News

Interfaith Day of Service and Learning Enriches Campus and Community

By Dara Harper

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?”

Continue Reading

Uniting Through Dialogue: The Impact of the Interfaith America Leadership Summit on Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University

By Adam Baltaxe ’25 and Dara Harper

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.

Continue Reading

Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry to be Named in Honor of Coach Dick MacPherson on Nov. 23

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.

The ceremony to honor Coach Mac is scheduled for Nov. 23 and will include his induction into the Ring of Honor at the JMA Wireless Dome. Learn more about events in this cuse.com article.

Love, Legacy, and Loyalty: An Alumni Couple’s Journey from Interfaith Wedding to Meaningful Gift


By Dara Harper
A 3-minute read

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.

Continue Reading

Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering: An Invitation to Celebrate on Sacred Land

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, By Dara Harper

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.

men in traditional indigenous clothing make music

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.

Continue Reading

Hendricks Chapel Welcomes Rev. Jee Hae Song as United Methodist Chaplain

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 Héctor A. 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.

Continue Reading

Hendricks Chapel and the Syracuse Jazz Fest team up for another Gospel Jazz service!

?⭐️? 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.

Continue Reading

Hendricks Chapel’s Mindfulness Certification Program Offers Direction and Reduces Stress

When Sensei JoAnn Cooke began as a Buddhist chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, she had no idea of the coming global pandemic and the impact it would have at Syracuse University and throughout the world. While Cooke and fellow Buddhist Chaplain Sensei Jikyo Bonnie Shoultz worked together to plan weekly meditations and outings to the Syracuse Zen Center, the world shifted in the spring of 2020, and so did Cooke’s plans. As the Buddhist Chaplaincy practiced social distancing and moved into regular Zoom meditations and sangha meetings (gatherings in which the students can talk and share), Cooke observed the students’ needs more clearly and adjusted her plans accordingly.

Continue Reading

Historic Gift Launches $3M Challenge Campaign for Hendricks Chapel

Monday, March 25, 2024, By Dara Harper

A historic gift to Hendricks Chapel, the largest since its dedication in 1930, will launch a $3 million Challenge Campaign to enrich student life and learning through the spiritual heart of Syracuse University.

As a home for all faiths and place for all people, Hendricks Chapel hosts nine chaplaincies, more than 25 student-led religious and spiritual life groups, and sponsors over 2,000 programs for more than 600,000 annual attendees. Hendricks Chapel employs student workers; supports musical ensembles; offers support through the Student Opportunity Fund, Student Veteran Support Fund and the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry; and also partners throughout the campus community to advance academic excellence at a university welcoming to all.

Continue Reading