Muslim leader Imam Hamza Gürsoy assumes position as Muslim chaplain at Hendricks Chapel.
Imam Hamza Gürsoy, a Turkish religious leader with a rich background in faith-based counseling, community outreach, and educational initiatives, has been appointed as the Muslim Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University's spiritual and ethical centre. In this role, he will also serve as the advisor to the Muslim Student Association (MSA) on campus.
Imam Gürsoy's appointment comes as a significant leadership position shaping the Muslim student experience and contributing to the university's commitment to spiritual development and inclusivity. With his passion for faith-based counseling, mentorship, community outreach, and educational initiatives, he is well-equipped to foster a supportive and engaging environment for the Muslim student community at Syracuse University.
Hendricks Chapel, where Imam Gürsoy will serve, hosts multiple chaplains and numerous religious/spiritual groups. It organises thousands of programs annually aimed at promoting moral, religious, and ethical life among students and the larger campus community.
Imam Gürsoy's arrival at Hendricks Chapel marks a new chapter in the growth of the Muslim chaplaincy. Since 2017, the chaplaincy has experienced a 500% increase in student participation, a testament to the success of new programs, services, community outreach, and a more engaged presence throughout campus. Imam Gürsoy will build upon this growth, aiming to expand the impact of Hendricks Chapel as a home for all faiths and a place for all people.
The Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel, is excited about Imam Gürsoy's appointment. He believes that Imam Gürsoy's dynamic leadership and meaningful interfaith experience will greatly contribute to the university's commitment to spiritual development and inclusivity.
Imam Gürsoy holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary and two bachelor's degrees in Islamic Sciences, one from the American Islamic College of Chicago and the other from Bedir University of Tirana, Albania. He has served as a chaplain at Swedish Hospital in Chicago and has taught Islamic Studies at the Science Academy of Chicago. He has also served as imam for the Islamic Society of the Midwest and has taught for the Turkish American Society of Chicago.
Imam Gürsoy will join Hendricks Chapel for the Fall 2025 semester, replacing Imam Amir Durić who has recently been appointed to the position of assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. Imam Durić will continue to support the chaplaincies of Hendricks Chapel in his new role.
Imam Gürsoy is thrilled to join Hendricks Chapel and work with students, faculty, staff, and chaplains. He looks forward to fostering interfaith engagement within the university's diverse religious environment and providing spiritual guidance to the Muslim student community.
Imam Gürsoy's appointment positions him to leverage his background in education-and-self-development efforts, including faith-based counseling, community outreach, and educational initiatives, to create a supportive and engaging environment for the Muslim student community at Syracuse University. As the Muslim Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, he will contribute to the university's commitment to spiritual development and inclusivity by fostering interfaith engagement and promoting moral, religious, and ethical life among students.
