Up two flights of stairs, tucked in the back corner of the third floor of Allen House, is the office of one of UVM’s hidden gems: UVM Campus Chaplain Reverend Harrison Heidel.In an in-depth interview with Heidel, an Episcopal priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, with a part-time commitment to the Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) at UVM for the past two years, The Vermont Cynic helps provide insight into his values, life and mission.The Vermont Cynic: What is the main message you want to get out?Harris Heidel: I think the most important thing is for the campus to be aware that there is a ministry of help that is available to them.We’re present, available and ready to offer any type of safe environment pastoral care — totally inclusive, open and welcoming to everyone.I just try to be available.This type of work is done on a one-on-one basis. I’ve had some folks come by with some pretty important questions and situations and they just want to talk, and that’s a good thing.VC: Do you strictly offer religious guidance?HH: You don’t have to be religious or spiritual in nature and we don’t have to have that talk at all.That usually doesn’t come up in the sorts of conversations I have with anyone — it’s about life issues.VC: How long has religion been a part of your life?HH: All my life. I first sensed a call to serve in the church when I was 19. I was raised in the Lutheran Church and I really felt it.I visited the seminary and decided not to attend. I went to the seminary in 1969 and left there thinking, “No, this isn’t it.”So I went into a career in nursing and I was a nurse practitioner and worked in surgery.I was on an open-heart team and fixed [my childhood Pastor’s] heart twice.He said when I was younger that if it [were] a real [calling], it wouldn’t go away.    So when I was 48 years old, I set that career aside and entered seminary.It gave me an opportunity to live a full life and I think it helps me look at ministry and an approach to spirituality like I do — it’s in service to the community, it’s in doing for other people.VC: Why do you think religion is not a major issue on the UVM campus?HH: In this day and age, particularly your age group, folks separate themselves from spirituality and religion — a less dogmatic approach — and take on matters of spirituality and spiritual growth.My experience is that persons in the age group of 15-35 express their religion and spirituality through community service and that’s a great thing, because it’s out there in our community where we express our spirituality.VC: How do you think the CCM fits into the UVM community?HH: I see the University as a city within a city.It’s got its own police department, house facilities and feeding — all those pieces are there.But at the same time, you’re here for a different purpose.It’s not a religious-based school, it’s not a seminary and it’s not supported by mainstream religion.But offering a little of it I think is a good thing.