Built in 1971, Lakeland University’s Ley Chapel stands as a legacy for the Ley family whose connection to the institution endured for many generations. Serving students, faculty and visitors, the chapel is a place for reflection, prayers and communal gatherings. 

 Ley Chapel was named in honor of Dr. Ralph Ley and his family as Lakeland graduates and integral figures in Lakeland’s community. Dr. Ley graduated in 1936 and served as a trustee for an impressive 31 years. His father, Reverend Herman Ley, graduated in 1911 and served as a trustee, faculty member and dean of men until his passing in 1950. 

 The Ley family’s connection spans even further as Dr. Ley’s great-grandfather, the Reverend Peter Vitz, a pastor serving in Newton, Manitowoc County, was also a trustee for Lakeland’s Mission House between 1884 to 1886. His grandfather, the Reverend Martin Vitz was a faculty member, college registrar, academy head, and trustee. The ties between the Ley family and Lakeland continued as Dr. Ralph Ley had three sons who graduated from Lakeland. 

 The chapel hosts events and services for the community. In February, a recent event for Black History Month featured speaker Rev. Dr. Justin Shamell. The community joined together for the message and philosophy grounded by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With students, faculty and the community gathering in Ley Chapel, there were no empty seats left. 

 As an iconic A-frame building, Ley Chapel was built at a cost of $80,000 and is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.