Imam Hamza Gürsoy joined the Muslim Student Life at Syracuse University as a full-time chaplain on August 1, 2025. In this chaplaincy role, Imam Gürsoy oversees the Muslim Chaplaincy at Syracuse University/SUNY ESF and educational programs supporting Muslim students, faculty, and staff. The goal of the chaplaincy is to create an inclusive community and to engage in sincere reflections that result in religious, intellectual, and social growth through educational programs and spiritual guidance based on Islamic principles.

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.

Imam Hamza Gürsoy
Chaplain
Advisor, Muslim Student Association
Muslim Student Life
[email protected]
224.382.1206

Chaplain Hamza is available for office hours on Monday-Friday by appointment. Contact him to schedule.

The Syracuse University has appointed Imam Amir Durić as assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. Imam Amir Durić has served as Muslim Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel since August, 2017 till July, 2025. He will provide visionary, inclusive and compassionate leadership to advance interfaith engagement, spiritual wellness and ethical development throughout the University community.

In addition to being as Assistant Dean, Imam Durić will continue to support the Muslim Student Life as a senior advisor and guide the new Muslim Chaplain Imam Hamza Gürsoy.

Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Durić’s early childhood experiences within areas engulfed in conflict shaped his lifelong commitment to pluralism, mutual understanding and interfaith cooperation. He served as an imam in several communities, led various projects through the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and co-founded a humanitarian non-governmental organization, Sadaka, in his hometown. He was also a religious and executive leader at the Association of Bosniaks of Delaware Valley—Philadelphia and has had various roles within the Islamic Community of North American Bosniaks.

Prior to his current role, Durić served as the Muslim chaplain and executive director of Muslim student life at the University, the Chaplains Council coordinator at Hendricks Chapel and a pastoral counselor for several hospitals and institutions across Central New York. Since arriving at the University in 2017, Durić has contributed to creating a renowned Muslim chaplaincy and established the first Muslim Student Life endowment, resulting in a 500% increase in student participation through new programs and resources, community outreach, increased social capital and a more prominent presence on campus.

As a nationally respected interfaith leader, Durić co-founded alongside Rabbi Ethan Bair the acclaimed Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship at Syracuse University in the summer of 2023, was named a 2024-2025 Interfaith America Innovation Fellow and is a member of the board of directors for Interfaith Works of Central New York. His work was recognized at the 2023 One University Awards, and he received the 2024 Award for Excellence by an Organizational Advisor, and the 2025 CNY RISE Center’s Community Service Award.

A frequent speaker at national and international conferences, Durić’s scholarship and community work center on the experiences of Muslim students, interfaith engagement and the intersection of faith and public life. In addition to his University roles, Durić is a consultant through his firm, Durić LLC, advising institutions on cultural competency and inclusive practices related to their Muslim constituencies.

Durić volunteers as the Secretary of Majlis III, which consists of 20 Bosniak communities throughout the Northeast and Canada. He also works closely with CNY Interfaith Works and is a member of the leadership council of ACTS (Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse). Durić is also involved with "Sadaka," a charity organization, which he co-founded in 2010 in Bosnia.

Durić earned a B.A. in Islamic studies from the University of Sarajevo, as well as a master of arts in religious studies with graduate certificates in Islamic chaplaincy and imam and Muslim community leadership from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. He also holds an executive master of public administration and a certificate of advanced study in public leadership and management from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he is also completing a Ph.D. in social science.