Chapel Staff
The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (609) 258-3621
Office: Murray-Dodge 205A
The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames (she/her/hers) is the Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel at Princeton University. An ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, Theresa is a graduate of Howard University, Duke University Divinity School, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She is passionate about the intersections of theology, gender, organizational development, and social justice. She is a challenging preacher, thoughtful theologian, certified yoga teacher, wife, dog mom, and devoted friend. Dean Thames is a lover of life and a music connoisseur who prioritizes self-care and believes that freedom is not optional, rest is her strength, and radical joy is her resistance. She is involved with the Princeton community through student engagement, pastoral care, overseeing religious programs, and regularly preaching at the University Chapel.
The Rev. Dr. Brittany Longsdorf , Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 609 258-6244
Office: Murray-Dodge 206
Rev. Dr. Brittany Longsdorf (she/her/hers) is the Associate Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel. Rooted in embodied spirituality, Brittany's research and ministry centers on the way nature and art connect us to the Sacred in unexpected and profound ways. Brittany most recently served as the Multifath Chaplain at Bates College and previously was the inaugural chaplain for international and interfaith students at Boston University. In both of these roles she mentored religious students in diverse traditions, and also intentionally designed programs for spiritual unaffiliated students to explore new, creative sacred rythms through art, silence, food, and community-building programs. She holds degrees from Graceland University, Princeton Theological Seminary and Boston University School of Theology and is an ordained protestant minister.
Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music and of the Princeton University Chapel Choir
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (609) 258-3654
Office: University Chapel Office
Nicole Aldrich is Director of Chapel Music at Princeton University, where she directs the 65-voice Princeton University Chapel Choir and oversees a full calendar of concerts, worship services, and other special musical events. A dedicated educator-performer, Dr. Aldrich sees the conductor’s podium as more than a place to facilitate great music-making: it is also a platform for encouraging growth, understanding, and mutual trust among singers. Before coming to Princeton, Dr. Aldrich served as Director of Choral Activities at Washington University in St. Louis for 10 years and held teaching positions at the University of Delaware and University of Maryland. She has prepared choruses for Helmuth Rilling and Paul Goodwin, has conducted honor choirs in six states, and is a frequent guest clinician and lecturer on group vocal pedagogy. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University.
Eric Plutz, University Organist
Email: [email protected],
Tel: (609) 258-3016
Office: University Chapel Office
Eric Plutz is University Organist at Princeton University, where his responsibilities include playing for weekly services at the Chapel, Academic Ceremonies, and solo concerts, as well as accompanying the Chapel Choir in services and concerts. He is Lecturer in Music, Instructor of Organ, and maintains a private studio. Also in Princeton, Mr. Plutz is Collaborative Keyboardist for Princeton Pro Musica. In celebration of Louis Vierne’s 150th birthday in 2020, Eric initiated The Vierne Project; performances of the complete organ symphonies. One of a handful of organists to embark on such a venture, Mr. Plutz has also recorded the works, available on the Affetto label. Originally from Rock Island, Illinois, Mr. Plutz earned a Bachelor of Music degree, magna cum laude, from Westminster Choir College (Princeton, NJ), and a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY).
Patricia Florek, Chapel Administrator
Email:[email protected]
Tel: (609) 258-3048
Office: University Chapel Office
Edgar Gomez, Chapel Sexton
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (609) 258-3050
Office: University Chapel Office
Lisa McGurr, Chapel Sexton
Tel: (609) 258-3050
Office: University Chapel Office