News

As the grand finale of the 2025 Syracuse International Jazz Fest, the Spelman College Glee Club of Atlanta will perform at Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The Spelman College Glee Club, now in its historic 100^th year, is the oldest collegiate choir of African American women in the United States. Directed by Dr. Kevin P. Johnson since 1999, the Glee Club has achieved national and international acclaim, performing at the White House, Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and across Europe. With the motto ‘to amaze and inspire,’ the Spelman College Glee Club uplifts audiences with artistry rooted in tradition and shaped by innovation.

“Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service” will feature performances by The Spelman College Glee Club, The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE) of Syracuse University, and a community choir comprised of Syracuse-area residents.

Following highly successful events in 2023 and 2024, the 2025 Syracuse International Jazz Fest finale at Hendricks Chapel will once again offer a dynamic and inclusive spiritual experience that fuses and celebrates Gospel and Jazz, includes a pre-event welcome luncheon, and seeks to spark and sustain renewal in our local community and beyond. The 3:00 P.M. program and 12:30 P.M. luncheon are both free of charge and open to the first 1,000 attendees.

“Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service”
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Program: 3:00 P.M.
Pre-Event Luncheon: 12:30-2:30 P.M.
Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University
There is no fee to attend the program or lunch. All are welcome.
Attendance capacity: 1,000 with overflow seating available outdoors

Spelman College Glee Club

The Spelman College Glee Club is the oldest collegiate choir of African American women in the United States. Since 1924 the ensemble has served as Spelman College’s premier performance organization, representing the college with excellence through a wide-ranging repertoire of classical masterworks, Negro spirituals, world folk music, and commissioned works by African American composers. Led by Dr. Kevin P. Johnson since 1999, the Glee Club has achieved national and international acclaim, performing at the White House, Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and across Europe. With the motto ‘to amaze and inspire,’ the Spelman College Glee Club continues to uplift audiences with artistry rooted in tradition and shaped by innovation.

Dr. Johnson, the Glee Club director, is a composer, conductor, and educator whose work lies at the vibrant intersection of music, culture, and spirituality. He is associate professor of music at Spelman College and leads the Glee Club into a new century of musical excellence and innovation. Having earned a doctorate in musical arts, Dr. Johnson’s compositions – including seven complete mass settings and over 300 psalm arrangements – are sung across the United States, especially in Black Catholic communities. His recent works include Hip-Hop Mass, commissioned by the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, and Music Everywhere Chorus America. Dr; Johnson is also director of music at the Lyke House Catholic Center and founder of Lion and Lamb Publishing.

The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE) of Syracuse University

Founded in 1977 by Rev. Dr. Seretta C. McKnight to provide a spiritual home for Black students at Syracuse University, the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE) ministers through gospel music that fosters and supports academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. Led by student director Joshua Garvin ’25 and supported through The Alumni Group of the BCEE (TAG-BCCE), the choir has performed at numerous venues throughout the United States, including the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA), the spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and currently led by Rev. Dr. Senator Raphael Warnock.

Gospel Jazz Community Choir

To honor the Sunday gospel jazz service theme of “Return to Community,” a diverse community choir composed of Syracuse area residents will once again be led by Cora Thomas, known locally as “Syracuse’s First Lady of Gospel Music.” Born and raised in Syracuse, Thomas serves numerous community organizations and hosts “Sunday Morning Gospel” on WAER 88.3 of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. All interested in participating in the community choir may contact Cora Thomas at cathomas@syr.edu or Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901.

Pre-Event Outdoor Welcome Luncheon

To celebrate the “Return to Community” theme, a pre-event outdoor welcome luncheon, featuring free food and refreshments, will take place on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle of Syracuse University from 12:30-2:30 P.M. At 2:30 P.M., the first 1,000 guests will be ushered into Hendricks Chapel for the 3:00 P.M. service start time.

Syracuse International Jazz Fest

For additional information on the 2025 Syracuse International Jazz Fest, please visit syracusejazzfest.com.

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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 religious and spiritual groups, and sponsors over 1,900 programs for more than 900,000 annual attendees. Hendricks Chapel employs student workers, supports musical ensembles, offers support through the Student Opportunity Fund, Coach Mac Food Pantry, and Student Veteran Support Fund, 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. For more information, visit chapel.syracuse.edu. 

By Dara Harper

(This story was originally published on the Interfaith America website.)

