Carnegie Mellon University
Student Affairs  ›  Community Health & Well-Being  ›  About Us  ›  Council of Religious Advisors

Council of Religious Advisors

The Carnegie Mellon Council of Religious Advisors (CoRA) supports and encourages religious life within the campus community.

Members of the Council provide a variety of services, including counseling, educational programs, conferences, worship, discussion groups, social events, and religious instruction. Council members work from their own traditions while also collaborating on interfaith programs. 

The university acknowledges the staff members of those ministries who are commissioned by their particular faith group to work within the campus community at Carnegie Mellon. Each chaplaincy has its own mission, objective and schedules, which are available through the individual faith groups.

Join CORA!

Not all faiths on campus are currently represented through membership in CoRA, and we are always looking to bring greater representation. If you are a leader in a local faith community who serves the Carnegie Mellon community and are interested in learning more about CoRA, please contact us.

Engage with Religious & Spiritual Life at CMU

If you have a specific question, aren't sure where to start, or if you'd like to chat about your religious, secular or spiritual journey, email the Program Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, the Reverend Jennifer McCurry. She will connect with you and offer individual support, as well as share CMU's wide range of resources for your spiritual growth and well-being.

Council of Religious Advisors (CoRA) Include:

Christian

Acts2 Fellowship / River College Church

Acts 2 Fellowship: Kevin Huang and Emily Huang

Emily Huang (pictured right)
Contact Emily

Kevin Huang (pictured left)
Contact Kevin

I grew up in the church, but looking back I was more focused on success and my image than on God. In college at UC Berkeley, I met some Christians who were the real deal — they welcomed me in their homes, fed me a ton of good food, and showed me what it looked like to actually live out the Bible, and it was in college that I surrendered my life to Christ. Since then my passion has been doing college ministry, because it’s the stage of life when I myself was transformed by the gospel! These days you’ll usually find my wife and I on campus meeting students, doing a chill BBQ in our backyard, or racking our brains trying to get Wordle in two.

Agapé Life Church

Agape Life Church's Ed Shin

Ed Shin
Contact Ed

I'm a CMU alum and pastor at Agapé Life Church in Squirrel Hill. My wife Allie and I have been ministering to college students for over 10 years. We love helping students navigate college life, grow in faith, experience miracles, and find community. Agapé is a contemporary, non-denominational church.

Follow us to learn more:

Alpha Omega / Greater Pittsburgh Church of Christ

Alpha Omega / Greater Pittsburgh Church of Christ team

Will Kenney (pictured right)
Contact Will

I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, and I first came to faith during my college years at Western Kentucky University. I’m passionate about walking alongside students and helping them thrive academically, personally, and spiritually. I see college as a great opportunity to explore new ideas, grow in character and discipline, and prepare for the next stage of life. Whether you’re curious about faith, looking for community, or seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus, I’d be honored to join you in that journey.

Isabella Kenney (pictured left)
Contact Isabella

I became a Christian as a freshman in college in 2019, and Jesus completely transformed my life! I love coming alongside others in their college journey — encouraging one another, studying God's word, and growing together. Whether you're exploring your faith, looking for community, or wanting to deepen your relationship with Jesus, I would love to meet you.

Catholic Newman Center

 

Hannah Naylor
Contact Hannah

Hi! I am the Campus Minister for the Catholic Newman Center here at CMU! I help run many events and create a hospitable place for students to hang out, do work and spend time with Jesus in the chapel. I'm a listening ear and would love to get to know you and help you get involved.

Fr. Leo Dorman
Contact Fr. Leo

I was ordained a Catholic priest in May of 2024. Since then, I have been serving as a campus chaplain and also as a high school teacher. I am happy to help anyone explore the Catholic faith, navigate life's difficulties, or provide a listening ear!

Church of the Ascension (Anglican Church)

City Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Andrew Roberts
Contact Andrew

I am a graduate student at CMU and a member of CRPC. We as a church love Christ and his gospel and we celebrate together the forgiveness of our sin and our union with him. We practice our doctrine and our worship according to the Reformed tradition of Christianity and Presbyterian church structure. On campus, we meet to study the Bible and pray once a week in addition to meeting one-on-one. I would love to have you join us or just to meet up and talk!

