Syracuse University’s 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will include an art gallery exhibit in Club 44 on the western concourse level of the JMA Wireless Dome.
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Talithia Williams to Serve as Featured Speaker for 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Talithia Williams, Ph.D., big data expert, math professor and host of “NOVA Wonders,” will serve as featured speaker at the 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 21, in the JMA Wireless Dome.
This year’s theme is “The Reach of the Dream.”
Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders (SAIL): Building Empathy and Shared Purpose at Syracuse University
By Dara Harper
Twice per month, a group of students gather in Hendricks Chapel for dinner and meaningful interfaith conversation. From Muslim to Christian, Hindu to Jewish, and many others in-between, these students gather to learn and listen. The Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders’ mission includes “deepening our understanding of each other’s faiths, as this knowledge is the foundation for building bridges of unity, empathy and shared purpose.” The group chooses a variety of discussion topics to cover throughout the semester including themes like lunar & solar calendars, holidays, symbolism, food, sacred texts, religious tools & altars, myths, core values and more.
Students Get Special Chance to Make Friends at Friendship Luncheons
Thanks to Citrus TV for this special 2-minute video about our Friendship Luncheon!
Hendricks Chapel Welcomes New Chaplains
Hendricks Chapel is excited to welcome three new chaplains for the 2023-24 academic year.
Established in 1930 as a home for all faiths and place for all people, Hendricks Chapel has witnessed significant increases in student engagement in recent years and has responded with the placement of new chaplains and development of new chaplaincies to advance academic excellence at a university welcoming to all.
The Rev. Brian E. Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel since 2017, says diverse and dynamic chaplains are of great importance for the University community: “As confidential and trusted advisors, University chaplains accompany students of diverse religious, spiritual, moral and ethical identities and experiences. While drawing from their distinctive traditions and practices, chaplains are called upon to serve all people by building community, exploring belief, offering guidance, leading rituals, facilitating cooperation and providing care.”
Hendricks Chapel is now host to 15 chaplains and 27 religious and spiritual life groups. To connect with a chaplain, please visit the Chaplains Suite on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel, call 315.443.2901 or visit chapel.syracuse.edu.
About the New Chaplains
Daren Jaime
Pastor Daren C. Jaime, Christian Protestant Chaplaincy, Historically Black Church
Pastor Daren C. Jaime moved to Syracuse 17 years ago and hails from Harlem, New York. His ministerial journey began in 1994, when he acknowledged his call to ministry at the Saint Frances A.M.E. Zion Church in Port Chester, New York. He is currently the senior pastor at People’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse and is very active in the local community. Pastor Jaime has also been privileged to reach a global community as an award-winning journalist, educating minds across the world through his former radio show “Power Perspectives” and his weekly live television broadcasts of “Perspectives” and “Open” on Bronxnet. You can reach Pastor Jaime at dcjaime@syr.edu.
William Payne
Rev. William Payne, Christian Protestant Chaplaincy, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
In March 2018 Rev. William Payne was appointed as campus director of the University’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Payne started playing baseball at an early age, sustained a love of sports throughout his youth in Maryland, and continues to blend athletics and ministry. After graduating from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1996, he went on to graduate from Baptist Bible Seminary in Pennsylvania in 2004. He served as a pastor in Michigan and Syracuse before joining the FCA. Payne is enthusiastic about ministering alongside students of the campus community. You can reach him at wmpayne@syr.edu.
Dave Schubert
Reverend Doshin David Schubert, Buddhist Chaplaincy, Zen Center of Syracuse
Reverend Doshin David Schubert was ordained as a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk in 1994. He is currently the head monk at the Zen Center of Syracuse. Schubert was born in Syracuse and graduated from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) with a degree in environmental and forest biology and later received a master’s degree, also from SUNY ESF, in forest entomology. After years of working at Beaver Lake Nature Center and Burnet Park Zoo, he retired in 2023 to join the Hendricks Chapel team and spend more time with his wife, two daughters, four dogs, three cats and two guinea pigs! You can reach him at dschub01@syr.edu.
Hendricks Chapel Dean, Chaplains and Students Attend Parliament of the World’s Religions
Representatives from Hendricks Chapel recently attended the Parliament of the World’s Religions, held in August in Chicago. This year’s theme was “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom and Human Rights.” More than 7,000 participants from more than 95 countries, representing more than 210 faith traditions, attended.
The Hendricks Chapel delegates included Dean Brian Konkol; Buddhist Chaplain JoAnn Cooke; Muslim Chaplain Amir Duric; Baptist Chaplain Devon Bartholomew; Hindu Chaplain Sanjay Mathur and students Elan Fullmer ’24, Olivia Matz, Joseph Patrick Zoll G’23 and Mian Muhammad Abdul Hamid ’25, who serves as convenor of the Hendricks Chapel Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders.
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Hendricks Chapel Dean Speaks About Food Insecurity On Thursday Morning Roundtable
Malmgren Concert Series Kicks Off with Broadway Star, Tamar Greene!
