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Morning light on the Dawn Redwood tree outside of Goddard Chapel.
Photo credit: Elyse Nelson Winger
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
Dear Tufts community,
As I made my way to the Chapel yesterday, this tree stopped me in my tracks. Soaking in the shining sun, the Dawn Redwood stood majestic, inviting a reverent pause, an iPhone photo, and a Google search for a Tufts Now article I remembered reading several years ago. This Dawn Redwood was planted in 1948 from seeds brought back by Arnold Arboretum staff who had traveled to China. The article, quoting now retired Tufts Grounds Manager John Vik, explains:
“The tree was once thought to be extinct, seen only in fossils. But in 1941 and again in 1944, strange, unusually tall trees were discovered growing in China, Vik says. They were identified in 1946 as the same Metasequoia, or dawn redwood, found in the fossils. It was the equivalent of finding a stegosaurus still thriving in the tropics.”
There is something wondrous about co-existing alongside living things whose genesis stretches back to the Mesozoic Era! And there is something inspiring about discovering that a tree we thought to be extinct was really seeded deep in the earth all along.
The seeds of compassion and mercy, of generosity and justice—which allow each of us and our society to heal and flourish—will never go extinct. Sometimes, they are buried deep. And so together we dig and forage, plant them in the fertile soil of our hearts and wills, and help them sprout and grow.
Wherever you are headed in the coming days, may you cultivate these enduring seeds in yourself and your loved ones. And may these days bring time for rest and re-connection, in whatever ways are most meaningful to each of you.
Pax et Lux,
Elyse Nelson Winger
University Chaplain
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Nominate a senior for the Wendell Phillips Award!
Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 PM on Monday, December 9th, 2024
Each year, one graduating senior is chosen to be the class speaker at Commencement, and the speech takes place during the Baccalaureate Ceremony. Established in 1896 and named for Wendell Phillips, the speech 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 experience of the graduating senior class, might help make the world a better place through constructive civic engagement.
Faculty, staff, and students may nominate seniors to apply to be the Wendell Phillips Speaker, and seniors may self-nominate. Nominees will be invited to apply by Monday, January 13, 2025 with a resume and a recorded speech. Applications are reviewed by the Committee on Student Life (CSL), who will invite finalists to audition at an open forum in March before selecting the winner. This award also carries a cash prize of $900. The University Chaplaincy hosts the final audition, and coordinates the speaker’s participation in the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
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Pax et Lux: A Multifaith Winter Celebration
Wednesday, December 4th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM at Goddard Chapel followed by a reception
The University Chaplaincy and Interfaith Ambassadors invite you to Pax et Lux! Translated from Latin, Pax et Lux means peace and light, and is a winter celebration honoring the multicultural and multifaith traditions of the Tufts community. We warmly welcome you for an evening of performances and stories from a variety of Tufts student organizations in the spirit of ushering in peace and light. This will be followed by a catered dinner with a DJ. Contact chaplaincy@tufts.edu with any questions.
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CVS 151-05: Religious Diversity, Interfaith Engagement, and Campus Life
A new course for Spring 2025, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Curious about how religion shapes university and civic life? This Spring 2025 course, offered through Tisch College for Civic Life, delves into the history and complexities of religious diversity on university campuses and its impact on community life. This course also takes you beyond the classroom. Through real-world case studies, site visits around Boston, and insights from guest speakers, you’ll critically assess the role of interfaith activism in tackling issues like climate justice and combating religious bias. There are no pre-requisites for this course. For more information, please contact University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Our events and weekly gatherings are open to everyone in the Tufts community. You can find a calendar and descriptions of our regular events on our website. If you have an idea for a gathering or event, please contact the University Chaplaincy.
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American Humanist Association Director Fish Stark on Growing Humanism Today
Sunday, November 24th, 2024 at 1:30 PM in the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St.
The Humanist Chaplaincy invites you to meet Fish Stark, the new Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, as he discusses his vision for the AHA, the future of humanism, and how and why the movement will grow. This event is co-sponsored by Greater Boston Humanists, the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard and MIT, and the Tufts Humanist Chaplaincy.
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Espiritu y Cultura: Unpacking Faith in Latinx Communities
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 8 PM at the Latinx Center, 226 College Ave.
Join us the Tufts Humanist Chaplaincy and Latinx Center for an evening of food, warm drinks, and discussions of faith and culture in the Latinx community. Sign up here. Please contact Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas for questions at Anthony.cruz_pantojas@tufts.edu.
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| Partner and Community Programs
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Volunteer at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and Y2Y Network during Fall Break
Dates available November 26th, 2024 to December 1st, 2024 in Harvard Square
Around for Fall Break? We are Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and Y2Y Network, two entirely student-run shelters right here in Harvard Square. We are looking for volunteers to staff the shelter from the dates 11/26 to 12/1. Come in for one shift, or many if you’re up to it! Bring your friends or family–everyone is welcome! If you’ve never volunteered with us before, no worries, we can get you up to speed. Give back to your community right here in Harvard Square this Thanksgiving Break! Sign up by midnight November 20. Feel free to email hshs.volunteer@gmail.com or volunteer@y2yharvardsquare.org with any questions. Sign up here for HSHS and here for Y2Y.
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Upcoming Religious Celebrations and Observances
To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Mulitfaith Calendar.
Day of the Covenant
Sunday, November 24 – Monday, November 25, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Sunday, November 24, 2024
This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha
Tuesday, November 26 – Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Commemorates 'Abdu'l-Baha's death.
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Support the University Chaplaincy
Supporting programs at Tufts University in religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life is easy and vital to our work. To donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for your generosity.
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The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement.
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