When Rev. Devon Bartholomew first toured Syracuse University as a prospective undergraduate student, he glanced at Hendricks Chapel and said aloud, “That building has nothing to offer me.”  

Today, he serves as Hendricks Chapel’s Non-Denominational Christian chaplain. What he once discounted has become a space of deep community, spiritual growth, and even surprising connections, like his long-time friendship with Sensei JoAnn Cooke, the Buddhist chaplain at Hendricks Chapel. 

Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University opened its doors in 1930 as a multifaith chapel. While the university was founded by Methodists, the chapel was intended for all. Nearly 100 years since its founding, Hendricks Chapel is now a host for 16 chaplains and serves more than 900,000 annual attendees through 1,900 annual events.  

As the spiritual heart of Syracuse University, Hendricks Chapel is known as a home for all faiths and a place for all people at a university welcoming to all. 

At first glance, Devon and JoAnn might seem like opposites. In 2010, Devon graduated with a degree in arboriculture from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) and became a Baptist pastor soon after graduation. JoAnn graduated from Syracuse University in 1981 with her degree in education and became a Zen Buddhist chaplain after retirement. For the better part of a decade, these two chaplains have shared an office in Hendricks Chapel, collaborated across programs, and built a friendship rooted in mutual respect, vulnerability, and growth. 

“I was nervous that I would have to give up my Christian convictions to be part of this community,” Devon recalls of joining the Chaplains’ Council of Hendricks Chapel. “Over time, I realized that we were each there to advocate for the needs of students, staff, and faculty from our own religious and spiritual expressions. I was encouraged to communicate the needs of our Christian community while others voiced their needs from Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and other perspectives.” 

JoAnn, who stepped into her chaplaincy after retirement, found her early days challenging. “I didn’t go to Devon for advice at first, however by hanging out and chatting, that help came anyway.” He helped JoAnn navigate university systems, reimagine student programming, and settle into the rhythms of campus life. 

In turn, JoAnn has helped Devon understand the multifaith space at Hendricks Chapel with wider eyes. “She’s helped me see my shortfalls in how I communicate,” he said, “She challenges me to think beyond the Abrahamic lens and to speak across traditions regarding our collective chaplain work, not just within my own faith tradition.” 

Their relationship has been a space for candid conversations and personal reflection. After one interfaith panel, JoAnn approached Devon about how his language around sharing faith had landed for her. “He helped me understand the difference between evangelizing and proselytizing,” she said, “Devon explained that sharing your enthusiasm is different than telling people what they should or shouldn’t do.” 

Over the years, the trust between them has grown. They’ve supported each other through student concerns, campus programming, and personal growth. They’ve attended each other’s events, like Christian worship services and Buddhist meditations, and they’ve co-led service trips. Outside of Hendricks Chapel, they’ve bonded over a shared love of nature, birds, and folk music. 

“To look at us, you might not see the common ground,” JoAnn said, “But it’s there in our commitment to our students, our willingness to learn from each other, and in the joy of genuine friendship.” 

Devon agreed, “It’s easy to stay in spaces where everyone speaks your language. But I think our calling is to engage—deeply, honestly, and with humility. My belief in Jesus shapes every decision I make. And it’s in this multifaith community that I’ve learned how to express my belief with both clarity and compassion.” 

In a world that often emphasizes difference, the story of Devon, JoAnn, and their colleagues is a quiet but powerful reminder of the possibilities in shared spaces: transformation, connection, and a deeper understanding of one’s own path. 

—

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 religious and spiritual groups, and sponsors over 1,900 programs for more than 900,000 annual attendees. Hendricks Chapel employs student workers, supports musical ensembles, offers support through the Student Opportunity Fund and Coach Mac 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. For more information, visit chapel.syracuse.edu. 

By Asil Bascal ’25

When I first started school at Syracuse University, I remember wandering around campus alone, just after my dad dropped me off. I stared down at my phone following Google Maps as I nervously made my way to Hendricks Chapel, searching for the pre-welcome event for Muslim students. That week I met some of my closest friends, and after only a short time, I felt like maybe college wouldn’t be so intimidating after all. 

Over time, I became more involved with the Muslim Students Association (MSA), eventually joining the executive board (e-board) as social media strategist. What began as a side commitment quickly became a defining part of my college experience, and I remained on e-board for the next three years. One afternoon, after spending time in the Muslim prayer room, I wandered over to People’s Place Café, which is also located on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel, and loved it so much that I decided to apply for a job. That little café became a cornerstone of my routine and a space where I queued up playlists and shared laughs with friends. 

