News

Announcing the 2025 Holidays at Hendricks Performances! 

Tickets will be available on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at 12 PM EST.

Syracuse University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to “Holidays at Hendricks,” which will include two in-person performances in Hendricks Chapel and a recorded virtual concert. 

On Sunday, Dec. 7, two performances will take place in Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The recorded virtual concert will premiere on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. EST. 

These performances are free and open to the public. Tickets are required for in-person concerts. Tickets will become available at 12 p.m. EST, on Nov. 12.  

IN-PERSON SHOW TICKET DETAILS 

  • Complimentary tickets for all guests can be ordered from the Student Box Office on Nov. 12 at 12 p.m. EST. 
  • You can reserve specific seats! 

Tickets for our in-person programs will be available through the Student Box Office where guests will be able to reserve specific, individual seats.  Within this convenient digital platform, individuals will be prompted to create an account, select their seats, and then receive their digital tickets. Registration will open on Nov. 12, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST. You can open an account at any time. Click this link to register and open an account with the Student Box Office! 

 
VIRTUAL SHOW REGISTRATION DETAILS 

  • To receive the link, you must register for the virtual show, which will premiere on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. EST. 

On Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. EST, we welcome you to join us for the virtual release of Holidays at Hendricks! This video will premiere on our YouTube channel and will include the recorded concert as well as notes from the directors. Registration is required to receive the link. Registration will open on Nov. 12, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST. Click here to register! 

2025 HOLIDAYS AT HENDRICKS EVENT DETAILS  
An ongoing tradition hosted by Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, “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 director of choral activities in the Setnor School of Music. 

The student-centered concert features performances from: 

  • The Hendricks Chapel Choir under the direction of Peppie Calvar. 
  • Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra, directed by James Tapia, associate professor of applied music and performance in the Setnor School of Music; 
  • The international award-winning Syracuse University Singers, under the direction of John Warren, professor of applied music and performance and director of the Setnor School of Music; 
  • Concert Choir and Crouse Chorale directed by Peppie Calvar and Kyra Stahr respectively, 
  • Student organists and University Organist Anne Laver on the Hendricks Chapel organ; 
  • Syracuse University’s big band, the Morton Schiff Jazz Ensemble, directed by John Coggiola, associate professor of music education in the Setnor School of Music and the School of Education; and 

Some musical pieces this year include: “Christmas Exhilaration” by Sean O’Loughlin, a jazzy setting of “S’vivon” arranged by Robert Applebaum and orchestrated by Peppie Calvar, “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” and many others! 

Click here to register for the in-person shows. 

Click here to register for the virtual premiere. 

Complimentary parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis in Irving Garage, Hillside Lot and the College Place lot. Those who require accessible parking or would like more information about the event may call Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or email chapel@syr.edu. 

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and AIRA will be provided at in-person concerts. Captioning will be provided at the virtual concert. Doors to Hendricks Chapel will open 30 minutes prior to each concert start time. 

For more information, visit chapel.syracuse.edu. Hendricks Chapel will also post regular updates about the event through its Facebook, X and Instagram pages. 

A Full-Circle Moment: David Aitken ’94, G’97 Named Inaugural Chair of Hendricks Chapel Advisory Board 

By Dara Harper 

When David Aitken ’94, G’97 first arrived at Syracuse University over 35 years ago, he couldn’t have imagined that Hendricks Chapel would shape his life.  

Now, as the inaugural chair of the Hendricks Chapel Advisory Board, Aitken brings decades of engagement with the chapel as a student employee, building coordinator, parent, board member, and devoted alumnus to a role that will help shape its future as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2030. 

Continue Reading

Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel Receives Additional $500,000 to Expand Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry 

By Dara Harper 

Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University has received an additional $500,000 from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry (FELM), which offers a dynamic and distinctive setting to form area leaders who are empowered to thrive within challenging times. This new funding builds upon the initial $1 million grant awarded in 2019 and will allow the program to help leaders thrive and enhance the communities they serve. 

A recent FELM cohort gathered together at a retreat.

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 15 chaplains, more than 25 religious and spiritual groups, and sponsors over 2,000 programs for more than one million annual attendees. As a central contributor to life and learning at Syracuse University, Hendricks Chapel helps to prepare engaged citizens, scholars, and leaders for participation in a changing global society. 

