"As University Minister, my denomination, Baptist, is almost irrelevant," he explains. "My concern is also for Hillel, Catholics and people who have no religious identity."

As a professor whose title is less constricted than most, Gomes has the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of College life.

"I have a symbolic role, and I appreciate that I'm one of the few generalists left in the University who cannot be confined or defined," he says.

Yet whether it's lighting the Hanukkah menorah or making sure that atheists receive guidance and support at the College, Gomes is a figure who conjures up images of a higher realm.

"He sort of fills that role as the figurative God guy on campus," Akins says.

Risinger gushes: "It's difficult not to have a conversation with him and not leave feeling better about yourself."