When an anonymous donor family pledged $1 million to Hendricks Chapel and issued a challenge to inspire other donors to match it, no one could foresee the extraordinary outpouring of support for what is widely known as the spiritual heart of Syracuse University. The donor family promised an additional $1 million if the challenge could be met. Since last March, more than 2,500 donors stepped up to meet—and exceed—the challenge, raising $1,757,496.
That brings the total funds raised as part of this campaign to more than $3.7 million, significantly amplifying the impact of the initial pledge. “Hendricks Chapel is such an important part of the Syracuse experience for not only our students and alumni, but for faculty, staff, parents and friends,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “This outpouring of support is the direct result of the good work Hendricks Chapel does every day to foster belonging, friendship and acceptance within our campus community. It is truly in the spirit of Hendricks Chapel that so many who benefited from its programs made gifts to support a strong interfaith community for the next generation of students.”…
Richard “Dick” Phillips G’63, G’65, dean emeritus of Hendricks Chapel who led the chapel through the 1980s and 1990s, died July 10 in Colorado. He was 90.
A native of Missouri, Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Northwest Missouri State University in 1957. He earned a master’s degree in theology from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, in 1960 and became a Methodist minister.
Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University is excited to introduce Rev. Julie Kelly as Lutheran chaplain. Rev. Kelly will join Hendricks Chapel’s growing team of 15 chaplains, who collectively represent various religious and spiritual identities.
“We at Hendricks Chapel are eager to welcome Reverend Kelly to our diverse and dynamic Syracuse University campus community,” said Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel. “To partner with Bishop Lee Miller and the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a joy, and I am grateful for the efforts of the Lutheran Campus Ministry Board in helping to make this all happen. Reverend Kelly will make many positive contributions both on and off campus, and I look forward to serving alongside her as we accompany our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.”
The Reverend Julie Kelly (she/her) is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (E.L.C.A). As part of her religious practice, she emphasizes interfaith relationships and advocacy for marginalized people and communities.
Reverend Kelly, a military family member, has over 30 years of experience in preparing families for military life. She specialized in Family Readiness Groups, Suicidality Prevention, and Family Advocacy (U.S. Army domestic violence program). Her career with Military Family Programs led to her growing interest in advocacy for marginalized communities.
She appreciates the mystical aspects of the Christian faith, studies ancient Christo-Pagan history and development, and is committed to interfaith community and wellness. Reverend Kelly served as a chaplain at Los Angeles County Hospital and the University of Southern California. She also served with the Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Care.
Rev. Kelly has served congregations such as The Episcopal Church of the Saviour (Hanford, CA), St. James Lutheran (Hanford, CA), Hope Lutheran (Riverside, CA), Bethel Lutheran (Encino, CA), and Mt. Olive Lutheran (Santa Monica, CA).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and human services from Fort Hays State University in Kansas, and her Master of Divinity from the Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. As the newest member of a growing and diverse group of chaplains at Hendricks Chapel, Kelly will partner with other chaplains to draw upon Lutheran traditions and practices, develop interfaith partnerships, and serve as a resource for the entire Syracuse University campus community.
“Working through Hendricks Chapel for the students of Syracuse University is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Reverend Kelly. “I am energized about being part of this amazing team and supporting the spiritual welfare of students in many diverse ways.” Rev. Kelly will be on campus starting Oct. 10. To schedule time with her, please email chapel@syr.edu to request a meeting, and those interested can also learn more on the Christian Protestant — Lutheran Chaplaincy web page.
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. To learn more about Hendricks Chapel, visit chapel.syracuse.edu.
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.
In August 2024, Imam Amir Durić and Rabbi Ethan Bair of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University were invited to participate in the Interfaith America Leadership Summit in Chicago. Representing Syracuse University’s Jewish and Muslim communities, they were accompanied by Adam Baltaxe ’25 and Avva Boroujerdi ’25, student representatives from each tradition.
Last year, Syracuse University News and Hendricks Chapel featured a story about the friendship and unique collaboration between Imam Durić and Rabbi Bair, which showcased their efforts in uniting their respective chaplaincies through conversation and community building. The story not only resonated with students and staff at Syracuse but also captured the attention of Interfaith America, a leading interfaith non-profit organization.
