As “Scott Matheney Day” Approaches, the Chaplain Reflects on His History and Legacy at Elmhurst University

Rev. H. Scott Matheney may be retiring after the 2024-2025 school year, but the long-serving chaplain has remained in good spirits.

Even during a “Post Elections Reflections” event held on Nov. 13 in the tense and uncertain aftermath of the 2024 United States presidential election, the chaplain appeared optimistic, leaning back in his chair and occasionally even letting out a hearty laugh.

Matheney, 71, has spent more than 27 of those years with Elmhurst University. He began his service at EU on Aug. 1, 1997, making him the longest-sitting chaplain in EU’s history.

Following graduation from Wheaton College, Matheney served as Campus Presbyterian Minister at Columbia University from 1982 to 1997, performing the first same-sex marriage at the institution in 1986.

Matheney then came to Elmhurst, where he spent two years on Alexander Boulevard before moving into the on-campus Chaplain’s Residence, located south of Schick Hall.

In recognition of Matheney’s service to EU, President Troy VanAken has announced a “Scott Matheney Day,” to take place on Dec. 6, coinciding with Founders Day, which this year celebrates the 152nd anniversary of EU’s founding.

Additionally, a blessing of the Chaplain’s Residence is planned for Dec. 15.

“The house has been something that’s really important,” said Matheney, who also said he believes the Chaplain’s Office has seen “the seeds of religious conflict.”

Matheney referred to his most important efforts at EU as “a trajectory of work with the student community.” He believes he will likely be remembered for the public lectures EU has held with speakers from around the world.

Despite EU being labeled a “Christian college,” Matheney said he believes his office has demonstrated acceptance of students from all religions and backgrounds.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, EU rallied around its Muslim students, and the Muslim Students Association became a recognized student group only two days after the attacks.

When he noticed that a student group trying to become a recognized LGBTQ group on campus was scared to sit at a table at an activities fair, Matheney, wearing his collar, sat with the students. On one occasion, the chaplain dressed in drag.

“So when the nation and the world flips into hatred, Elmhurst does a different story,” said Matheney. “It’s powerful.”

Matheney also reflected on his relationship with alums, believing their success stories can “make people weep,” from a football player and Resident Advisor (RA) who went to South Africa to work with Jimmy Carter, to the dean of a law school, to the youngest man ever to run the NAACP.

“I will look back and think fondly of a lot of the relationships with the trustees,” said Matheney. “I have officiated a number of their weddings and have buried a number of them.”

According to Matheney, his responsibilities have only increased in the aftermath of the 2024 elections. Although the chaplain acknowledged that some students are “very thankful and happy” about the results, others have expressed concern regarding foreign conflicts and deportation.

“It’s not out there, it’s really here,” Matheney said.

Matheney said he plans to remain with EU until Sept. 1, 2025, to “carry the student body through the first semester, and through the summer, and then to start the year.”

Following his departure from EU, Matheney expects to remain a trustee for the World Christian Federation, but will not be headed to another university, being satisfied with his time at Columbia and Elmhurst.

“I’m not going to write a book,” Matheney added with a laugh.

Matheney said he plans to start “100 days of gratitude” on Ash Wednesday next year, giving thanks to the community and reflecting on his combined 45 years of Chaplaincy.

“So there’s going to be a lot of things that I’ll look back on and say I was thankful for,” said Matheney. “Obviously there’ll be setbacks. That’s part of life. My hope is that incoming future generations of students will have the joy that I have found here.”

Students and faculty at EU spoke positively of their experiences with the chaplain.

“He’s done so much for college students,” said Emerson Azcoitia, a senior and the president of Spiritual Life Council. “So I’m very excited to see what else he does.”

“I just think that Scott is one of a kind, and I think that he is so central to the identity and tradition and soul and history and legacy of Elmhurst University,” added Mary Kay Mulvaney, a professor of English and head of the Honors Program at EU.

“I think the best part is that he’s a very easy person to work with in the sense that he would always listen,” said Inamul Haq, EU’s Muslim chaplain, who has been close to Matheney for almost 16 years. “I would say that Elmhurst needs a vibrant Chaplaincy, and he has been strong foundations for that, and I hope that he will continue in this tradition.”

Amy Lyn McDonald, an associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, spoke of Matheney asking her to present a workshop at the World Student Christian Federation’s National Student Conference hosted at EU in Fall 2023, which she said she “was so honored and touched” to be a part of.

“He will be a tough act to follow, I’ll say that,” McDonald said. “I wish him every happiness, and I know that he, you know, in different capacities will continue to make a great impact, and I look forward to finding out what all of that is, and I wish him nothing but joy in his retirement from Elmhurst.”

“It’s hard for me to leave, because I’ve had so much joy and power [at the Chaplain’s Residence],” said Matheney.

If the stories of those close to Matheney offer any indication, the feeling is mutual.