Join the celebration for Chaplain Thea Keith-Lucas on September 13

August 31, 2022
Melissa Nobles, Chancellor | Suzy M. Nelson, Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life |

To members of the MIT community,

More than 60 years ago, President James Killian imagined a spiritual community at MIT where people of all beliefs and backgrounds could worship freely and students could develop an awareness of religion and faith in human history. The MIT Chapel and Kresge Auditorium are two notable achievements of his vision.

In 2007, MIT named its first chaplain to the Institute to further support religious and spiritual life on campus. We are delighted today to invite you to celebrate the installation of the Reverend Thea Keith-Lucas as MIT’s third chaplain to the Institute.

MIT Chaplain Installation of Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Ceremony in MIT Chapel, 4–5 p.m.
Reception on Kresge Oval, 5–6 p.m.

Chapel seating is limited, so please register if you would like to attend the ceremony.

Since 2013, Reverend Keith-Lucas has co-led the Lutheran Episcopal Ministry at MIT. Beginning in June 2020, she took on the role of interim Institute chaplain and director of the Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life (ORSEL). Throughout her service to the MIT community, which you can read more about from this MIT News 3Q, Reverend Keith-Lucas has prioritized efforts that help expand our understanding of what it means to be human; inspired interfaith cooperation across religious differences; and provided an open door to those who follow a faith tradition and to those who do not.

Reverend Keith-Lucas also coordinated Radius, an ORSEL initiative that examines the ethical implications of technology and scientific innovation on society, individuals, and the environment. She describes this critical work this way: “Whether we're leading a public forum, mentoring a student activist, or teaching an ethics seminar, our goal is to help people reflect more deeply on their choices and find the inspiration they need to do good in this world.”

We hope that you will join us, President Reif, and the MIT community to celebrate Reverend Keith-Lucas on September 13, and we look forward to the special contributions she and ORSEL will continue to make to life at the Institute.

Sincerely,

Melissa Nobles
Chancellor

Suzy Nelson
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life