CHAPLAINCY - Key Persons
Anthony Cruz Pantojas was appointed Humanist Chaplain in Summer 2021. As Humanist Chaplain, Anthony supports the Humanist Community at Tufts (HCAT), offers pastoral care, and works alongside the University Chaplaincy team and campus partners on various interfaith, intercultural, social justice, and anti-racism initiatives. Anthony s the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Africana Center, FIRST Center, Latinx Center, and Tisch Library.
Dr. Preeta Banerjee joined the team in August 2020. She is the first person to hold this position. She supports Hindu Life at Tufts, and works to advance the joys, concerns, and needs of the Hindu community. Preeta is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Asian American Center, the Indigenous Center, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Education:
M.Div. The University of Chicago
Certificate of Studies, The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
B.A. Wellesley College
Biography:
The Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger became the University Chaplain at Tufts University in October 2020. Reporting to the Office of the President, she leads the University Chaplaincy team in supporting all religious, spiritual, and philosophical life on Tufts' four campuses; educates about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world; and coordinates spiritual care, multifaith initiatives, and strategic partnerships around the university and beyond. In 2021, she launched the Interfaith Ambassador Program. This team of undergraduate students actively fosters interfaith community with curiosity about the lived experiences of people with diverse religious, spiritual, and philosophical identities and creates spaces to facilitate learning, dialogue and action. Students join planning teams for key signature events including Pax et Lux and the MLK Day of Community Action, work alongside staff and faculty in the development of the new religious diversity and civic life program sponsored by Tisch College for Civic Life, the Religion Department and the University Chaplaincy, and create and host their own events related to faith, community, and justice.
Elyse is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Office of Student Life, Tisch College for Civic Life, the Department of Religion, the Office of Equal Opportunity, the Office of Residential Life and Learning's Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) team, and the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
Rev. Nelson Winger is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and has served congregations in Cairo, Egypt, Dearborn, Michigan and Bloomington, Illinois. Before coming to Tufts, Rev. Nelson Winger served as Associate Dean of Students and Chaplain at Illinois Wesleyan University. She has served as a committee or board member for numerous faith-based and non-profit organizations, including nine years of service on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
The Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger became the University Chaplain in October 2020. She leads the University Chaplaincy team in supporting all religious, spiritual, and philosophical life at Tufts; educates about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world; and coordinates pastoral care, multifaith initiatives, and strategic partnerships around the university and beyond. Elyse is the University Chaplaincy liaison to Student Life, Tisch College, the Department of Religion, the Office of Equal Opportunity, the Office of Residential Life and Learning's Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) team, and the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
Job Titles:
- Chaplain
- Harvard Divinity School Intern
Frances Lee is a chaplain intern at Tufts University for the 2023-2024 academic year. Frances will co-facilitate the Interfaith Student Council with intern supervisor, Lynn Cooper, as well as engage across our diverse communities. They are a third year Master of Divinity student at Harvard Divinity School studying Buddhist spiritual care, preaching and creative writing. Frances recently completed their first unit of clinical pastoral education as an interfaith chaplain at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. They enjoy supporting queer and trans students who are forging their own path within/without religious institutions. Frances is originally from Texas and recently moved to Somerville from the lush Pacific Northwest. In addition to serving at Tufts, they founded and co-lead The Greenhouse, a healing sanctuary and ritual incubator for BIPOC students at Harvard. In their free time, Frances loves being an indoor plant daddy and going in bike rides with their partner on the Somerville Community Path.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
Lindsey joined the University Chaplaincy Team in July 2021 as Administrative Coordinator. She provides specialized support to the University Chaplain and to the Chaplaincy to assist in running programs and helping to fulfill the Chaplaincy's mission and goals.
Lindsey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Environmental Studies at Tufts. Since graduating in 2006, she has worked as an Internship Coordinator at an environmental non-profit, in Human Resources in higher education, and as an Office Manager of a dental practice in Boston. Through all of her previous positions, she's learned that she prefers supporting roles and using her administrative gifting to help people succeed.
Lindsey grew up in Jamaica Plain and currently resides in Medford with her husband Calvin and two young sons, Miles and Silas. She actively seeks to grow her faith and attends a non-denominational church in Boston. She enjoys reading, running (slowly) and is learning how to garden.
Lindsey joined the University Chaplaincy Team in July 2021 as Administrative Coordinator. She provides specialized support to the University Chaplain and to the Chaplaincy to assist in running programs and helping to fulfill the Chaplaincy's mission and goals.
