Hyer joins Lauren and Chris Schellman, P ’20, ’24, ’27 and Richard “Steve” Jenkins ’75 in exceeding $5 million in total giving to Jesuit.

The Chapel already features the amazing work of Conrad Schmitt Studios (founded in 1889, conradschmitt.com) in the upper area on the east (above the altar) and west (above the choir loft) ends. However, the new project, which will cover the sides of the sanctuary of the 950-seat Chapel, represents a much larger scope of work.

Since it was consecrated in August 2018, the Chapel has been enhanced several times with inspiring sacred art. In 2019, Cody Swanson-designed statues of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and St. Joseph, the Guardian of the Savior, were installed on either side of the altar. In 2021, Swanson’s statues of the Evangelists were added in the niches high above the Chapel's four side altars.

The Chapel, which was designed by Duncan Stroik and features the phenomenal paintings of Raul Berzosa, is the fourth Chapel or Church to serve Jesuit students in Tampa, preceded by St. Louis Church (1899-1905), Sacred Heart Church (1905-1962), and St. Anthony’s Chapel (1962-2016).

Thank you Ray Hyer for your longstanding commitment and support - and extraordinary generosity - for Jesuit High School!