Chapel Staff
The Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (609) 258-6244
Office: Murray-Dodge 205A
Dean Boden is passionate about the intersection of the life of the Spirit and the life of the mind, and about faithful, critical conversation and action about what comprises justice and solidarity. She finds academic institutions to be particularly fruitful and diverse places to reflect on these things, and so has served for almost three decades in university chaplaincy – at Princeton since 2007 and previously at the University of Chicago, Bucknell University, and Union College. She has authored numerous articles, chapters and posts on religion in addition to a book, Women’s Rights and Religious Practice (Palgrave 2007). She has participated in a variety of capacities with non-governmental organizations, particularly on the topic of women of faith as intentional agents of peace-building and security. She is a contributor to The Carter Center’s Scripturally Annotated Universal Declaration of Human Rights and an editor of www.lovestrugglesresist.com. She is a minister in the United Church of Christ.
The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (609) 258-3621
Office: Murray-Dodge 206
The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames (she/her/hers) is the Associate 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.
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