Through my work with MSA and my constant presence in Hendricks, I met Dara Harper, whose warm energy and encouragement introduced me to the Communications Associate role. That opportunity helped me grow professionally and uncover talents I may never have explored as a pre-med biotechnology student. 

I later became MSA President and was hired as the Engagement and Outreach Associate for Muslim Student Life, where I worked closely with Imam Amir Durić and continued to develop the skills Hendricks Chapel helped me harness; all while learning through life’s challenges. 

As I graduate, I can’t help but laugh thinking back to that first day, clutching Google Maps in nervous anticipation. Now, after countless prayers, events, and memories, I could walk to Hendricks with my eyes closed. I’ll always carry with me the friendships, growth, and sense of purpose I found here and Hendricks Chapel will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

About Asil Bascal ’25
Asil was born in Canada and raised in Ohio. She has just completed her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University, where she majored in Biotechnology on the pre-med track. During her time at Syracuse, she was actively involved in research, student leadership, and community outreach. This July, she will begin medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), where she looks forward to continuing her journey in medicine and patient-centered care.

by Dara Harper 

Behind some of Hendricks Chapel’s most impactful student veteran support programs lies a generous donor. As a Syracuse University alumna and parent of a U.S. military veteran, the donor – who asked to remain anonymous for this story – became keenly aware of the challenges facing military service members, particularly those who attend university after military service. This personal family connection has led the donor to spark and sustain support for various initiatives through Hendricks Chapel in partnership with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) and The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. These programs include the Student Veteran Support Fund, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Resiliency Program and the Moral Injury Project. 

The donor, who has a background in healthcare, became particularly invested in veterans’ causes after a family member served in Iraq and subsequently developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This firsthand experience highlighted the need for veteran support services, which are not always available through traditional channels. 

“When a veteran has this kind of problem, they need help now,” the donor explains. “That’s why I want to support programs like the Moral Injury Project and the OVMA Resiliency Program.”  

The donor’s support extends beyond mental health initiatives. Through her involvement with Hendricks Chapel, she has come to understand the unique challenges facing student veterans. “They might come in here as a first-year student at 24 years old, and they just don’t have the same concerns as an 18-year-old student,” she notes. “They’ve had life experiences that their fellow students haven’t had.” 

“They’ve had life experiences that their fellow students haven’t had.” 

Anonymous Donor

This understanding of veterans’ distinct needs has led to providing support funds that can be quickly distributed when student veterans face urgent situations. The donor emphasizes the importance of having resources available for immediate needs, whether it’s helping a student get home for an emergency or accessing mental health support without delay. 

The connection between Hendricks Chapel, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, and The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, represents a unique partnership that the donor and others see as particularly valuable. Her own connection to Hendricks Chapel has been strengthened over the years, from receiving a nursing diploma decades ago to watching her child benefit from the Chapel’s meaningful presence during challenging times, including September 11, 2001. 

The donor’s commitment to faith-based support and veteran services stems from her understanding of how these two elements can work together to support students. While her personal faith background is Christian, she appreciates how Hendricks Chapel provides support to students of all faiths, creating an environment for all student veterans seeking care. 

Syracuse University has the longest continual ROTC program in the country, which started in 1918 as the Students Army Training Corp. The donor notes that the university’s strong commitment to veterans, demonstrated through conversations with senior administration, helped reinforce her dedication to these causes. 

Established in 1930 as a home for all faiths and place for all people, Hendricks Chapel now sponsors over 1,900 programs for more than 900,000 annual attendees. Hendricks Chapel hosts 16 chaplains who represent 6 world religions and over 25 religious and spiritual life groups. We employ student workers, support musical ensembles, offer care through the Student Veteran Support Fund, Student Opportunity Fund and The Coach Mac Food Pantry, and partner throughout the campus community to ensure academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. 

“We appreciate that these veterans want to come back to school,” the donor says, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who have served as they pursue their educational goals. Through continued support, she helps ensure that student veterans at Syracuse University have access to both the practical and spiritual resources they need to succeed. 

