Summer Snapshots 2025
From the looks of it, our University community members sure enjoyed themselves over the summer months. From a big adventure around the world to a laid-back staycation, take a look at the fun they had.
Campus & Community
Imam Hamza Gürsoy Appointed as Muslim Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel
Tuesday, July 29, 2025,
By Dara Harper
Imam Hamza Gürsoy
The University has appointed Imam Hamza Gürsoy as Muslim chaplain and advisor for the Muslim Student Association at Hendricks Chapel. In his role, Gürsoy will serve students by expanding the impact of Hendricks Chapel as “a home for all faiths and place for all people.”
“We at Hendricks Chapel are overjoyed to welcome Imam Hamza Gürsoy to the Syracuse University campus community,” says the Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel. “As a dynamic Islamic leader with meaningful interfaith experience, Chaplain Gürsoy will help to prepare our students for a changing global society. I am excited to witness all the ways he will support our Muslim students and many others, to inspire all to lead in service to our common good.”
Gürsoy, originally from Bursa, Turkey, will join Hendricks Chapel for the Fall 2025 semester following Imam Amir Durić’s recent appointment to assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. Gürsoy will look to build upon the leadership and growth experienced during Durić’s eight-year tenure. Since 2017 the Muslim chaplaincy has experienced tremendous growth, resulting in a 500% increase in student participation through new programs and services, community outreach and a more engaged presence throughout campus.
Gürsoy most recently served as a chaplain at Swedish Hospital in Chicago and as an Islamic Studies teacher at the Science Academy of Chicago. He also previously served as imam for the Islamic Society of the Midwest, teacher for the Turkish American Society of Chicago, and outreach coordinator for the Islamic Society of the Midwest. He holds a master of divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary, and two bachelor’s degrees in Islamic Sciences from the American Islamic College of Chicago and Bedir University of Tirana, Albania.
Gürsoy is experienced in teaching religious studies, ethics and spiritual development, and seeks to foster meaningful discussions that guide students in their faith journeys. He is also passionate about fostering a sense of comfort and connection through faith-based counseling, mentorship, community outreach and educational initiatives. “Every person who enters our lives teaches us something,” says Gürsoy. “I’m excited to join Hendricks Chapel, where I can work with students, faculty, staff, and chaplains as we all learn and grow together.”
Durić will continue to support the chaplaincies of Hendricks Chapel in his new role. “It has been a true honor to serve as the Muslim Chaplain at Syracuse University for the past eight years,” says Durić. “As I transition from the role of Muslim chaplain, I am deeply grateful for the vibrant community we have built together. I’m excited to pass the torch to Chaplain Gürsoy, whose rich experience and deep commitment to serving the Muslim community and fostering interfaith dialogue will continue to nurture the spiritual life at Syracuse University. I am confident that under his leadership, the Muslim community will thrive and grow and I look forward to supporting him in this next chapter of our shared journey.”