This recognition led to a grant from Interfaith America, funding the creation of the Jewish-Muslim Fellowship (JMF) at Syracuse University. This initiative provided a dialogue space for Jewish and Muslim students, alongside Imam Durić and Rabbi Bair, to discuss pressing issues and foster Jewish-Muslim relationships. As a result of its growing national reputation for interfaith engagement, Syracuse University received an invitation to the Interfaith Leadership Summit.
“Spending time with people from diverse backgrounds reminded me that interfaith cooperation and dialogue are about understanding not only others but also ourselves in the context of a broader, pluralistic society,” said Imam Durić. Founded by Eboo Patel, Interfaith America aims to inspire, equip, and connect leaders and institutions to harness the potential of America’s religious diversity.
Over the three days of the summit, attendees participated in interfaith dialogue training alongside representatives from more than 20 universities. The event featured speakers, dancers, singers, and interactive sessions. Imam Durić and Rabbi Bair were interviewed about their collaboration, the JMF, and their future goals. “Connecting with national interfaith leaders was both grounding and inspiring. Engaging with others on Jewish-Muslim dialogue was a highlight,” said Rabbi Bair.
Imam Durić participated in a panel entitled “Holy Envy: Discovering the Sacred Unexpectedly” which focused on encountering beautiful and valuable teachings and traditions through interreligious journeys. Leaders from varying traditions and geographical locations participated in the panel, shared their experiences of holy envy, and invited participants to do the same. “The Interfaith America Leadership Summit underscored the importance of interfaith cooperation, especially in an era of increasing polarization. It inspired me to deepen my commitment to building interfaith relationships. These relationships foster a positive attitude towards each other, enhance our appreciation of diverse worldviews, and help us identify shared values,” said Durić.
Baltaxe and Boroujerdi connected with campus representatives from universities of all sizes and forged strong connections with fellow students and other religious leaders. “A common theme at the summit regarded communicating effectively through difficult topics. I’ve helped others learn to engage in emotional discussions without taking things personally. Following the summit, I was selected as a student advisor for Search for Common Ground’s ‘Blueprint for Belonging’ project. We are working to implement interfaith initiatives at universities nationwide,” said Baltaxe. “I’m excited to build on the ideas from the summit and foster unity both at Syracuse University and across the country.”
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 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 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.
In addition to his success as a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, “Coach Mac” was known for his devout Catholic faith, and for putting his faith into action in numerous ways, including collecting food items for those in need. During his funeral in Hendricks Chapel in August of 2017, numerous speakers—including Hendricks Chapel Advisory Board Member Sean McDonough ’84—shared stories of Coach Mac’s beliefs and commitment to service. The renaming of the Coach Mac Food Pantry in Hendricks Chapel on Nov. 23, made possible through the generosity of McDonough and other supporters, is intended to inspire others to support those in need today.
A chance encounter on a snowy Syracuse day sparked a love story that would span decades, bridging faith traditions and leaving a lasting impact on Syracuse University (SU). Henry ‘Hank’ ’71 and Nancy ’73 Markiewicz’s journey from students to alumni to benefactors is proof of the enduring bonds formed at SU. Their recent gift to Syracuse Hillel not only honors their family’s legacy but also reinforces the university’s commitment to inclusivity and interfaith understanding.
Hank and Nancy, who currently reside in Phoenix, Arizona, have long-supported the efforts of Syracuse University through athletic, academic and alumni interests. In 1982, Hank co-founded the Phoenix-based SU Alumni Club with a fellow alumnus, Gary Mather. Recently, Hank and Nancy chose to donate to Syracuse Hillel through Hendricks Chapel in honor of Dr. Alfred Englander, Dr. Erna Englander and Bernard Englander, JD ’73.
When Hank Met Nancy
It was one of those famously snowy Syracuse winters that brought Hank and Nancy together. Nancy and her friend, also named Nancy, attempted to walk Crouse Drive toward downtown in the hopes of Christmas shopping, when two young men drove up in a car and thankfully offered them a ride.