Coalition for Christian Outreach

Coalition for Christian Outreach

Jonny Cagwin
Contact Jonny

With more than 20 years of experience in campus ministry, I serve students through a tangible, calm presence as they navigate life during their time at CMU. I hold an M.A. in higher education, certificates in spiritual direction and spiritual formation, and am trained to support those who are experiencing suicidal desperation or ideation. I bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and training to support students on their journey. I am a mentor for students and will cheer for them in all aspects of life and Christian faith.

Commonwealth of Oakland (PC-USA)

Rev. Erin Angeli

The Rev. Erin Angeli
Contact Rev. Erin

I love to invite others to be their complete, authentic selves before God in ways that are empowering and life-giving to them, which includes celebrating their Queer identities! As someone who is both a Queer person and a person of faith, I know that intersection can be hard to navigate. Providing a listening ear to community members going through the long, hard trek of faith deconstruction is another one of my passions, and I encourage folks to partake in that work in community with others who are experiencing the same.

First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh

 First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh team

Willough Sloan (photo right)
Contact Willough

Hi, my name is Willough (right in the photo, next to Pastor Scott)! I am a current CMU graduate student in Chemistry who likes music, molecules, and art. Faith in Jesus has given me the bedrock I need in life and as a scientist, but life is hard and questions are big and being a student is not easy. I'm here if you want to talk about the questions you have, about the thoughts in your mind, about student life, etc., and I'm here for any student from any background who wants to reach out. And also here if you just wanna grab a coffee and chill!

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship staff

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (Graduate Students)

Kathy McCready (photo left)  
Contact Kathy

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at CMU has both undergrad and graduate student groups. Although my usual domain is with graduate and MBA students through Graduate Christian Fellowship and the Christian Business Association, I'm happy to talk with anyone, regardless of church affiliation or no church background. It's my great joy to accompany students on their faith journey and help people connect to the God who loves them beyond measure. Let's grab a cup of coffee and chat.

InterVarsity Ignite Black Christian Ministry

Ely Ducatel (photo center)  
Contact Ely

I’m a Christian minister, husband, father, and mentor who has spent over 15 years walking alongside college students from all kinds of backgrounds, including through some of life’s hardest moments. CMU’s motto is “My heart is in the work,” and my heart is in creating space for students to find hope, freedom, and a deeper sense of where God might be at work in their lives.

College can be a lot. Whether you’re carrying pressure to succeed, questions about who you are, family stuff, grief, loneliness, doubts about God, or something you haven’t felt comfortable saying out loud, you don’t have to have it all figured out before we talk.

I’m here to listen without judgment, make space for your questions, pray with you if you’d like, and walk alongside you wherever you are in your spiritual journey.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Undergraduates)

Rachel Nuhfer (photo right)  
Contact Rachel

I have experienced Jesus as the source of incredible joy and peace. I’m here because I believe He wants you to know Him and experience His joy and peace too. I love helping people connect with God through reading the Bible and praying. We can just have a chill conversation over coffee. Come and see!

David Ndubuaku
Contact David

For more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside students as a leader and mentor. I love helping them encounter Jesus, grow in discipleship, and bring godly values into their campus, church, and communities.
As an IT professional, husband, and volunteer with IVCF, I support students through evangelism, Bible study, discipleship, and honest conversations about faith, purpose, identity, relationships, work, and life’s pressures.

My hope is to see students know God deeply, live with courage and integrity, and become a faithful presence wherever God sends them.

The campus is strategic in God’s mission. Feel free to reach out.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Faculty)

 

Robin Capcara
Contact Robin

A Western Pennsylvania native, I have spent my 40-year career teaching, training, and discipling adult Christians in the Pittsburgh area. For the last 15 years, I have been ministering to faculty members at Carnegie Mellon, Pitt and Duquesne universities with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Graduate and Faculty Ministries. I am also a certified spiritual director.

Lutheran Campus Ministry in Greater Pittsburgh (ELCA)

Lutheran Campus Ministry staff

Rev. Brian O. Bennett
Contact Rev. Brian

For over a decade, I have been doing campus ministry, building community through weekly meals, worship services, servant opportunities, education and fellowship. The campus ministry, located at 4515 Forbes Avenue, is open, welcoming and affirming of LGBTQIA+ students, trusting that Jesus's love is for everyone. Folks are given space to participate however they want. I am particularly fond of engaging popular culture (the geekier the better) in theological discussion.