To donate to the Student Veteran Support Fund, please visit the website or call the Hendricks Chapel office at 315.443.2901. 

by Michela Wallach ’27

When I began working at Hendricks Chapel as a Communications Associate, I wasn’t sure what the job would entail. I thought I would be doing the mundane tasks of a traditional office job, but my experiences thus far tell a different story. I’ve attended the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and engaged with the Syracuse University community in simple, yet rewarding ways like handing out frisbees to students and tabling at events.  

This past month, Dara Harper, the head of communications at Hendricks Chapel, asked me to write a story about the Jizo statue-making event sponsored by Hendricks Chapel’s Buddhist Chaplaincy. As a secular Jew myself, I have never felt strongly connected to religion in the “religious” sense, but more so to the community and cultural aspects.  

In my New Jersey hometown, I was always surrounded by Jewish family and neighbors, attended synagogue, and was Bat-mitzvahed. Now, I would say I have learned more about the values of being Jewish through the hearts of my friends and family than through prayer and observance. 

Naturally, when I attended the Jizo statue-making event, I was a little nervous that I would feel out of place at a Buddhist event. However, this was far from the truth. I spoke with Sensei JoAnn Cooke, the Buddhist chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, who shared with me that her teacher, Singe Roshi, is Jewish and that people who practice Buddhism—especially in the United States—often come from other traditions.  

When someone enters a temple, they bow to the spirit in their own hearts and then they remember that we are all essentially Buddhas.

Sensei JoAnn Cooke

“The Jizo statue represents an Enlightened being who comes back to Earth to help others, and is a protector of children, travelers, people in transition, and people who have passed away and are navigating the six worlds of Buddhism,” said Sensei JoAnn. “When someone enters a temple, they bow to the spirit in their own hearts and then they remember that we are all essentially Buddhas.”  

At the event, I met Janna Vranken, the vice president of Buddhist Meditation Association at SU (BMA) who leads meditations at Hendricks Chapel weekly. I attended one of her sessions, which was a special experience because it was the first time I had ever meditated for longer than a few minutes.  

The group sat in meditation for 15 minutes and then chatted about our experience. I became aware of physical feelings I had never noticed before: the tightness in my spine, tension in my jaw, and the irregularity of my breath. During the meditation, I was able to observe these sensations without judgement and discuss them openly. 

Janna also told me about sound-bathing at the Barnes Center at the Arch. A sound bath is a meditative practice of listening to resonant sounds made by gongs and singing bowls, that create a relaxing atmosphere to reduce stress. I immediately signed up and invited my friend Maddie too! 

During my experiences with Jizo statue-making, meditation, and sound-bathing, I realized something very important: it’s worthwhile to do things out of our comfort zone. I never thought that playing with clay for a few hours would lead me down this path of exploration, but I am so glad it did.  

I believe Hendricks Chapel is an invaluable resource for student’s college experience that many do not take full advantage of. At Hendricks Chapel, we have the opportunity to engage with others and to build trust and understanding, because Hendricks Chapel isn’t just a place of prayer, but a place of community. It’s a place we can meet and learn from one another.

March 28, 2025

Recently, Lucy Gonzalez, a communications associate at Hendricks Chapel, asked some of Hendricks Chapel’s hospitality associates about their role at the chapel. Hendricks Chapel hires several (up to 50 per year!) hospitality associates to help with events and cover the welcome desk. Here’s what Lucy heard from some of our student employees:

The easiest thing to do is welcome others with a smile. Also, I’ve learned people may not ask for help, but they still need it. I always approach groups hosting events in the Chapel and check to see if they need assistance. —Anna Dyjach ’28 

My favorite events are the a cappella events because it’s like I’m living out my Pitch Perfect dreams in real life. —Isabelle Rodriguez ’26 

Hendricks Chapel really is the heart of campus, both physically and spiritually. I’ve built a lot of relationships through working at the Chapel and I’ve made many new friends who have different spiritual backgrounds than my own. I come here and it doesn’t feel like I’m working. —Dylan Lehouiller ’25 

Hendricks Chapel really is the heart of campus, both physically and spiritually.

