HASTINGS, Neb. — Officials at Hastings College are raising funds to renovate and repair the school’s iconic chapel.

The college says the nearly 75-year-old French Memorial Chapel needs $630,000 in upgrades. Some desired fixes are related to damage suffered during a 2022 hail storm, like broken arched windows. Other items simply updated, like the stage rigging and lighting.

“After 74 years, the wood framing for the beautiful arched windows is rotted and can’t hold new glass,” Hastings College Foundation Executive Director Chelsea LeMar said in a news release. “While insurance will cover the cost of new glass, the cost to rebuild each of the windows is significant.”

The Hastings College Foundation is hoping to secure gifts and pledges for the revitalization by May 31.

“French Memorial Chapel is the soul of campus,” LeMar said. “The Chapel where people come together, find common ground and celebrate the liberal arts.”

Gifts may be made at hastings.edu/chapelupdate. The Chapel is also the College’s focus for Give Hastings Day, the community’s day of giving on May 2.