Leadership Team | Philadelphia Service Immersion Program

Meet the Team

Meet your 2018 PSIP Leadership Team!

Kristen Herrmann '19

PSIP Student Director

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Major: Elementary and Special Education

Welcome class of 2022 to not only your future school, but also your future home! I can’t wait until you all arrive at Saint Joseph’s, and by participating in PSIP, you will become a part of the community right away! My name is Kristen Herrmann, and I am an Elementary and Special Education double major here on Hawk Hill. I can’t believe that only a few years ago, I was in your place when I decided to sign up for PSIP. By participating in this program, I immediately met a huge group of amazing people, got to experience serving in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, and was introduced to the profound Jesuit ideals of service. So basically, I had an awesome week! Because of the feelings of acceptance and community that I experienced while on PSIP, I was encouraged to get involved in various clubs and activities on campus including weekly service, chapel choir, Hawk Host, the Kinney Center, the Appalachian Experience, and Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society. I am so excited for you all to experience for yourself all that Saint Joe’s has to offer, especially this amazing way to start off your first year as a Hawk! Enjoy the rest of your summer, and be prepared to have the time of your life here at Saint Joseph’s!

Megan Kloss '19

PSIP Coordinator

Hometown: Yardley, PA
Major: Marketing & Finance

WELCOME CLASS OF 2022! I am THRILLED that you have made the decision to join the PSIP family! My name is Meg Kloss and I am a rising senior Marketing and Finance double major from Yardley, PA. I participated in PSIP my freshman year, and to this day it is one of the most beneficial, fun, and eye opening programs I have been apart of. On campus, I am involved with Student Senate, Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, the Honors Program, and the Dean’s Leadership Program, and APEX. I also work as a Hawk Host and in IT Media Services. PSIP was my gateway to fully immersing myself in the values and culture of Saint Joe’s and our Jesuit education, and I hope you are able to find that in the program as well. It gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus and Philadelphia and make it your home. It also gives you a community of beautiful humans that you might not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, which is special in itself. I cannot wait to make you apart of our family; welcome to Hawk Hill and PSIP!!!

Jack Paris '19

PSIP Coordinator

Hometown: Collegville, PA
Major: Managing Human Capital

Greetings class of 2022 to the amazing college of Saint Joe's! The PSIP experience is one of the highlights of every participant's freshman year and is the perfect way to enter the community you will be a part of for the next four years. My name is Jack Paris and I am a former PSIP participant, attended the ignite retreat and will be leading it this fall, am in Alpha Phi Omega (co-ed professional service fraternity), participated in weekly service, and I enjoy going running and consuming overwhelming helpings of campion cookies. PSIP is going to introduce you to the great city of Philadelphia, some amazing friends, and some fantastic food. I'm so excited to meet all of you and welcome you to undeniably the greatest place in the history of the universe on Hawk Hill!

Cat Geruson '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Jenkintown, PA
Major: Food Marketing and LEO

Read Cat's Message

Congratulations Class of 2022 and Welcome! My name is Cat and I am a junior Food Marketing and LEO (Leadership, Ethics and Organizational Sustainability) double major from Jenkintown, PA. Joining the SJU community and the PSIP community are decisions that will shape your future greatly. PSIP allowed me to practice my love of service with an open mind, make lifelong friends, and transition into college smoothly with people I could look to for assistance and guidance. PSIP enhanced my joy of service and taught me the importance of reflection. It also led me to participate in many other service activities at SJU. During my later APEX trips to TN, and weekly service, I consistently have thought back to PSIP and what I learned about social justice. PSIP also gave me the confidence to embrace stepping outside of my comfort zone at SJU. Since then, I have felt catapulted into the SJU community and was encouraged to join a service fraternity, a sorority, Deans’ Leadership Program and other organizations. I felt the energy and love at SJU the minute I stepped on campus for the first night of PSIP, and I know you will too. I hope you are ready to be open, to laugh and to learn, as PSIP will be an experience that you will keep with you beyond your SJU career. Have a wonderful summer and see you all in August!

Molly Mullen '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: West Chester, PA
Major: Elementary and Special Education

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Hey everyone! Congrats on choosing SJU as your new home, Hawk Hill is so happy to have you! My name is Molly and I am an Elementary and Special Education major from West Chester, PA. I’m a rising senior and am still so grateful for the many opportunities and friends that PSIP gave me at SJU! At Saint Joe’s I have been involved with Weekly Service, Service Learning, the Student Senate, the Appalachian Experience, Greek Life, and the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support.

