Reverend Chris Fike, the University's new associate Protestant chaplain, arrives in hopes of bringing "a sense of openness and possibility to campus" and helping students "grow into their faith, experiment, and take the next step," she said.
"We're thrilled that she's on board," University Chaplain David O'Leary said. Fike is filling the position previously held by Laurie Rofino.
Fike will also serve as Tufts' Episcopal Chaplain and will lead the Protestant Student Fellowship (PSF), an organization that brings Protestant students from all traditions and backgrounds to "worship together and grow," she said.
Originally from Minnesota, Fike previously held various duties at St. Paul's Cathedral in downtown Boston. She served as priest-in-charge and organized Christian education and programs for the homeless. She was also involved in the radio broadcast "Sunday Morning at the Cathedral."
O' Leary said he was impressed with Fike's "extensive work with youth." In 2001, she co-founded an organization known as New Wine, which opened up alternative worship opportunities for young adults in the Boston area. She also held positions at Boston University and directed the Micah Project, a volunteer project for young people. Both required her to work with youth between the ages of 18 and 30.
Students and faculty at Tufts seem to have already taken a liking to the new chaplain. Stacy Ecott, a member of the Protestant Student Fellowship, said Fike is open and fun. "She lets us do our own thing but supports us. She is awesome," Ecott said.
O' Leary has also found Fike to be a good addition to the Tufts Christian community. "She is very easy to work with, casual, laid-back, open to new ideas, and fun-loving," he said. He expects her to "continue to build upon what Laurie [Rofino] did."
Fike first joined the Tufts community last May, when she worked alongside Rofino and was impressed by the students and faculty. "The students at Tufts take initiative," she said, "and the atmosphere here is very open compared to other universities."
O' Leary said he was especially impressed by her quickness in orchestrating student leadership in playing worship music -- she replaced adult musical groups with students for the first time. O'Leary also credited Fike for combining services with Catholic groups on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
One way Fike has brought together Protestant students is by hosting a Freshman Lock-In and painting the cannon. "It was the only time I'd ever walked outside barefoot and in pajamas," Fike said. These outreach events are intended to "get [freshmen] to meet upperclassmen and feel like a part of the group," she said. "It's about making connections with God and with each other."
Fike's plate is already filled -- her first public speech will be Oct. 5 for the "Reflections" lecture series, aside from the services she leads every Sunday at 7 p.m. This year she will operate as an "umbrella" minister for all Protestant groups. "If somebody wants to attend a Presbyterian service that doesn't yet exist on campus," Father O' Leary said, "[Fike] is the one they would go to."
Fike will also perform marriages and counseling and work with other Protestant officials in the area. In addition, she holds a full-time position at the Tri-City Mental Health Center in Malden.