Continue Reading

The People’s (Place) Choice Awards: Vegan Pastries Ranked from Better to Best

By Georgia Hudson ’28 

As a long-time vegan and brand-new Communications Associate at Hendricks Chapel, I was super excited to rank the People’s Place vegan pastries. Even though I love some more than others, they’re all amazing and great options! People’s Place receives their vegan pastry shipments from Fatcat Bakery on Tuesdays and Thursdays around 9:00 a.m. They usually sell out within the day, so make sure to head over quickly, especially for those seasonal pastries! Read the rankings below (#1 is my all-time fave) along with a drink pairing. Below the rankings, you’ll find more info about People’s Place and Fatcat Bakery. 

People’s Place barista (also known as a Peep), Grace, offers the writer her favorite vegan Lemon Basil Scone!

 
10. Lemon Basil Scone 

You can’t go wrong with any of the scones. In my opinion, this one is a little bit more geared toward an adventurous palate, like People’s Place barista Grace Stecher, who loves it! The basil is just a little too culinarily sophisticated for me in a sweet pastry, but it’s balanced out nicely with the lemon icing. This is Fatcat’s most popular flavor, though, so maybe I need to try it again! 

Pairs best with: Earl Grey Tea 

Continue Reading

Faith as a Bridge: Hendricks Chapel attends Interfaith America Leadership Summit 


By Dara Harper 

A dedicated group of chaplains, students and staff from Hendricks Chapel attended the Interfaith America Leadership Summit in Chicago from Aug. 8-10, 2025. The multifaith cohort from Syracuse University joined more than 700 participants to bridge divides and forge friendships across lines of religious and spiritual differences. Through the theme of “The Chords of Democracy,” the summit was the largest gathering of interfaith leaders in the world for 2025.  

From the left, back row: Ronit Hizgiaev ’28, Omar Mohammed ’27, Imam Amir Durić, Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at Hendricks Chapel; Rabbi Dr. Natan Levy, Campus Rabbi at Syracuse Hillel and Jewish Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel; Aubrie Methven ’26. Front row: Dara Harper, Communications Manager at Hendricks Chapel; Kaleya Scott, Engagement Coordinator at Hendricks Chapel. Not pictured: Sofiya Ivanova ’27. 

Interfaith America, which was founded as Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) in 2002, is “based on the idea that religious difference should serve as a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.” Through a research-backed approach, Interfaith America works on college campuses, in the corporate field, and across civic spaces. The founder and president of Interfaith America, Eboo Patel, visited Syracuse University in February of 2025, where he met with campus leaders and participated in a public conversation in Hendricks Chapel with Dean Brian Konkol.  

Continue Reading

Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering: An Invitation to Celebrate on Sacred Land

Diane Schenandoah ’11, Honwadiyenawa’sek (“One who helps them”), will host a Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle on Monday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 5 p.m.

The Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering is an event held on campus to welcome all incoming and returning students, faculty and staff for the 2025-26 academic year, and for all to show respect for the Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands Syracuse University now stands. Schenandoah is a citizen of the Oneida Nation and a Wolf Clan Faithkeeper, as well as staff member in the Barnes Center. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is comprised of Six Nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora.

Continue Reading

Photo Story: Chaplain and Staff Retreat 2025

That’s a wrap for the Hendricks Chapel staff and chaplain retreat! Thanks so much to all who attended and shared wise words and kindness. We’re ready to welcome all the Syracuse University students to campus starting this coming week!

Our team sought to reflect, renew, and grow together as we chart a shared course for the academic year and beyond. This year we offered special attention to our 2026-2030 strategic plan, which leads to the 100th anniversary of Hendricks Chapel in 2030!

Imam Hamza Gürsoy appointed as Muslim Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel

The University has appointed Imam Hamza Gürsoy as Muslim chaplain and advisor for the Muslim Student Association at Hendricks Chapel. In his role, Gürsoy will serve students by expanding the impact of Hendricks Chapel as “a home for all faiths and place for all people.”

Imam Hamza Gürsoy

“We at Hendricks Chapel are overjoyed to welcome Imam Hamza Gürsoy to the Syracuse University campus community,” says the Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel. “As a dynamic Islamic leader with meaningful interfaith experience, Chaplain Gürsoy will help to prepare our students for a changing global society. I am excited to witness all the ways he will support our Muslim students and many others, to inspire all to lead in service to our common good.”

Continue Reading

Imam Amir Durić Appointed Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at Hendricks Chapel

By Dara Harper

The University has appointed Imam Amir Durić as assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. Durić, who has served as Muslim chaplain at Hendricks Chapel since 2017, will provide visionary, inclusive and compassionate leadership to advance interfaith engagement, spiritual wellness and ethical development throughout the University community.  

Continue Reading