At SJU, and through programs like PSIP, I have met so many amazing people, found my passions, and heard stories I never would have otherwise. During PSIP, we will experience the beautiful communities and true heart of Philadelphia and Saint Joe’s. I am so HYPE for you, the Class of 2022, to learn, laugh and grow together. I have come to call Hawk Hill home and know you will soon love Barbelin Beach, Club Lib, and Hawk Wraps as much as I do. See you soon!

Jonathan Cervi '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Chester Springs, PA
Major: Food Marketing and LEO

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Class of 2022... Welcome Home!!! Even if you don’t consider Hawk Hill your home yet I am sure you will after PSIP! My name is Jonathan Cervi and I am a senior Food Marketing and LEO double major from Chester Springs PA. PSIP is such a great way to move in early and form a bond with a group of like minded individuals before freshman year even starts. You will get to fall in love with Philly by visiting some touristy spots and learning public transportation. That love will only grow immensely from meeting incredible people and hearing their stories. Together we will learn about the hardships our city of Philadelphia is facing. PSIP is a great segway into life at Saint Joe’s and all this incredible University has to offer. For me, I got involved with APEX, our spring break alternative service trip as a Participant and a leader. Outside of campus ministry I got involved with Reslife as an RA and a Head RA. I am a Hawk Host for admission and I am a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honors Society. Outside of SJU, I love to ski, watch basketball and hockey, eat crab legs, and play video games... yes fortnite too! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer and I can’t wait to meet you all! Congratulations on choosing SJU! #THWND

Paul Goertel '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Souderton, PA
Major: Marketing

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Welcome home Class of 2022. My name is Paul Goertel, and I’m a rising senior majoring in Marketing. Entering my Freshman, I didn’t take the opportunity to pursue PSIP. Through my 3 years here I have become friends with both PSIP participants, and leaders alike and have seen the passion they have for Philadelphia, service, and life in general. Over these past few years, between exploring in Philadelphia, and getting to participate in service I knew I wanted to get involved with PSIP. Above everything else, I wanted to get involved so I can meet people who participate in PSIP, and the communities we learn with. I am PUMPED that all of you will be here this summer for PSIP, and are coming home to SJU.

On campus, I am on the Club Water Polo Team, a brother in Alpha Phi Omega (Co-ed service fraternity), a participant in the Appalachian Experience (highly recommend). In addition, I also hold jobs as a Hawk Host (tour guide), and a receptionist for the SJU Writing Center. Also, I enjoy basketball, exploring new things (ideas, activities, places, etc.), spending time outside, a good rocking chair, and above all else FOOD.

I am excited to help show you everything this city, and our home has to offer. But I am more excited to meet you and learn about everything you offer to our world.

Nick O'Malley '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Floral Park, NY
Major: Interdisciplinary Health Services

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Hey young Hawks, congrats on making a great college decision and welcome to PSIP. My name is Nick and I’m a senior Interdisciplinary Health Services major with minors and Spanish and Health Care Ethics. On campus, I am a research fellow at the Institute for Clinical Bioethics, a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health professions honor society, and a Weekly Service Coordinator. But enough about me! PSIP was, and still is, one of the most formative experiences I have had at St. Joe’s, and it will be for you as well. There is just something about this program that will keep you wanting to come back for more. It’s a sneak peek, if you will, into service at SJU. But, it’s also a great way to make friends that will last a lifetime. No matter why you joined PSIP, just sit back, relax, and know that you’re kicking off your college career in the best way possible!

Jenna Siroky '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Newtown, CT
Major: Interdisciplinary Health Services

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Hi Class of 2022, welcome home to SJU! My name is Jenna Siroky, I am a rising senior with a major in Interdisciplinary Health Services and a minor in Communication Studies. I wish I could go back to my freshman year when I first arrived on Hawk Hill as a PSIP participant. My experiences at SJU and through PSIP have been absolutely incredible–I cannot wait to share that with you all! Through PSIP you will meet wonderful people through service, meet your new peers, and get to explore Philadelphia. PSIP led me to other service oriented activities on campus and really helped me find my place right from the start. On campus I am the VP of Service for Alpha Phi Omega (the co-ed national service fraternity), the Marketing Director for SJU Make-a-Wish, the President of SJU Sandy Hook Promise Initiative, and I work in SJU's Biodiversity Laboratory taking care of turtles and fish. Cannot wait to meet you all!

Nathan Vrabel '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Major: Accounting

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Welcome class of 2022! We are so excited to welcome you to Hawk Hill! My name is Nathan Vrabel, and I am a junior Accounting major. Prior to my freshman year, I chose to participate in PSIP and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had such a fun time doing service, becoming familiar with the city of Philadelphia through a variety of activities, and getting to know other PSIP participants. It truly was one of the best weeks of college and I can’t wait to experience this special week again. On campus, I am involved in a variety of activities, including Club Tennis, Hawk Host, Weekly Service, Appalachian Experience, Honors Program, Dean’s Leadership Program, and more. PSIP is a great way to start off your college career and I’m so glad you chose to do so. Enjoy the rest of summer and see you all soon!

