Clemson University chapel recognized for its architecture

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Clemson University’s Samuel J. Cadden Chapel has been recognized as an outstanding new facility for international religious architecture as part of the 2022 Faith & Form Awards Program.

The full list of award recipients was announced by Partners for Sacred Places and Interfaith Design, according to a Clemson University news release. The chapel will be recognized at the Interfaith Design reception at the 2023 American Institute of Architects Convention in San Francisco this summer.

“The chapel serves as a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Sam Cadden and has enriched the lives of students, faculty, staff and guests,” said Chris Miller, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, in the release. “We are extremely thankful for all the donors to this project and to our architects and construction partners for bringing this beautiful facility to Clemson’s campus. This incredible award is a reflection of those efforts.”

Samuel J. Cadden Chapel — named in memory of a former Clemson student — was formally dedicated in December 2021 and opened the following spring, the release stated. The building covers 3,053 square feet and is located in the heart of Clemson’s campus where it is open to all members of the community for prayer and other expressions of faith.

The facility was made possible following a lead gift of $1.5 million by Ken and Mary Cadden in 2016.

In 2022, the chapel was reserved 138 times, which included weddings, student organization meetings, tours, recitals, speakers and vocal performances, the release said. In 2023, the number of wedding reservations has already doubled.