On Sunday, September 17th at 4 PM, in the first concert of the series, you’ll tease your senses and experience Broadway star Tamar Greene of the hit musical “Hamilton.” Greene will be accompanied by pianist Robert Auler during an afternoon journey of the eclectic tones of an opera, reggae, jazz, theater, and R&B musical fusion. Known for his role as George Washington in “Hamilton,” Greene brings his immense talent and powerful vocals to the stage for a performance that showcases both classic and contemporary selections.
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Tamar Greene completed degrees at SUNY Oswego and the Eastman School of Music before commencing a career in musical theater that has taken him around the world. Greene’s many credits include roles in First National Tours of “Love Never Dies,” “Porgy and Bess,” Charlie in the NY Philharmonic’s filmed production of “Show Boat,” and George Washington in the Chicago production of “Hamilton.” He has been playing the role of George Washington in the Broadway production of “Hamilton” at the Richard Rodgers Theater since 2020.
As a proud first-generation American, born of Jamaican and British parents, Greene is a versatile artist whose musical passions mirror his eclectic background. As a writer, arranger, classical pianist and an opera singer, he combines much of his inspiration from Classical music, Reggae, Hip-Hop, R&B, Blues, and Jazz. His single, “Soaring” is available on all streaming platforms.
Greene will appear at Hendricks Chapel with his former SUNY Oswego piano professor, Robert Auler, an accomplished pianist who has performed on six continents, and whose playing the New York Times describes as possessing “extraordinary rhythmic clarity and expression.” Greene’s program will also feature collaborations with the Hendricks Chapel Choir on songs from “Rent” and “Man of La Mancha.” With the stunning acoustics of Hendricks Chapel, this powerhouse duo and the choir will create an atmosphere filled with emotion, energy, and pure musical brilliance.
The Malmgren Concert Series of Hendricks Chapel has been made possible by a generous gift from Syracuse University alumna Ester Malmgren to Hendricks Chapel in 1991. The series offers the Syracuse community the highest quality of arts with free and open admission. The series includes several concerts each academic year at Hendricks Chapel, many of which feature the organ, Ester Malmgren’s favorite instrument.
Complimentary parking is available in the Irving Garage. For more information on this and other Hendricks Chapel events, visit chapel.syracuse.edu. For accommodations, please call the chapel at 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 15 chaplains, more than 25 student-led religious and spiritual groups, and sponsors over 1,400 programs for more than 650,000 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.
Memorial Service to Honor Emeritus Professor Mĩcere Gĩthae Mũgo on July 29 in Hendricks Chapel
Mĩcere Gĩthae Mũgo, Emeritus Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence in the Department of African American Studies (AAS) in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) at Syracuse University, passed away on June 30, 2023, at the age of 81. A memorial service to honor Professor Mũgo will be held at Hendricks Chapel on Saturday, July 29 at 10 AM.
Mũgo, who joined the faculty of A&S in 1993, distinguished herself as teacher-scholar, administrator and social activist. Among her leadership roles with A&S, she served as chair of AAS from 2005 to 2008, helped launch the department’s Master of Arts in Pan African Studies Program in 2005 and served as the first full-time director of the Africa Initiative from 2001 to 2005. Mũgo retired from Syracuse University in 2015 and was honored with emerita status.
Mũgo earned a bachelor’s degree at Makerere University in Uganda, a master’s degree at the University of New Brunswick, and a Ph.D. at the University of Toronto. Before her time at Syracuse University, she taught at Cornell University, St. Lawrence University, the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Nairobi. While at the University of Nairobi, she served as the first female dean of an African university, before being forced into exile with her two daughters, Mũmbi wa Mũgo and the late Njeri Kũi Mũgo, in 1982 due to her political activism.
As a teacher-scholar of African Oral Literature (Orature), Mũgo wrote and lectured extensively on the subject and organized numerous events at Syracuse University, including campus visits by Wangari Maathai and Wole Soyinka, winners of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, respectively. Mũgo authored six books and four monographs, and edited eight supplementary school readers and the journal Third World in Perspective (Third World Conference Foundation). She was also well-known for her co-authored 1977 play, “The Trial of Dedan Kimathi,” which had a highly publicized 10-day run at the University of California at Irvine.
Mũgo was recognized numerous times for her efforts in social activism and academia. She was named an Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, Kenya’s highest honor, and received several prestigious awards including the Marcus Garvey Award from the Canadian Branch of Universal Negro Improvement Association, the Rockefeller Foundation Award for writing and publication and the Flora Nwapa Award for excellence in Africana literature. Mũgo was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Society (the oldest honor society for the liberal arts and sciences) and was invited to speak at the United Nations.
A committed community activist, Mũgo participated in numerous organizations, including the Ghana Society of Central New York, the Pan African Community of Central New York and the United Women of Africa Organization, the latter two of which she founded and served as inaugural president. She also participated on many other boards of directors, editorial boards and advisory boards around the world.