Dylan ’25

Working at Hendricks Chapel is very organized! Our supervisors, Nadine and Alex, have things down to a science. That makes our job as hospitality associates so much easier. If there is confusion, I text them and they get back to me immediately. At Hendricks Chapel, the staff listens to your problems and thoughts, I always feel included. —Brenna Butler ’27  

It’s really cool to meet a variety of students who aren’t in classes with me. As an architecture student, I don’t have much time outside of my schoolwork and I like meeting and helping people at the Chapel. —Danna Ochoa ’29 

Last week during my shift, the Muslim Student Association was holding Ramadan prayer upstairs and the Christian Protestant Chaplaincy was holding a worship service downstairs. At any given time, I have an opportunity to learn about faith practices different than my own! —Lillie Kochis ’28 

My favorite part of working at Hendricks Chapel is connecting with the staff members and having People’s Place right here to get a coffee during my shift! The staff is fun, understanding and kind. Everyone treats each other with respect and they genuinely value the hospitality associates and the work we do. —AJ Jaramillo ’27 

World’s largest Jewish college organization convened campus leaders, for the 2024 Global Assembly, recognized extraordinary leadership efforts.

Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, honored outstanding Hillel professionals and campus Hillels for their exemplary efforts in supporting Jewish students at colleges and universities. The awards were presented during the 2024 Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA), an annual gathering of Hillel professionals from around the world. 

Hillel International awarded Syracuse Hillel with an Excellence Award, which celebrates success achieved in a specific area of Hillel work, whether through the strengthening of a local relationship or the creation and solidification of new or existing relationships.

Syracuse Hillel’s FreshFest, a signature pre-orientation event at Syracuse University, set a new milestone this year with a record-breaking turnout of over 350 first-year students, the largest of any Hillel. Designed to help incoming students and their families transition to college life, FreshFest fosters connections and builds a sense of community before classes even begin. Many participants credit the event with forming their first friendships on campus, with some relationships lasting beyond their college years. The program’s excellence is bolstered by Syracuse Hillel’s partnership with Syracuse University as a chaplaincy of Hendricks Chapel, which has enabled the program, including a Family Breakfast in the JMA Wireless Dome, to continue to grow and flourish. FreshFest exemplifies Syracuse Hillel’s mission to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where students can explore their Jewish identity and find a supportive community that endures long after graduation.

“We are so inspired by campus Hillels and professionals who are dedicated to building vibrant communities for Jewish students at a time when they need it most. Syracuse Hillel has been a true leader in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces on campus for Jewish exploration and learning, and giving Jewish students the opportunity to thrive,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “Every Hillel, including Syracuse, has been core to the strength of Jewish students this year, and we are so proud of the work they are doing.”

In the presence of more than 1,200 colleagues and supporters in the global Hillel community, the awardees were selected for their leadership and impact in advancing Hillel’s mission to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. 

“FreshFest is the heart of what we do at Syracuse Hillel, and winning the Excellence Award at this year’s HIGA is a testament to the incredible dedication of our staff, students, and university partners,” said Jillian Juni, executive director of Syracuse Hillel. “Our team works tirelessly each year to create a meaningful and welcoming experience that sets the tone for students’ entire college journey. I’m so proud of the hard work and passion that make FreshFest such a success, and I’m deeply grateful to the university and our students, who continue to inspire us to build an even stronger community.”

Last night, Eboo Patel, the founder and president of Interfaith America, shared his vision of what the future can hold for our country and our world. To a crowd of nearly 300 community members, he shared several messages of hope and responsibility to weave us together.

Here are Eboo’s 5 points for moving forward in a thoughtful society:

1. Diversity is a treasure.
2. Identify is a source of pride.

3. Cooperation is better than division.
4. Faith is a bridge.
5. Everyone is a contributor.

Here are a few key ideas from the evening:

“I think there are things in America that we should cherish. We should nurture those things in the light and in the dark.” —Eboo Patel

There is great wisdom in not embarrassing people.

Diversity is not just the differences you like.

Whoever is in charge politically is not in charge of civilization.

“I am moved by gentle things that change consciousness.” —Eboo Patel

For a full story of the evening, Shivika Gupta ’27 of The Daily Orange wrote an article on the lecture.

This event is SOLD OUT!

BUY TICKETS:

• Syracuse University staff, faculty, and the general public (dinner and program): $40
• Students (dinner and program): $20 See below for additional ticket information!

Sarah Willie-LeBreton, the 12th president of Smith College and daughter of Syracuse University’s first Black full professor, department chair, and vice president, Charles Willie G’57, H’92, will serve as featured speaker for the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University.

This year’s theme is: “Living History.”

Tickets are now available. Due to a special 40th anniversary combined dinner program setting, guests are encouraged to reserve their tables and seats as soon as possible.

