Imam Hamza Gürsoy has been named the new Muslim chaplain and advisor for the Muslim Student Association at Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University. He will begin his role in the Fall 2025 semester, following Imam Amir Durić’s move to Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at Hendricks Chapel.
The Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel, said, “We at Hendricks Chapel are overjoyed to welcome Imam Hamza Gürsoy to the Syracuse University campus community. 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 is originally from Bursa, Turkey. His appointment comes after significant growth in the Muslim chaplaincy since 2017 under Durić’s leadership, which saw student participation increase by 500% through expanded programs, services, outreach efforts, and greater engagement on campus.
Before joining Syracuse University, Gürsoy worked as a chaplain at Swedish Hospital in Chicago and taught Islamic Studies at the Science Academy of Chicago. He also served as imam for the Islamic Society of the Midwest and held teaching and outreach roles with other organizations in Chicago. His academic background includes a master of divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary and bachelor’s degrees in Islamic Sciences from both American Islamic College of Chicago and Bedir University of Tirana, Albania.
Gürsoy has experience teaching religious studies, ethics, and spiritual development. He aims to encourage open discussions that support students’ faith journeys while providing counseling, mentorship, community outreach, and educational programming. “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 reflected on his time as Muslim chaplain: “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.”
