About HSA
The Hindu Students Association (HSA) at Syracuse University aims to bring the practice of Hinduism to all its students. HSA seeks to foster an environment of Hindu spirituality, tradition, and faith through an open, welcoming and inclusive community. We host celebrations for major holidays, such as Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi.
Words from our Student Leaders
President: Siya Kumar
Hi! My name is Siya and I am a sophomore majoring in Public Health and minoring in Policy Studies. As President of HSA, the leadership team and I hope to share the rich Hindu culture and traditions with our campus community through beautiful celebrations, holidays, and worship. Especially after the pandemic, we’re excited to foster an inclusive environment where Syracuse University students and the community can come together to experience Hindu spirituality. Some events that we look forward to hosting this year include Ganesh Chaturthi pooja, Diwali, and Holi.
Vice President: Akshara Singh
Hi! My name is Akshara Singh, I am a sophomore with a double major in Psychology and Communications & Rhetorical Studies. I am from Kathmandu, Nepal, and I’m super excited to be the Vice President of the HSA and a part of the HSA team. I am thrilled to share the beautiful Hindu culture, in which I grew up in, with my fellow peers and Syracuse University students!
Social Media and Outreach Chair: Rufus Sivaroshan
Hello! My name is Rufus Sivaroshan and I’m a sophomore in the Bandier Program. I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hinduism was a big part of my life growing up, and I know many students at SU share the same experience. I’m so excited for all the activities we have planned for the fall semester! We hope that the HSA provides students with a safe space to keep in touch with their roots and practice their faiths.
Treasurer: Akshay Kapur
Hey, I’m Akshay Kapur. I’m heading into my sophomore year and I’m a finance major at the Whitman School. I’m in love with sports which is one of the reasons I choose this amazing school. I want to be able to help the HSA organize events as well as ensure we have enough funding to make them special. To get a sense of home from a club is rare and I want this club to feel like home for all.
Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz, Rabbi Noyo (she/they), grew up in southern New Hampshire, where she fell in love with Judaism. She graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore with a major in psychology and a minor in music. Goucher was also where Rabbi Noyo first got involved with Hillel and Jewish text study. She went on to attend Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Newton, MA, graduating with a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and rabbinic ordination in 2020. When she’s not working to make Judaism more radically inclusive and accessible, Rabbi Noyo can be found teaching Zumba classes, playing guitar, and dreaming of having a bearded dragon.
Ian Solow-Niederman (he/him) was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He received a BA in communication, with minors in Jewish Studies and Religious Studies from the University of Colorado. As a student in Boulder he was an active leader with Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and the University. After college he cemented his love for Jewish communal work with time at AEPi’s Headquarters and the American Hebrew Academy. Over 5 years as the Regional Director for BBYO in Denver he expanded membership, built partnerships, and hosted International Convention 2019. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute. Ian is passionate about college basketball, Taylor Swift, food, and Judaism.
Shaina Morrel (she/her) grew up in Central Massachusetts before attending the George Washington University in Washington, DC where she studied International Affairs, focusing on culture and human rights. She grew up immersed in the Jewish community – URJ camp, NFTY, Heller High, and in college became deeply involved in GW Hillel and founded a chapter of SAEPi, a Jewish First, Greek Second sorority on campus. Along this journey, Shaina found and fostered her love for the intersections of Judaism and social justice, immersing in learning opportunities and spaces to explore these ideas. In her free time she can be found hiking, spending time with family, practicing yoga, and in the kitchen trying new vegetarian recipes. Shaina is excited to be a part of the Syracuse University and the Hillel International communities, to learn with and from the students, and create meaningful, inclusive and intersectional programming opportunities.