This annual event is known as the largest of its kind on any college campus. The dinner program seeks to honor the life and legacy of a leader who brings hope and healing to our world and is a direct expression of Syracuse University’s commitment to advancing academic excellence at a university welcoming to all.

“Forty is a special number, and forty years is a special commitment. We are honored to welcome President Sarah Willie-LeBreton as our featured speaker for this historic 40th anniversary celebration,” says the Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel. “Through her remarkable impact built through years of dedicated service, President Willie-LeBreton honors her father’s legacy by creating a legacy of her own, and she inspires us all to spark and sustain a better world.”

Sarah Willie-LeBreton, Ph.D. is the 12th president of Smith College. An accomplished administrator, scholar, and sociologist who studies social inequality and race & ethnicity, Willie-LeBreton is known for her commitment to the liberal arts, strengthening community, and energizing the work of equity and inclusion.

Willie-LeBreton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College in 1986, and an M.A. (1988) and Ph.D. (1995) from Northwestern University, all in sociology. After having taught at Colby College (1991–1995) and Bard College (1995–1997) in tenure-track appointments, she was tenured at Swarthmore College, where she served as coordinator of the Black Studies Program and chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology for a total of 17 years. She was appointed as provost and dean of the faculty at Swarthmore in2018 and served in that role until 2023.

President Willie-LeBreton currently serves on the boards of the Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, and the Consortium on Financing Higher Education. She is a member of and has been active in the Eastern Sociological Society, Sociologists for Women in Society, the Association of Black Sociologists, and the American Sociological Association (ASA). For several years, she reviewed sociology and affiliated departments as a member of the ASA’s Departmental Resources Group.

Willie-LeBreton follows in the footsteps of her father, the late Charles Willie G’57, H’92, who came to Syracuse University in 1950 as a graduate student and teaching assistant in sociology. He later earned his doctorate in 1957 from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. When he was appointed chair of the sociology department in 1967, he became the first Black department chair in Syracuse University history and later, the first Black full professor. He served as vice president for student affairs from 1972-74, becoming the University’s first Black vice president. A graduate and class president of the Morehouse College class of 1948, Willie’s legacy will forever be tied to his classmate Martin Luther King Jr., whom he recruited to the Syracuse University campus to speak in 1961 and 1965.

Our 2025 program marks the 40th year for the MLK Celebration at Syracuse University, which will include an address from Willie-LeBreton, student and community group performances, and a presentation of this year’s Unsung Hero Awards.

Dinner buffets will open at 5 p.m. and will be held near the JMA Dome’s west end zone. Guests can enter the “Courtside Lounge and Suites” entrance located between Gates A and B. Halal, Kosher, gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available. This year all guests will remain at the tables for the program.

Ticket purchase options are as follows:

• Syracuse University staff, faculty, and the general public (dinner and program): $40
• Students (dinner and program): $20Click here for general tickets and here for student tickets.

All tickets will be assigned a table number at the time of purchase, which will be included in the mobile tickets. Guests interested in sitting with friends are recommended to purchase tickets together to ensure the same table assignment. If your school, college, unit or organization has purchased tables, please email chapel@syr.edu to let us know so we can create a table card with your organization’s name!

Guests may order up to 8 dinner and program tickets online. To purchase one full table (8 seats), select 8 total tickets and proceed to checkout. To purchase more than one table or more than 8 individual tickets, or if experiencing difficulties, please call the JMA Dome Box Office at 1.888.DOME.TIX (315.443.2121), option four.

Buy tickets online at mlk.syr.edu, in person at the Dome Box Office inside Gate B at 900 Irving Ave. (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by phone (888.DOME.TIX or 315.443.2121, option four). Tickets will be mobile this year and uploaded directly to your MyCuse account to manage upon purchase. View the step-by-step guide on mobile ticketing for more information.

Free parking is available in the Irving Avenue Garage, the Raynor Lot, Henry Lot and the Standart Lot. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, AIRA and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available for the event.

For more information about the MLK Celebration or to request accommodations, contact Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901. Learn more about this and other Hendricks Chapel events by visiting chapel.syracuse.edu.

An ongoing tradition hosted by Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts of Syracuse University, “Holidays at Hendricks” celebrates the sounds of the season and is anchored by the Hendricks Chapel Choir and its director José “Peppie” Calvar, professor of applied music and performance and assistant director of choral activities in the Setnor School. You can still register for the virtual concert which will be available on Dec. 19.