News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Power of Faith: Fostering Community for Muslim Students With Imam Amir Durić (Podcast)

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, By John Boccacino

Check out the latest ‘Cuse Conversations featuring our imam, Amir Durić.

“With the holy month of Ramadan underway, Durić stopped by to share his thoughts on the role an Imam plays on campus, describe the core tenets of Islam and address the biggest misconceptions surrounding the religion. He also discusses his groundbreaking research on the Muslim student experiences on college campuses across the country and explains how an interfaith collaboration with Rabbi Ethan Bair brought together Muslim and Jewish students to learn more about each other’s beliefs and values.”

Seven Reasons to Attend Interfaith Exploration Week 

Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University is celebrating religious and spiritual diversity and inclusion through Interfaith Exploration Week from Feb. 5-11, 2024. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in a series of gatherings that provide an opportunityto learn about diverse religious and spiritual traditions, rediscover familiar traditions, and build relationships and understanding across barriers. Hosted by the Chaplains of Hendricks Chapel, participants can attend Jumuah prayer, a Buddhist meditation, Catholic Mass, Shabbat dinner and more. The week will conclude with a special Interfaith Dinner and Conversation with the Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders on Sunday, February 11 from 5:00-6:00 P.M. For the full schedule and details, visit our website.   

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Hendricks Chapel Welcomes New Assistant Dean

As Hendricks Chapel continues to lead in service to our common good through religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical life, we are delighted to welcome our new Assistant Dean for Student Assistance at Hendricks Chapel, Alison C.J. Murray ’01.  

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