Hank later saw Nancy in the Sadler dining hall, and after chatting together, he decided to ask her out on a date. However, there were four students named Nancy on her residence hall floor at the time and Hank didn’t know her last name. It was a little risky, but he took a guess. “I met him, then he called me and asked for a date, and he luckily got the right Nancy,” said Nancy, more than 50 years later. “At least I hope he found the right Nancy!”
Hank and Nancy Markiewicz at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. April 2013.
An Interfaith Marriage at Hendricks Chapel
When they decided to tie the knot, Nancy and Hank chose to be married at Hendricks Chapel in the heart of SU’s campus, which opened its doors in 1930 as a multifaith chapel. However, they faced a unique challenge in finding a rabbi and a priest who would perform the wedding together. Catholic priests and rabbis in the 1970s were too often unwilling to marry people of different faith traditions.
Their first step was to speak with Father Joseph Valky, an assistant to Monsignor Charles Borgognoni from SU’s Catholic Center. Valky interviewed the couple about their relationship and faith. Then, Hank and Nancy met with Rabbi Julius Rosenthal of Hartsdale, NY. Once the priest and the rabbi agreed to co-officiate, the rabbi offered a plan for a combined interfaith ceremony.
It was raining when the families came together at Hendricks Chapel for the ceremony. Rabbi Rosenthal and Father Valky, speaking in both Latin and Hebrew, led the ceremony as planned. The couple received a start time for the wedding, but not an end time. With two religious officials at the wedding, it went significantly longer than most single-faith weddings.
When the ceremony concluded and they finally opened the Chapel’s doors as Mr. and Mrs. Markiewicz, they were surprised to see hundreds of people standing on the steps in the rain. Those gathered were waiting to hear a lecture from Buckminster Fuller, the renowned American architect, who was scheduled to speak that day in Hendricks Chapel. The crowd applauded the young couple before heading inside to hear from Fuller.
The families made their way over to Drumlins Country Club for the reception along with aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and friends. The local band was tasked with playing a polka by Hank’s Uncle Sam who came from Israel for the wedding. Uncle Sam taught Nancy to dance the polka and the party was deemed a success.
A Donation to Syracuse Hillel
Hank and Nancy have visited campus often over the years for football games and during family visits. When they decided to donate to SU, they chatted with Pam Mulligan ’89, executive director of alumni engagement for the northeast. Pam introduced the couple to Jillian Juni, executive director of Syracuse Hillel. “I really wanted to do this to recognize my aunt and uncle, who were Holocaust survivors, as were my parents,” said Hank. “My aunt and uncle had been in Syracuse from the sixties. They were active in the community and at their synagogue, which is currently the home of the Skyler Hotel.”
The new covers for Syracuse Hillel’s Torah scrolls.
After speaking with Juni, Hank and Nancy chose to fund the purchase of 100 High Holiday prayer books for Hillel along with the design and fabrication of new Torah scroll covers. “Torah scrolls are made of parchment and Jewish communities have protected these sacred scrolls for centuries with beautiful covers,” Juni said. “Syracuse Hillel’s new Torah covers were designed to connect the Jewish concept that the Torah is a ‘tree of life’ that nurtures and sustains us, with the orange, a symbol at Syracuse University that represents community and belonging.”
“We are so thankful to Hank and Nancy for their generous gift in memory of loved ones, which enables us to weave religious tradition, gratitude, and remembrance together through these covers,” continued Juni. Each book and cover has a label honoring the memory of Hank’s aunt, uncle and cousin.
After several years away, Hank and Nancy will be visiting campus for the upcoming Coming Back Together festivities (Sept. 12-15) and plan to visit Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse Hillel and the Catholic Center.
For more information about Syracuse Hillel or weddings at Hendricks Chapel, visit our website.
Diane Schenandoah ’11, Honwadiyenawa’sek (“One who helps them”) will host a Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle on Monday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 5 p.m.
2023 Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering (Photo by Angela Ryan)
The Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering is an event held on campus to welcome all incoming and returning students, faculty and staff for the 2024-25 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.