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Job Titles:
- Associate Director and Catholic Chaplain
- Associate Director, Catholic Chaplain
Lynn Cooper, A02 was appointed Catholic Chaplain in 2008. Since then Lynn has served the spiritual and sacramental needs of our diverse campus community. Lynn seeks to serve those who are united in Catholic life and worship, those who are attracted to the Catholic faith, and the larger Tufts community. Pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, retreats, study groups, and prayer groups extend this ministry to the many dimensions of the lives of students and others in the university community. Lynn also serves as the University Chaplaincy's Associate Director, assisting the University Chaplain with strategy and planning, and leading educational programming. Lynn is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Women's Center, Athletics, and the Office of Residential Life and Learning's Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) team.
Najiba Akbar was appointed Muslim Chaplain in Fall 2021. As Muslim Chaplain, Najiba advises and supports students active in the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and across Tufts' campuses; offers programs that celebrate and explore the cultural and spiritual diversity of the Muslim community; provides pastoral care; and works alongside the University Chaplaincy team and campus partners on various interfaith, intercultural, social justice, and anti-racism initiatives. Najiba is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Health Sciences Campus Wellness Office and the International Center.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Associate Director for Programs
Education
B.A., Mount Holyoke College
M.A., Tufts University
Biography
Nora Bond joined the University Chaplaincy team in December 2019 as Program Manager. In November 2023, she became Associate Director for Programs. She coordinates programs and outreach efforts to integrate University Chaplaincy with all areas of the university and with external partners.
Nora develops and manages departmental outreach and communication strategies for the University Chaplaincy to establish lively engagement with undergraduates, graduate students, staff, faculty, and local organizations. She is charged with overseeing the signature events of the University Chaplaincy, and she supervises the incredible student staff team who work with the office.
Nora holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College, and a Master of Arts in Child Study and Human Development from Tufts. She believes spiritual development is an essential component to education and student wholeness. Previously, she was the Interfaith Advisor in the Religious & Spiritual Life Department at Mount Holyoke College and worked as Director of Training and Facilitation for Convergence on Campus. Nora is a certified spiritual director and Movement Chaplain. She is a contributing author in Co-Human Harmony: Using Our Shared Humanity to Bridge Divides, a resource compiled through the Harmony Interfaith Initiative. She volunteers as an emotional and spiritual support provider and grocery-deliverer for her neighbors through her local mutual aid network.
Nora is a proud and grateful sister, daughter, cousin, niece, neighbor, friend, and godmother. She most enjoys sharing meals, and walking her enormous, friendly dog, Samson. She joyfully converted to Judaism in January 2022.
Nora Bond joined the University Chaplaincy team in December 2019 as Program Manager. She coordinates programs and outreach efforts to integrate University Chaplaincy with all areas of the university and with external partners. Nora develops and manages departmental outreach and communication strategies for the University Chaplaincy to establish lively engagement with undergraduates, graduate students, staff, faculty, and local organizations. She is charged with overseeing the signature events of the University Chaplaincy, and she supervises the incredible student staff team who work with the office. Nora is the University Chaplaincy Liaison to the Office of Campus Life and to the School of Arts and Engineering Advising Deans.
Job Titles:
- Rabbi
- Jewish Chaplain
- Jewish Chaplain and Executive Director of Hillel, Tufts
- Jewish Chaplain and Neubauer Executive Director, Tufts Hillel
Rabbi Naftali Brawer was appointed Tufts' Jewish Chaplain and Neubauer Executive Director of Tufts Hillel in May 2018. Before coming to Tufts, Naftali was Chief Executive of the Spiritual Capital Foundation, a London-based think tank and consultancy on the centrality of values in organizations. Prior to that role, he was Senior Rabbi to the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue in Northwest London, one of the largest Jewish congregations in Europe, with close to 1300 members.
Naftali also served as interfaith advisor to British Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, in which capacity he dialoged with faith leaders in various fora. He was a delegate to the International Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace (Brussels,2005, Seville, 2006), a contributor to the Caux Round Table on Sustainability as Moral Responsibility (Bangkok, Thailand, 2013), and the Keynote speaker at the Zermatt Summit ‘Humanising Globalisation (Zermatt, Switzerland, 2014). He met with the Dalai Lama in Amritsar, India, and Dharma Master Hsin Tao in Taiwan.
In addition to his Orthodox Rabbinic Ordination, Naftali holds a Ph.D. in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from University College London, and he has a keen academic interest in mysticism and theology. He is the author of ‘A Brief Guide to Judaism: Theology History and Practice' (Constable Robinson, London, Philadelphia 2008) and contributor to ‘Faith Based Radicalism: Between Constructive Activism and Destructive Fanaticism (Brussels, 2007), and ‘The Nation that Forgot God' (London, 2015). He is a columnist for the British weekly newspaper ‘The Jewish Chronicle.' As a broadcaster for the BBC, Naftali regularly presented ‘Thought for the Day' to some 7 million listeners.
Naftali is married to Dina, also rabbi, and they have four sons (not rabbis!). In his spare time he enjoys theatre, art and travel.