Lutheran Student Fellowship & First Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS)

First Trinity Lutheran Church staff

Pastor Eric R. Andræ
Contact Pastor Eric

I am Rev. Eric R. Andræ and have been a campus pastor at CMU, as well as at Pitt and Chatham, since February 2001. The most experienced full-time campus minister in Pittsburgh, I have worked with, ministered to, and counseled thousands of college students with robust and engaging Law-Gospel application from God’s Word. If you want a free lunch or cup of coffee, contact me, as I love getting to know all kinds of students. A native of Sweden I am married to Paola, a real estate agent and native of Mexico, and have two awesome daughters.

Northway Christian Community

North Way Christian Community Discipleship & College Ministry Director Emline Augustin

Emline Augustin
Contact Emline

I grew up in a Christian home where my parents laid a strong foundation of biblical principles and values. While that early grounding shaped me, my personal journey of faith was deeply influenced by my involvement in youth and young adult ministries at my local church. It was during college that my faith became truly personal and alive. I took ownership of my walk with God, stayed rooted in my church community, and built relationships with peers and leaders who encouraged and challenged me to grow as a follower of Jesus. I’ve made my share of mistakes along the way, but through the investment of leaders who poured into me, my relationship with God deepened in powerful ways. Now, I’m passionate about walking alongside others and doing the same for you!

Orthodox Christian Fellowship / St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

 Orthodox Christian Fellowship

Fr. Eleftherios Constantine
Contact Fr. Constantine

I represent Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) on Carnegie Mellon’s Council of Religious Advisors and serve as the Dean of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral here in Oakland. Having studied theology in both the United States and Greece, I aim to support Orthodox Christian students and foster interfaith dialogue on campus. My hope is to help cultivate a welcoming community where students can explore their faith, engage in meaningful spiritual formation, and connect their Orthodox Christian values with their academic life. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, curious about Orthodoxy, or simply looking for a supportive presence on campus, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Pittsburgh Chinese Church, Oakland

Pittsburgh Chinese Church staff

Pastor Jesse McLaughlin (photo left)
Contact Pastor Jesse

Having cared for university students in the Pittsburgh area for many years, I am passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who have least access and making disciples through preaching, teaching and sharing life together. My favorite conversations are about the questions and beliefs people have about God, life and spirituality. I live with my wife and four kids in Squirrel Hill, near the CMU campus.

Pastor Terence Liu (photo right)
Contact Pastor Liu

My first contact with Christanity was the enthusiastic reception of new students and the genuine love of Christians in a student fellowship when I came to Pittsburh to study in 1991. I also got to know Jesus at a gospel camp organized by the church and believed in the Lord and was baptized. After graduation, I worked for a IT technology company and studied in a theological seminary for a mastor of divinity degree in Los Angeles. Since then, he has been serving as a Chinese pastor in the Pittsburgh Chinese Church Oakland. He loves chatting with students about the gospel, faith and life.

Pittsburgh Metro Cru

Darren Tryon

Darren Tryon
Contact Darren

Hi, I'm Darren! I'm like a variety box of chocolates—I love all kinds of sports, music, movies, and quoting 'The Office.' You'll mostly find me at CMU mentoring guys and planning our weekly Cru gathering, Citywide. My goal is to connect students with Jesus Christ and offer a space for growth, leadership, and genuine friendship. Whether you're seeking a caring Christian community or just exploring faith, I’d love to connect with you!

Kim Tryon
Contact Kim

Hi, I'm Kim! I care deeply about the people in my life, especially my husband, Darren, and our three kids, Judah, Micah, and Eliza. When I have some free time, I enjoy puzzles, card games, working out, crocheting, and watching Friends. You'll mostly find me around Pitt and CMU mentoring women. My main goal on campus is to connect college students with Jesus Christ and offer a supportive space for spiritual growth and community. Whether you want to talk about life, ask spiritual questions, or just explore faith, I’d love to grab a coffee and connect with you!

Pittsburgh Regional International Student Ministries / PRISM

PRISM staff

Tim Shine
Contact Tim

PRISM is a diverse, compassionate community which aims to follow and lovingly live out the principles of the Bible. We welcome international students to engage us and get involved in a variety of activities. You are invited to come and momentarily escape the pressures of the academic world to enjoy such activities as weekend trips, holiday stays with host families, Bible or English studies, or meet new friends over a relaxing Friday night meal and a relevant cultural topic.

