You might have seen the thousands of nomination cards around campus asking students, 'Who is Your Hidden Chaplain?' and thought, what's this about? The Hidden Chaplains Program gives students a chance to nominate University Staff Members who brighten their days at Princeton. Whether it's a PSAFE Officer who knows every student by name or members of Dining Services, Facilities, and Administrative Assistants who have been a pillar to students during a tough time.

           On Thursday, May 2nd, the Atrium Café was packed for the annual Hidden Chaplains Dinner, which honored Princeton's unsung heroes. 

           One of the great things about this program is that it’s a surprise to the Hidden Chaplains as they only find out they were nominated once students hand deliver their invitations to the celebratory dinner. 

           Chef Chad from the CJL was nominated for the first time this year. "I was happy, excited, and a little shocked. My first reaction was that I told my wife. Then, I was trying to figure out who had nominated me. Once I figured out who nominated me I realized that it was because I handled that person's food with care and do a lot of specialty things for this student which definitely helps them live their life at Princeton.

           "I was honored to be nominated. Campus Dining works very closely with students and I have a very student-facing role, it's my pleasure to be able to work with the students so closely and I think me being nominated is a reflection of the work that Campus Dining does as a whole, not just myself" -Puneet, Campus Wellness Dietician. 

           "I was very thrilled because this is the second year someone nominated me. It was a blessing that someone thought about me again this year, that they nominated me, and that I made their day in some type of way" -Keith, Custodian at Murray-Dodge Hall.

             "So happy- so happy because I love these kids. I'm happy because they appreciate what I do because I do it for them. I'm conscious about what I'm doing; I know that they need somebody to cheer them up because they're under stress. Every night when I go home, I plug myself in and recharge because I know that the next day in the morning when I come to work, I come ready to provide them with energy and love. I'm here for them; I want to make their days better." - Mia from Witherspoon Café.

             During the dinner, microphones were passed around to the student nominators and the hidden chaplains so they could share moments and express gratitude. Many students consider their hidden chaplains as their aunties, uncles, and Princeton parents.

             "I met Mia from Witherspoon Cafe this semester, the busiest time of my career at Princeton. I nominated her because I normally get coffee from there every day because I don't have time to make it, and she wakes me up every morning more than the coffee does. She greets everyone with a smile, and she talks to you like she's known you since forever." - Viktoria '24

            "My Hidden Chaplain is Catalina/Esther; I nominated her because she brightens my day every time I come in the morning. She always says hello with a warm smile. She's just a pleasant person to be around."- Brian '24

           It was over an encounter with Catalina, commonly known as Esther, and how she interacted with students that led Dean Matt and Kyle Berlin ’18 to see her as a Hidden Chaplain; thus the Hidden Chaplains Program was born. Alex '27, who also nominated Catalina, said, "She has a warm smile, and she's one of the few people on campus I can speak Spanish with. I speak it at home, so it's nice to have a connection here that I can do that with."

           "I Nominated Brandon because I could really tell that he cares and he puts in a lot of effort and he makes sure to look out and look after us, he goes above and beyond to make sure we're comfortable and that our environment is clean." - Janiya '27.

           Throughout the speeches, students expressed that learning doesn't just happen in the classroom but through the people you're surrounded by. Thanks to the Hidden Chaplains, many students said they've learned valuable traits and skills to help them in the “real world.”

           Since the program's inception in 2018, Hidden Chaplains has grown with student nominations, with over 125 attendees at the 2024 Dinner. This Year's Hidden Chaplains Team comprised Nely Rivas '25, Noura Shoukfeh '25, and Jacob Unger '25.

           When asked why she got involved with Hidden Chaplains, Nely Rivas ‘25 exclaimed "I attended the hidden chaplains dinner last year for the first time. There were so many hidden chaplains I recognized and as I walked into the room, I felt so much love and laughter in the atmosphere. I was reminded of my mom during the event. She works as a custodian at UC Berkeley, and I know she's a Hidden Chaplain. I wanted to be in the planning committee in honor of her work, to make the event bigger, and to relive that same joy I felt."

           As for Hidden Chaplains 2025, "I hope that we can encourage more students to take the time to nominate a Hidden Chaplain. I truly believe that every student at Princeton has a Hidden Chaplain, regardless if they have ever spoken to them or even know their name. The Hidden Chaplains program is not only an opportunity to recognize the amazing work of Hidden Chaplains around campus—it is also an opportunity for students to develop a closer relationship with their Hidden Chaplains, which is something that will extend far beyond a single dinner" said Jacob Unger '25. 

        We hope that other universities implement this program in their own ways, as it reminds us that the little things we do can have a significant impact.

        If you’re interested in getting involved with planning Hidden Chaplains 2025, please reach out to Dean Matt at [email protected]