Naftali is a confidential resource on campus.
Education:
M.Div. Yale Divinity School
M.A.R. Yale Divinity School
B.A. Gordon College
Biography:
The Reverend Daniel Bell was appointed Protestant Chaplain at Tufts in August of 2016. As a member of the University Chaplaincy team, Dan is dedicated to enriching the spiritual and ethical lives of all those affiliated with Tufts. He works closely with the Tufts Protestant Students Association to develop the ecumenical Protestant community on campus. Dan works with students to coordinate worship services, spiritual formation activities, service and social justice projects, and ecumenical and interfaith initiatives. He also provides spiritual care to students, faculty, and staff as needed, and offers a weekly Bible study and prayer group for faculty and staff. Dan serves as a University Chaplaincy liaison to Tufts' Health Sciences campus and Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. He also leads the True Colors group at the LGBT Center and is a member of the Pride Caucus Steering Committee.
Dan earned a Master of Arts in Religion degree summa cum laude, with a concentration in the History of Christianity, from Yale Divinity School in 2010. He graduated from Yale again in 2013 with a Master of Divinity degree, and received a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopal seminary at Yale.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Gordon College in 2008, where he studied history, biblical studies, and theology. As an undergraduate, Dan was active in campus ministries and student government, and had opportunities to study in Italy, Greece, and England.
Dan moved to Boston after college to serve in Life Together, an Episcopal Service Corps program. He was ordained an Episcopal priest in February of 2018. In addition to serving at Tufts, he is the Affiliate Campus Minister for the Episcopal Community at Boston College. Dan has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and has several years of experience serving parishes in the Boston area.
Dan has family in New York, Florida, and Japan, where his brother, sister-in-law, and nephews live. A native of Long Island, New York, Dan and his partner currently live in Arlington, just a few minutes away from the Medford campus. He enjoys walks and bike rides along the Charles River, on the Minuteman Trail, and wherever he can stay clear of Boston traffic. He also enjoys being with friends, reading, traveling, and watching Netflix in small doses. Last but not least, Dan is a lifelong Trekkie.
Dan is a confidential resource on campus.
Suzanne joined the Tufts University Chaplaincy team as Music Director in September 2022. In her role, she serves Sunday worship services for the Catholic and Protestant communities, and she provides musical accompaniment at all University Chaplaincy signature events.
Originally from Boston, Suzanne Cartreine enjoys performing on harpsichord and piano. Solo and chamber recital venues include Bach Around the Clock and Trinity Artist Series (New Orleans), the Boston Early Music Festival Fringe Series, Bates College, MIT, Lincoln Laboratories, and SoHIP. Suzanne currently serves as organist and Director of Music at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills. She is the founder, director, and pianist of the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra. Suzanne loves choral music and has sung with the Tanglewood Festival Chorale, Seraphim Singers, and Tokyo Academy Singers. Suzanne holds degrees in Historical Performance, Piano Performance, and Physics, from Boston University, Temple University, and Macalester College. In her free time, she enjoys tap dancing, yoga, hiking, and playing cards. Suzanne lives in Arlington with her husband, two sons, two cats, and five fish.
She can also be reached at chaplaincymusic@tufts.edu.
Suzanne joined the team as Music Director in September 2022. She works with the Catholic and Protestant communities and provides musical accompaniment at University Chaplaincy signature events.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
She can also be reached at chaplaincymusic@tufts.edu
Suzanne's biography can be found here.
The Reverend Daniel Bell was appointed Protestant Chaplain at Tufts University in August of 2016. As a member of the University Chaplaincy team, Dan is dedicated to enriching the spiritual and ethical lives of all those affiliated with Tufts, with a focus on the Protestant community. He works closely with the Tufts Protestant Students Association to develop the ecumenical Protestant community on campus. Dan works with students to coordinate worship services, spiritual formation activities, service and social justice projects, and ecumenical and interfaith initiatives. He also provides pastoral care to students, faculty, and staff. Dan is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Health Sciences Campus Wellness Office, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and the LGBT Center.
Wendell Phillips was a nineteenth-century attorney, orator, abolitionist, and advocate for women's and Native People's rights. The Wendell Phillips Address is intended to deliver a message to inspire the graduating class and all who are gathered to reflect on how a Tufts education, and specifically the experiences of the graduating senior class, might help make the world a better place through constructive civic engagement.
The Wendell Phillips Award was established in 1896. The award is given annually to a senior who demonstrates both marked ability as a speaker and a high sense of public responsibility. Selected by the Committee on Student Life, the winner is the one graduating senior invited to offer a speech as part of Commencement, and the speech takes place during the Baccalaureate Ceremony. The speech is intended to deliver a message about civic engagement in our time.