David Rivera is new to the Chaplain’s Office in 2025, joining the team as an Assistant Chaplain, particularly serving undergraduate students. He also works with the Interfaith Forum and with students of all different faith backgrounds. In this capacity, he hopes to increase religious opportunities for students with less representation on campus. David has been a part of the Yale community for over 7 years now, first as a student at the Yale Divinity School, and then for four years as an assistant chaplain at Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale. David’s primary focuses at Yale have included faith in action, social justice, Latino ministry, community building, discernment, and of course, one-on-one spiritual accompaniment.
Prior to his time at Yale David, a California Bay Area native, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in History and International Peace Studies. Following graduation, he dedicated two and a half years to volunteering at the Farm of the Child in Honduras. Upon relocating to New Haven, he worked at St. Martin de Porres Academy as a teacher and campus minister. David lives in New Haven with his wife, Rosabelle, and their four children. He is also a fellow of Ezra Stiles College.