UKirk Shadyside / Shadyside Presbyterian Church (PC-USA)

UKirk Shadyside/ Shadyside Presbyterian Church Rev. Mike Holohan

Rev. Mike Holohan
Contact Mike

One thing that I loved about being a university student was getting to study so many different subjects. But I sometimes struggled when what I learned contradicted the beliefs I was raised with — especially the religious ones. I worried that my fragile faith would snap under the weight of my questions. But what felt like a crisis turned out to be a great opportunity to expand my little faith into a more expansive one. Some of my beliefs have changed but my faith remains. Let’s talk about how God is big enough for our faith and doubt, our successes and failures, our pain and grief, our anger and joy — and our desire to make the world a place where everyone thrives! 

Hindu

Bhakti Yoga Club / International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)


Vrajras Das (photo left)
Contact Vrajras
I have been a religious minister and an active spiritual preacher in the Krishna Conscious movement for the past 15 years. Over the course of my spiritual life, I have had the privilege to act as a counselor and mentor for multiple youth forums in India. College preaching, conducting seminars like Journey of Self Discovery, managing youth events, creating fun and learning programs are some of the volunteering activities that I have contributed to in the past. My natural ability to effortlessly connect with people from all walks of life, especially the youth, has been instrumental in my preaching career. Chanting the Holy name of the Lord and my strong desire to give back to the community through selfless seva (service) has been and will continue to be my inspiration in my spiritual journey. If you are curious to know more about the Bhagavad-Gita, would like to experience an electrifying Kirtan, or just need a sounding board, I welcome you to reach out.

Lohitaksha Ananthula
Contact Lohitaksha

I’m a recent Carnegie Mellon graduate and have been involved with the Bhakti Yoga community at CMU since 2024. I’ve had the opportunity to conduct sessions that help students explore spirituality, mindfulness and inner well-being. My spiritual practice is rooted in the Bhakti tradition and the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, with an emphasis on meditation, devotional service, compassion, and cultivating a deeper spiritual consciousness. I especially value sharing the timeless wisdom of texts such as the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam and helping make transcendental spiritual literature and teachings accessible to students. I’m always happy to listen, discuss questions about faith, purpose, and spiritual life, and offer a welcoming space for anyone interested in exploring the path of bhakti.

Loukik Nanda
Contact Loukik

I have spent five years in a monastery studying about human behavior especially for individuals between the age of 21-34. I engage with my students through journaling, mantra meditation, reflecting and discussing from the ancient Vedic scriptures.

Jewish

Chabad of CMU

Chabad at CMU

Rabbi Shlomo Silverman (photo left)
Contact Rabbi Shlomo

A fifth generation Pittsburgher, I grew up in a family who gave generously of their time and money to those around them. After receiving my rabbinic ordination in Israel in 2007, I moved back with my wife, Chani, to run the Chabad of CMU. In this role as the rabbi, my goal is to create an open and comfortable Jewish community on campus. I teach classes on Judaism, run weekly events and am available to meet anyone in the campus community.

Mrs. Chani Silverman (photo right)
Contact Chani

A wife, mother, teacher and co-director of Chabad of CMU, I am there for students in any way that they need. I teach classes on Judaism, host large, home-cooked meals for Shabbat and Jewish holidays with Rabbi Shlomo, and counsel students in need.

CMU-Hillel

CMU-Hillel

Grant Halasz
Contact Grant

I am the Hillel JUC Jack G. Buncher Director of Jewish Student Life at Carnegie Mellon University. After 10+ years of building Jewish community across congregations and Jewish summer camps, I bring a passion to CMU’s campus and help Jewish students find their people, their purpose, and their place in the world. Every Jewish experience, starting in Dayton OH at my home synagogue, through my summers at various summer camps, during my time at the University of Cincinnati Hillel and AEPi, and my time in the Pittsburgh Jewish community made me the proud Jew I am today.

If you don't find your faith represented in CoRA, we are happy to help you get in touch with the appropriate student organizations, places of worship and resources within the local community. Please contact us for more information.

Christian (specific denominations)