Brittany Porter '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Fairless Hills, PA

Major: Interdisciplinary Health Services

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Hello to the lovely Class of 2022! Welcome to Hawk Hill and, more importantly, welcome to PSIP!

Congrats on choosing to become part of the fam! My name is Brittany Porter and I am a rising Junior, currently majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Services. I kicked off my time here at SJU with PSIP, and it soon led me to get involved in so many activities here on campus, such as Weekly Service, a Service Learning Course, Retreat Leadership positions, Club Softball, Follwed By A Bear, and First Year Leadership Team. I am also a member of a Christian Life Community (CLC), and APEX.

I would not have gotten involved in these things or have met even half of the amazing people that I did without starting my journey off with PSIP. I am so excited to meet all of you, and can't wait for you to start off your journey here at SJU with PSIP as well! It is going to be an unforgettable ride filled with laughter, friendship, hard work, and new beginnings! Don't be afraid to find me and say hello, and enjoy your time here on Hawk Hill!!!

Eliza Rocco '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Neptune, PA
Major: Communications

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Hello Class of 2022!!!! Welcome to Hawk Hill, welcome home, and most importantly, welcome to one of your first and one of the best experiences SJU has to offer, PSIP!!! My name is Eliza Rocco and I am a rising junior and a communications major. I am so grateful and excited to be sharing this experience with all of you!! I chose to do PSIP because I wanted a different experience and was interested in service. I instantly fell in love with the program, the people I was serving with and the communities I got to meet. PSIP gave me the confidence to follow what really inspires me. On campus, I am the beat boxer for the all female acapella group, The City Belles, I am a Placement Liaison for the Faith Justice Institute, a service learning student, I have traveled to Alleghany Highlands VA with APEX, I was a member of the first year leadership team, and now a PSIP leader! This program will definitely leave a mark on your heart. Come with an open mind, ears that are ready to listen, and all the love you have to offer. I can't wait to meet you all, see you in August!!!

Michael Fontana '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Ellicot City, MD
Major: Biology

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Hi y’all,

I’m Mike. I am from Ellicott City, Maryland and I will be a Junior this year. I love PSIP because it’s a program that brings everyone together through one loving community. On campus next year, I will also be an Ignite Leader, an APEX Leader, and playing not the club soccer team. I am Biology major and I love everything about it. Can’t wait to share Hawk Hill with all of you and begin the year with the right step forward.

Leila Benjamin '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Major: Biology

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Hello baby hawks!!! My name is Leila Benjamin and I am a rising junior biology major from Bucks County, PA. Although I did not participate in PSIP as a freshman, I understand how foundational this program has been for so many students on Hawk Hill and I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to lead you all through service, reflection, sightseeing, and so much more. I’ve found my home here at SJU through the National Honors Fraternity Phi Sigma Pi, APEX, Collegiate College, leading a freshman retreat called Spark, becoming a Eucharistic Minister, and working as a Teaching Assistant for SJU’s Anatomy and Environment Labs! I cannot wait to discover the craziness inside of you all and support you while you build your nests according to your passions. Peace, Love, PSIP!!!

Whitney Jones '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: West Chester, PA
Major: Political Science

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Hello class of 2022!! My name is Whitney Jones and I am a Junior from West Chester, PA. On campus, I am involved in Student Senate, Hawk Host, Greek Life and a member of the SJU Cheerleading Team. On SJU’s campus my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends in the lib on 2nd new side studying and socializing.I first wanted to say how happy I am that you made the decision not only to attend SJU but also to sign up for PSIP. PSIP gave me service experience, new perspectives, a group of supportive friends and memories that will last forever all before I stepped into my first college class.

Soon you will be moving into SJU and starting your own PSIP journey and I am so excited to be right by your side. PSIP is a great way to transition into college and will provide a rewarding experience that you can carry with you for the rest of your time in college.

I am so excited to meet all of you and until then have a great rest of your summer!