Following her passing, several leaders posted their condolences on social media, including the former Chief Justice of Kenya, Willy Mutunga, who said, “Our Comrade, Sister, and Revolutionary, Professor Micere Githae Mũgo joined our ancestors some four hours ago. May she shine in the light of the ancestral abode as she shone on earth with revolutionary light. Her revolutionary Spirit LIVES.”
An additional obituary for Professor Mũgo has been published by the Burns Garfield Funeral Home.
All are welcome to attend the memorial service for Professor Mũgo:
Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University
Saturday, July 29
10 AM
Parking will be available in lots across campus on a first come, first served basis. Visit https://parking.syr.edu/ for information and direction. For questions about the service or accommodations, please call 315.443.2901 or email chapel@syr.edu.
Bringing Joy from Ghana: Joseph Maxwell Ossei-Little Has Big Plans as Inaugural Hendricks Chapel Organ Scholar
By Binaka Norris ‘23
The music scene in Ghana is often nothing less than vibrant: songs of hope, love and joy fill the streets, vocalized by community choirs and church groups. Music weaves itself into everyday routines of Ghanaian communities, creating a melodic home for many. From this musical environment, Setnor School of Music organ faculty member Dr. Anne Laver invited Joseph Maxwell Ossei-Little to enroll in the master’s degree program in Organ Performance as the inaugural Hendricks Chapel Organ Scholar. Joseph, a newlywed with a newborn son, made a solo journey from Ghana to Syracuse in August of 2022 following several pandemic and visa tribulations.
As the son of a Methodist minister, Joseph often changed schools, friends, and houses because of frequent family relocations. Through these disruptions, Joseph discovered his deep connection to music. When his school entered a regional music competition, they needed a sight-reader (a person who plays a piece at first sight) to represent them. Joseph’s older brother had been chosen but was unable to compete. So, as a last resort, the church organist offered Joseph two quick organ lessons and sent him to participate. Out of 16 candidates, Joseph placed fourth. Given his impressive musical ability after just two lessons, he decided to keep practicing. As he continued moving to new locations, music remained a constant in his life. His practice sessions kept him connected to his passion for music despite his ever-changing surroundings.
While Joseph certainly had a passion for music, he also had another love—the sciences. Originally, he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical studies. “I really didn’t have a social life because pharmacy was really packed,” said Joseph. “So right after lectures I would rush over to the music department to play the organ!”
After graduation, he decided to become certified as a professional musician. He completed exams to attend the Royal College of Music in London. The Royal College of Music annually sends examiners to Ghana to hear performances. Through this process, Joseph met Samuel Kuffuor-Afriyie ‘20, who organized a musicians’ workshop in Ghana, taught by Syracuse University faculty. At the workshop Joseph met Dr. Laver and Dr. Peppie Calvar, Associate Director of Choral Activities at Syracuse University. With the encouragement of Kuffuor-Afriyie, Laver, Calvar, and members of the Ossei-Little family, Joseph decided to pursue a master’s degree in organ performance at Syracuse University. But getting to the United States proved to be an almost insurmountable challenge.
As many international students are aware, the visa process can be difficult to navigate. Joseph applied for his visa in February 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic which brought travel to a stop in March 2020, his educational process was quickly halted. After applying twice for a visa, Joseph finally received approval in August 2022.
Since arriving at the Setnor School of Music, Joseph has immersed himself in both academics and campus social life, particularly through his position as the Inaugural Hendricks Chapel Organ. The inaugural Hendricks Chapel Organ Scholar is a relatively new position in which Dr. Laver, along with Dr. Calvar and others, guide students who are passionate about organ performance and expand their music skills.
“Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol agreed to create this new graduate assistantship in consultation with me to provide more support for the chapel’s expanding music program, says Laver. As the inaugural Hendricks Chapel Organ Scholar, he assists the Hendricks Chapel Choir and performs at Hendricks Chapel’s programs such as Holidays at Hendricks and Music & Message.
Ossei-Little says, “I’ve really loved singing on Sundays at Music & Message! The choir and directors really make the program amazing. After performing, you receive applause and analyze your presentation. You feel like you are on top of the world.” But not everything is perfect. He has been married for just over one year and his baby son was just born. He left his new wife and baby, parents, siblings, and his job as a pharmacist back in Ghana. Despite this, Joseph remains inspired. After finishing his studies, he hopes to pioneer the first program for organ music in Ghana.
“One of my biggest dreams is to create a program for organ music in Ghana. It’s really been my passion to get a program started in Ghana when I go back. I know there’s a lot of talent in Ghana.” Joseph has already co-founded a new association for organists in Ghana with another Syracuse alumnus, Augustine Sobeng G’21 and he hopes to work with universities in Ghana to create undergraduate programs for students in organ performance. While he hasn’t worked out all the details, he explains, “The primary aim is to be able to impart all that I’ve learned at Syracuse University and inspire the next generation.”
