By Dara Harper
To foster peace and understanding through religious and spiritual life, the chaplains and staff of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University hosted an Interfaith Day of Service and Learning on Sunday, Sept. 1.
Beginning with a luncheon at Hendricks Chapel, more than 25 student leaders—representing various religious and spiritual practices and identities—reflected on questions posed by Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel. To build curiosity and connectedness, Dean Konkol asked, “What was your first memory of religion?” and then followed up, “What was your first memory of religious difference?”
“The questions seemed simple at face value, but they turned into deep, thoughtful conversations. I learned that many share the same basic values as me, just with different names depending on their faith,” said Adam Baltaxe ’25.
The conversations created a dynamic environment for students, faculty, and staff in attendance. Following lunch, the group boarded a bus to visit We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Outreach Center, a local non-profit organization that assists those in need of food, clothing, housing, and resources.
“Everybody’s here for one reason: to make this world a better place,” said Al-amin Muhammad, founder of We Rise Above the Streets. “What you’re doing today, please don’t take this lightly. All these products are going to families: children, moms, and dads. So, put some love in them, okay!?” To assist with making care packages for local community members, the students placed several hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, shampoo, and more into brightly colored gift bags.
Anna Dyjach ’28, a first-year student at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, was excited to attend this type of event during her first week of classes at Syracuse University. “Making hygiene bags and getting to know others at Syracuse through the Interfaith Day of Service and Learning was a highlight of my week. I would love to participate in this program again!”
Hendricks Chapel’s Student Interfaith Engagement Coordinator, Mian Muhammad Abdul Hamid ’25, was instrumental in bringing the groups together. As convenor of the Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders (SAIL), he regularly meets with students of diverse spiritual practices. “It’s so important for all of us to be part of our community and take the initiative to serve the greater good,” said Abdul Hamid.
The students created more than 100 hygiene bags that were then distributed to families in the Syracuse community. For more information on upcoming Interfaith Days of Service and Learning or to join a service project, visit the Hendricks Chapel website or call 315.443.2901.
Hendricks Chapel, the spiritual heart of Syracuse University, is the student-centered global home for religious, spiritual, moral and ethical life. Established in 1930 as a home for all faiths and place for all people, the chapel hosts 16 chaplains, more than 25 student-led religious and spiritual groups, and sponsors more than 1,900 in-person and online programs for more than 900,000 annual participants. Hendricks Chapel employs student workers, supports musical ensembles, offers support through the Student Opportunity Fund and Food Pantry, and partners throughout the campus community to advance academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. As a central contributor to holistic life and learning at Syracuse University, Hendricks Chapel helps to prepare engaged citizens, scholars, and leaders for participation in a changing global society.