By Dara Harper
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.