Chaplains

The Chaplain's Office

The Center for Faith and Spirituality hosts two spiritual leaders, Reverend David Keck and Father Tim Daly, on campus. The Chaplains support all students, faculty, and staff regardless of their religious beliefs. Students can visit the Chaplains when they want to discuss spirituality, moral questions, or life's challenges.

Reverend David Keck

Greetings!

As the Chaplain of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, I get to work with young men and women at a critical time in their lives. They have discerned a calling in aviation, engineering, or business, and they are here to study. And they learn not only about mathematics or science but also about their own beliefs and what is truly important to them. Some come from a specific religious tradition (or traditions), while some come from none at all. My goals are for students:

• To deepen their appreciation of their own religious and spiritual background
• To learn about the religions of the world (aviation and aerospace is a global field, after all)
• And to make critical decisions about their own personal religious commitments

Although I am an ordained Presbyterian minister, I work with students regardless of their religious background or affiliation. Some of the best conversations are with students whose experiences of worship are very different from my own!

I have pastored churches in addition to serving as a chaplain, and I’ve taught history, theology, and pastoral care. I’ve written three books: Forgetting Whose We Are: Alzheimer’s Disease and the Love of God; Angels and Angelology in the Middle Ages; and Healthy Churches, Faithful Pastors.

Students here are thoughtful, curious, engaged, and eager. They are discovering what it means to assume responsibilities as professionals and as young adults. I thank God that I get to be a part of their lives for a few years.

Father Tim Daly

I have served as the Catholic Chaplain at Embry-Riddle since the year 2000. As a priest of the Diocese of Orlando, I serve as pastor at the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach, and Campus Ministry is one of the many ministries of the Basilica. As a member of the Chaplain’s Office staff, I assist with meeting the spiritual needs of all students. Prior to being ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1996, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education. This academic background and teaching experience at the collegiate level have provided the skills needed to assist students of all faith and spiritual backgrounds.

I am available for all students, faculty, and staff for spiritual guidance. As a Catholic priest, I provide sacramental support for the entire Embry-Riddle community. This sacramental ministry includes celebrating Mass each Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Spirituality, providing opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, preparing students for the sacrament of Confirmation, and guiding couples through the marriage preparation process. I am the adviser for the student group, the Catholic Student Union, which provides opportunities for spiritual, service, and social activities. Their motto is, “Faith Taking Flight!”

It has been a grace and a blessing to serve as the Catholic Chaplain for many years. It is truly the most rewarding and fulfilling ministry in my priesthood. It is uplifting and energizing to work with such stellar students at Embry-Riddle. As well, it is an honor to support the mission of the Chaplain’s Office and be a servant bringing faith, hope, and charity so that students can dream the dreams of a clear spirit that lift the mind and think of the world as better because of them and what they will do for it.