Spiritual Life at Queens
Spiritual Life at Queens
What is Spiritual Life at Queens?
“Nourishing spiritual life, building bridges of understanding, and collaborative service, is the heartbeat of Belk Chapel, assisting all within our community to find a healthy and enriching balance between mind, body, and spirit.” – Dr. Adrian Bird, University Chaplain
“Queens Spiritual Life meets students where they are. The bridges we build between the faiths are what makes Queens Spiritual Life so strong and beautiful.” – Rabbi Judy Schindler
“Queens Spiritual Life has offered a synergy of spiritual and intellectual reflection, the true hallmark of a liberal arts education, which invites students to bring their entire selves to the process of learning. Queens Spiritual Life has been an oasis of spiritual nourishment for students from all walks of life. It is one of the few places on campus where we can have difficult interfaith conversations and come to agree that we will love and respect one another, irrespective of our theological and ideological differences.” – Dr. Hadia Mubarak
“Spiritual Life at Belk Chapel for me means a time to slow down and spend time with God. I get to slow down and check in with myself for my physical and mental well-being. I also get to have intentional time to meditate and have prayer.” – Joshua Voelkel, GA, Spiritual Life
Worship Opportunities
Looking for a place to worship within 5 miles of Queens University? There are a wide range of diverse options, or check in with a member of the Spiritual Life Team.
Follow Us
Donations
We value all donations that help support the life of Belk Chapel and its wide range of programs and experiences. Find out ways to give!
Meet the Spiritual Life Team
Adrian Bird
University Chaplain
Adrian comes to Queens after years of cross-cultural, international experience within the interfaith movement, working collaboratively to build strong and harmonious community life. Adrian spent ten years at Union Presbyterian Seminary, teaching courses in History and Interreligious encounters, and served for several years as Chair of Interfaith Partners of South Carolina. This is an exciting time, as Adrian works with the incredible chapel team in continuing to create an environment in which students, faculty and staff may thrive in drawing sustenance from their spiritual traditions and wells. Drop by Belk Chapel to say hello, find a listening ear, or meditate in a safe and brave space.
Andy Harkavy
Director, Hillel & Jewish Life
Andy received a double Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Spanish at the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service from the Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University. Among his many roles in the Jewish community over the years, Andy has excelled in dynamic education and engagement, focusing on creating a relational culture where youth, teens, and adults of all ages can thrive in a safe environment. He has a passion and love for camp, alternative breaks, and other immersive and transformative experiences. Andy was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and is an avid sports fan always supporting any University of Georgia team as well as all of his Atlanta sports teams. He looks forward to building community and creating authentic relationships and deep connections where students are in the driver seat and become an active stakeholder in their own Jewish journey so they feel intimately connected to each other and our community. Andy resides in Charlotte with his wife, Megan, and their two children, Eli Micah and Abby Rose.
Dr. Alexa Royden
Faculty Advisor, Non-religious Students
Judy Schindler
Director, the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center & Campus Rabbi
Rabbi Judy is an activist, author, professor, rabbi, mother, wife, and interfaith bridge-builder. Rabbi means “teacher” and Rabbi Judy seeks to teach the community how to create social change in order to actualize the prophetic values of equality, justice, human dignity, and human rights of the Hebrew Bible. Rabbi Judy also serves as the Sklut Professor of Jewish Studies and Director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center at Queens University of Charlotte. She was named Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth El in Charlotte, North Carolina, after serving as Senior Rabbi from 2003-2016 and as Associate Rabbi from 1998-2003. Rabbi Judy’s Chapel Hours are on Wednesdays, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Danah Shuli
Coordinator, Muslim Life
Danah is a mother, writer, baker, Tatreez practitioner, teacher, and lifelong student. Danah was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and is an active member of the Muslim community in which she grew up in. Danah is deeply connected to her Muslim faith and uses Islamic principles as her guide and moral compass as she navigates new opportunities and roles within her personal life and professional career. Danah earned a BSc in Mathematics and Psychology from Dalhousie University, and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from UNC Charlotte. She is excited to join the Spiritual Life Team at Queens University and serve as a resource and guide for Muslim students at Belk Chapel. Danah is looking forward to connecting with Muslim students on campus in order to help spiritually enrich their learning experience while also building a sense of community in which they feel connected and supported by one another. Danah’s door will always be open for all those who need a listening ear, advice or support! Feel free to reach out to her anytime!
Joshua Voelkel
Graduate Assistant, Spiritual Life
Joshua graduated from Queens in 2023. Joshua studied Exercise & Sports Sciences in his undergraduate studies and is now pursuing his MBA. He wrapped up his wrestling career at Queens in the spring of 2024. As the GA of Spiritual Life, Joshua is very excited to connect with students and build a bridge between students and the Belk Chapel. Joshua is excited to be a part of the Belk Chapel team and his door is always open, so feel free to drop in.
