Muslim leader Imam Hamza Gürsoy assumes position as Hendricks Chapel's Muslim chaplain.
Imam Hamza Gürsoy, a renowned Islamic religious leader with a rich background in spiritual guidance and interfaith dialogue, has been appointed as the Muslim Chaplain and advisor to the Muslim Student Association at Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University's spiritual home for all faiths [1][2][3].
Originally from Turkey, Imam Gürsoy holds two bachelor's degrees in Islamic Sciences, one from the American Islamic College of Chicago and another from Bedir University of Tirana, Albania [1][3]. He has also earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary [3].
Before joining Syracuse University, Imam Gürsoy served as the Imam and Outreach Coordinator for the Islamic Society of the Midwest, where he fostered a vibrant and diverse community [1][2]. He has also served as a chaplain at Swedish Hospital in Chicago and taught Islamic Studies at the Science Academy of Chicago and the Turkish American Society of Chicago [1][2].
Imam Gürsoy will join Hendricks Chapel in the Fall 2025 semester, taking over from Imam Amir Durić who has been instrumental in the chaplaincy's growth over the past eight years. During his tenure, the Muslim chaplaincy has experienced a significant increase in student participation, with a 500% increase since 2017 [4].
In his new role, Imam Gürsoy aims to build upon this growth, providing spiritual guidance to Muslim students, enhancing interfaith understanding, and contributing to the moral and ethical life at Syracuse University [4][5]. He will also work towards strengthening the Muslim community's presence, inclusivity, and engagement on campus, aligning with Hendricks Chapel's commitment to preparing students as engaged global citizens and leaders [4].
The Rev. Brian Konkol, Vice President and Dean of Hendricks Chapel, is overjoyed to welcome Imam Gürsoy to the Syracuse University campus community. Imam Gürsoy's dynamic leadership and meaningful interfaith experience are expected to inspire students to lead in service to the common good [4].
Imam Amir Durić will continue to support the chaplaincies of Hendricks Chapel in his new role as Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life [6]. The growth in the Muslim chaplaincy has been due to new programs, services, community outreach, and a more engaged presence throughout campus [7]. Imam Gürsoy's appointment is part of Hendricks Chapel’s larger mission to provide resources for various student groups and facilitate over 2,000 programs annually, aiming to be "a home for all faiths and a place for all people" [4].
[1] Imam Hamza Gürsoy Appointed as Muslim Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel
[2] Islamic Society of the Midwest Announces Imam Hamza Gürsoy's Departure
[3] American Islamic College Alumni Profile: Imam Hamza Gürsoy
[4] Hendricks Chapel: A Spiritual Home for All Faiths
[5] Hendricks Chapel: Preparing Students as Engaged Global Citizens and Leaders
[6] Imam Amir Durić Appointed Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at Hendricks Chapel
[7] Growth in Muslim Chaplaincy at Syracuse University
Imam Hamza Gürsoy, with his degrees in Islamic Sciences and Master of Divinity, is set to contribute to education-and-self-development by providing spiritual guidance, fostering interfaith understanding, and strengthening the Muslim community's presence at Syracuse University. In his new role at Hendricks Chapel, he will aim to build upon the growth and engagement of the Muslim chaplaincy, aligning with the institution's mission to prepare students as engaged global citizens and leaders.
