STUDENT ENROLLMENT, ENGAGEMENT, AND SUCCESS

Reverend Joyce P. Brandon Dugger is a proud native of Brooklyn, New York and attend the District 17 Public School system in Brooklyn, New York. Rev. Dugger continued her professional education in NYC to obtain a Masters Degree in Public Administration and Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary as well as educational credits from Long Island University and St. Rose College. She is a retired Public School teacher, Peer Mediator, Restorative Justice Coach. Currently, Rev, Dugger will complete her Doctorate in Ministry with a focus in “Faith and Health” in May of 2025. She serves as Pastor of First Congregational Church of Rockaway Beach, UCC. In addition to serving the Rockaway community, Rev. Dugger has a wealth of experience in ministry. She serves currently as Protestant Chaplain at Hofstra University for the past 13 years.

Originally from New Rochelle, NY, Rabbi Eric is an alumnus of Hofstra University, Class of 2015, graduating with a History and Jewish Studies degree. He is a former member of Hofstra Hillel as a student, was chair of the Athletic Committee, and later served on the Student Executive Board as Vice President and President.

After graduating from Hofstra, he began work at Hofstra Hillel as a Community Educator and later Director of Special Projects, aiding in programming for both Hofstra Hillel students and the Jewish community.

Rabbi Eric received semikha from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (YCT), where he had internships at Beth Tfiloh in Baltimore, MD, Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, NY, and Mt. Freedom Jewish Center in Randolph, NJ. He also serves as a liaison for the Vaad of Merrick, mashgiach, and is a consultant for kosher endeavors.

Rabbi Eric recently got married to his wife, Rachel, and they live in Philadelphia. Rabbi Eric is a sports enthusiast and musician and loves learning and exploring all things, especially Judaism.

Mufti Qari Nazrul Islam is a distinguished Islamic scholar, educator, and community leader, celebrated for his profound expertise in Islamic studies and community development. Holding a prestigious Alim degree from Madrasah Talimuddin, South Africa, and a Mufti degree from Darul Ilm Birmingham, UK, Mufti Qari Nazrul Islam has earned multiple esteemed Ijaazah’s and Sanad’s in the 7 and 10 Qiraat of the Qur’an Al Kareem. As the Director, Resident Scholar, and Imam of Shelter Rock Islamic Center in Long Island, NY, he provides spiritual guidance, visionary leadership, and educational programs to his community, fostering spiritual growth, community service, and interfaith understanding. A pioneering force for positive change, Mufti Qari Nazrul Islam co-founded several innovative initiatives, including: – Muslim Community Patrol – Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol – Tajweed Academy Through his teachings, leadership, and community outreach, Mufti Qari Nazrul Islam empowers individuals, builds bridges between communities, and promotes a deeper understanding of Islamic values.

Rabbi Dave Siegel grew up in Massapequa, New York in Long Island. As a teenager, he was an active member and officer of METNY United Synagogue Youth (USY). After graduating Massapequa High School, he received his BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Law/History from Binghamton University and has received masters degrees from both New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the Jewish Theological Seminary’s William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. Before attending JTS, Dave worked as the Director of Special Projects at the 92nd Street Y. During his time in Rabbinical School Dave focused on leadership and professional development in the Jewish community. He has also served in leadership positions at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, and United Synagogue Youth. Dave is currently the Executive Director of Hofstra University Hillel and lives on Long Island with his family.

Fr. Sullivan is a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. A native of Long Island, he attended St. Patrick School in Bay Shore and Chaminade l High School in Mineola. Upon graduation from high school, Fr. Sullivan attended Loyola University Maryland, where he received degrees in Philosophy and Theology. Upon graduation, Fr. Sullivan entered St. Joseph Seminary, Dunwoodie, to prepare for his ordination to the priesthood. On June 24, 2017, Fr. Sullivan was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Barres. In addition to his chaplaincy at Hofstra, Fr. Sullivan is also the pastor of Holy Family Parish and School in Hicksville.

Kendall Troy grew up in North Babylon, NY in the Parish family of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church. Kendall attended St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, which is where she started to grow in her faith. She then studied at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY, where she earned her degree in Psychology and Art Therapy. She was an active student-leader in campus ministry at Adelphi leading to her aspirations to serve the Catholic Church full-time.

Following her graduation in 2020, Kendall served as a full-time missionary with The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), the largest Catholic Collegiate Outreach Organization the United States. She spent two years leading mission trips, retreats, and working in Campus Ministry at Penn-west University of Edinboro in the Diocese of Erie, PA. Kendall then began working at Hofstra University as the Catholic Campus Minister in September 2023. She is honored to serve the Hofstra Community within her home Diocese of Rockville Centre- offering prayer, spiritual accompaniment, bible studies, and faith formation, while fostering the Catholic community within the Interfaith Center.