This year’s featured speaker, Wakerahkáhtste Louise McDonald Herne, is a Bear Clan Mother for the Mohawk Nation Council. Wakerahkáhtste presented at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and lectures regularly at universities throughout Canada and the United States on Ratinonhsón:ni philosophies and self-determination regarding the rights of women. Wakerahkáhtste has been the Distinguished Scholar in Indigenous Learning at McMaster University Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (MIIETL) and received an honorary doctorate from State University of New York at Canton. Her most recent work includes a feature in the award-winning documentary film, “Without a Whisper: Konnon:kwe” about the Ratinonhsón:ni women’s influence on the women’s rights movement.
Diane Schenandoah, Faithkeeper of the Wolf Clan, Oneida Nation, speaks at the 2023 Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering. (Photo by Angela Ryan)
“This land is sacred. We welcome visitors to be part of this sacred place. Part of our teaching is that no one can own the land, so it’s important to remember that Syracuse University is part of a much bigger picture,” says Schenandoah. “It’s important to acknowledge and recognize that there are Indigenous peoples still here and we are standing in the capital of the Haudenosaunee territory.
At the gathering, speakers and dancers will welcome a new academic year. Hot scones and strawberry drink will be offered. The hot scones are derived from traditional breads and the strawberry drink consists of strawberries, maple syrup and water. “This is significant because strawberries are the leaders of the plants and maples are the leaders of the trees. In this way we honor them,” says Schenandoah.
Schenandoah encourages students, faculty and staff to participate in the Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering. “We are sharing our culture because the Earth is calling to us to pay attention, we require collective healing, and most importantly, we are inviting our community to live in gratitude,” she says.
For more information on this and other Hendricks Chapel programs and services visit chapel.syracuse.edu.
To further advance academic excellence at a university welcoming to all, Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University is excited to introduce Rev. Jee Hae Song as United Methodist chaplain.
“I am delighted to welcome Rev. Song to our Syracuse University campus community,” said Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel. “To partner with Bishop HéctorA. Burgos Núñez and the United Methodist Church is a joy, Rev. Song is an outstanding leader, and I look forward to our continued partnership in service to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.”
Rev. Jee Hae Song is a first-generation immigrant from Seoul, South Korea who moved to Syracuse in 2016 to serve three United Methodist congregations in the Upper New York Conference: St. Paul’s United Methodist and Hope Korean United Methodist churches in Syracuse, and Warners United Methodist Church in Warners, NY. Rev. Song also served as the director of Hope Christian Student Fellowship, a religious and spiritual life group registered with Hendricks Chapel from 2019-2021.
Song was born and raised in Seoul, then moved to the United States in 2012 to further her education. She attended The Candler School of Theology of Emory University in Atlanta, GA where she earned a Master of Divinity in 2015. She also resided in Seattle, WA and Evansville, IN before moving to Syracuse.
As a passionate storyteller, who speaks both Korean and English fluently, she weaves biblical and modern-day stories, inviting participants to strengthen and grow their relationship with God. Rev. Song is passionate about community-building, education, and assisting young adults in navigating life paths.
“I am thrilled to return to Syracuse University and Hendricks Chapel as a chaplain,” said Rev. Song. Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Friends can meet Rev. Song at the weekly Bible study, the Eat, Pray & Connect dinners, or during her weekly office hours. You can find more about the United Methodist chaplaincy on our website.
As the newest member of a growing and diverse group of chaplains at Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University, Rev. Song will partner with other chaplains to draw upon Methodist traditions and practices, develop interfaith partnerships, and serve as a resource for the entire Syracuse University campus community.
🎤⭐️🎶 Big Announcement! Syracuse University and The National Grid Syracuse International Jazz Festival are thrilled to announce our visiting collegiate choir for “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service.” Welcome to The Bowie State University Gospel Choir of Bowie, Maryland! On June 30, The Bowie State University Gospel Choir will perform with The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble of Syracuse University (BCCE) of Syracuse University and a community choir composed of Syracuse-area residents, led by Cora Thomas.
🎤⭐️🎶 Big Announcement! Syracuse University and The National Grid Syracuse International Jazz Festival are thrilled to announce our visiting collegiate choir for “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service.” Welcome to The Bowie State University Gospel Choir of Bowie, Maryland! On June 30, The Bowie State University Gospel Choir will perform with The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble of Syracuse University (BCCE) of Syracuse University and a community choir composed of Syracuse-area residents, led by Cora Thomas.