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An inspirational gathering place

FIU embraces a multidimensional experience for its students, both in and out of the classroom, to support their development into lifelong leaders. We seek to engage the mind, body, and spirit – to provide the necessary foundation to develop well-rounded persons, professionals, citizens, and world changers.

The Trish and Dan Bell Chapel will be the pivotal place on campus that enhances the spiritual component of the student experience, fostering a community united by faith. It will celebrate FIU’s cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity by cultivating spiritual dialogue, the power of prayer, and the understanding that what makes us different is what makes us special.

Bell Chapel aerial view

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the Trish and Dan Bell Chapel?
    The Trish and Dan Bell Chapel is a place for spiritual inquiry and mutual understanding at FIU. It encourages and fosters well rounded individual development by promoting interfaith dialogue, worship, and contemplation. It also serves as a serene, peaceful location for related events.
  • Why does FIU need a nondenominational chapel?
    FIU’s cultural, ethnic, and religious demographics reflect that of South Florida. The nondenominational chapel seeks to unite people from various backgrounds and foster the understanding that tolerance, inclusivity, and peace are our strengths and that we all share a common humanity. The nondenominational chapel also offers a much-needed meeting space to serve as a venue for students, faculty, staff, and the community to gather for all sorts of programs and events, including academic programming and classes.
  • How does a nondenominational chapel fit in with FIU’s academic mission?
    FIU is a public university dedicated to serving its students and the South Florida community. A nondenominational chapel is the perfect place for bringing together people with diverse beliefs for mutual growth and engagement. In addition, FIU has 25 spiritually oriented student groups, organizations, and clubs that will benefit from access to the nondenominational chapel. The university also offers robust religious and multicultural studies programs with instruction in all of the world’s major religions and various cultures, so the nondenominational chapel will be a great place for exploration, study, and understanding of not only one’s spirituality but that of others. FIU also hosts several centers, institutes, and programs on spirituality, religion, and culture.
  • Will the nondenominational chapel be available for use by non-campus groups?
    Yes, the nondenominational chapel will be available for use by groups outside the FIU community. Possible events include religious ceremonies, weddings, memorials, reunions, and other life milestones. Yoga, meditation, talks, workshops, meetings, and various FIU classes, including those in religious studies, will also be held there. Event fees for off-campus groups will help generate revenue for the university.
  • What facilities and spaces does the nondenominational chapel offer?
    The nondenominational chapel is 18,300 square feet, including a 3,200-square-foot, 224-person sanctuary as its primary space and a 1,200-square-foot event space. There are offices, two reflection rooms, two counseling rooms, a seminar room, and a large counseling room. Future garden upgrades include a labyrinth, meditation pods, and an outdoor assembly space.
  • Who designed the nondenominational chapel?

    The Trish & Dan Bell Chapel was designed by Gurrimatute, a Miami-based architectural and interior design firm. In 2024, the chapel received its first design award from the Florida Educational Facilities Planners Association (FEFPA), winning first place in the University category under the New Construction division at the Winter Conference.

  • Is there a particular inspiration behind its design?
    The award-winning chapel design incorporates the sacred geometry of nature. The structure resembles a fish, an important symbol in various faiths: ichthys, representing Jesus Christ or Christian affinity (Greek for fish, Christianity); fertility and luck (Judaism); eternal life and knowledge (Islam); figures in a key creation story (Hinduism); fearlessness, happiness, and fertility (two golden fish, Buddhism). Overall, the design is intended to blend serenely with the natural surroundings to provide a welcoming respite for all.
  • Is there anything else about the nondenominational chapel that stands out or is unique or noteworthy?
    While many chapels exist within other facilities, the nondenominational chapel is freestanding. It stands out from the FIU landscape as a permanent place for spiritual inquiry. Chapels sometimes exist as temporary spaces, for example, a room may be converted to a place for meditation or prayer. This will be a dedicated nondenominational chapel that will host many kinds of events and gatherings and have multiple uses.