Bronagh Douglas '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Flourtown, PA
Major: Food Marketing

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Welcome home, class of 2022!! We are so thrilled to have you at St. Joe’s and especially part of our PSIP family! My name is Bronagh and I am a rising sophomore and I am so excited to meet
you all! I am a Food Marketing major taking part in the Co-op program! I am thinking about minoring in Leadership, Ethics and Organization too! I participated in PSIP my freshman year
and it was the best decision ever! It set the tone for my whole freshman year. It helped me get involved in Campus Ministry and meet life-long friends! On campus, I am a PSIP leader, Ignite
leader, manager of the Gaelic football team, APEX participant, Service leader student, member of a Christian Life Community, and went on two retreats: Spark and Ignite! Doing PSIP helped
me get a running start to freshman year! I met so many amazing people and got involved in the SJU community. It helped me learn about the values of SJU and learn even more about Philadelphia. PSIP was the first time I saw just how perfect SJU was for me and I hope it does the same for you! And once again welcome home! #THWND

Gabby Gutierrez '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Major: History

Read Gabby's Message

Welcome class of 2022 to your new home! I hope you are as excited for PSIP as we are. This program is the perfect way to begin your journey at Saint Joe’s. Not only will you get familiar with the area and participate in meaningful service, but you will be blessed with the chance to meet some truly beautiful people. My name is Gabby Gutierrez and I am a rising Sophomore. I major in History with a double minor in JEL (Justice and Ethics in the Law) and Psychology. I am a former PSIP participant, a Service Scholar for our Service Learning classes, a weekly service participant, I am in a CLC (Christian Learning Community), and I have gone on APEX. I am obsessed with dogs and love to read. When I participated in PSIP my freshman year it was my first exposure to the Jesuit ideals and truly set my heart on fire. I cannot wait to meet you and show you a glimpse of everything that the Saint Joseph’s community has to offer you.

Kelsey McCartney '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Major: Psychology

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Welcome Class of 2022! I am so excited that you chose Saint Joe’s as not only your school but also your home, and PSIP is just the beginning of an amazing journey! My name is Kelsey McCartney and I am a rising sophomore Psychology major from Long Island, New York. On campus I am involved in Wellness Educators, Weekly Service, Service Learning Courses, the Kinney Center, a member of the Honor’s Program, I went to the Gulf Coast on the Winter Immersion Program, and of course PSIP. PSIP was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life and it gave me so many of the wonderful friendships and opportunities that made Saint Joe’s my home and the place I love. PSIP gave me the opportunity to meet my best friends who have helped me grow into the person I have always wanted to be through my time at Hawk Hill and the values and lessons that PSIP has taught me have only helped me continue to grow throughout my freshman year. Those few days changed my life in the best way possible and I’m so glad you will have that opportunity as well! I am so excited for you to begin your journey in this amazing way and to see not only all that is wonderful about Saint Joe’s, but all that is wonderful about the beautiful city right in our backyard as well. I cannot wait to get to know all of you and share in this wonderful experience with you!! Peace, Love, PSIP!

Madde Guerke '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Columbia, MD
Major: International Relations & Spanish

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Hi Hawklings!! Welcome home! My name is Madde Guerke and I'm a rising sophomore from Columbiam MD double majoring in International Relations and Spanish. I play on the women's club soccer team and am a SCHOLAR at the Kinney Center. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Peru with the Winter Immersion Program and will be leading a trip next year to Homeboy Industries in LA! I'm also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the service fraternity, and served at St. John's Hospice, a homeless shelter for men in Center City, through a service learning class. PSIP is the most amazing way to start your time at SJU and I cannot wait to get to know you through this experience! You will be immersed in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, while better understanding social injustices and working with your first (and best) friends on campus to serve some the most marginalized parts of our community. PSIP is by far the best way to begin your time at St. Joe's and I'm sososo excited to welcome you to our family!!!

Richard Foronjy '19

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Major: Managing Human Capital and Spanish

Read Richard's Message

Hi everyone! I'm a Senior from New York and I'm super excited to be a leader for PSIP this year! PSIP was my foundation to my college career my freshman year and I'm excited to be part of this experience with the class of 2022! PSIP allows freshmen to meet other like-minded freshmen, experience the community of Philadelphia through service, find mentors and friends through their upperclassmen leaders, and create that spark in learning what it means to be part of a Jesuit University and it's ideals! PSIP also gave me people who motivated me and gave me the confidence to be the student, friend, and man I would grow to become! Take that lead of faith with PSIP as I did, and learn to take every day in college one step at a time that will allow you to live out the best version of yourself! I'm excited to see all the unique and talented gifts the class of 2022 will bring to Hawk Hill! Welcome home Hawks!

Nick Kropp '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Major: Food Marketing

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Welcome class of 2022! My name is Nick Kropp and I am a rising junior Food Marketing major from Collegeville, PA.

How does it feel to have already made one of the best decisions that you’ll make at SJU? Just like you, I participated in PSIP my freshman year and absolutely LOVED it! This is my second year returning as a leader, and I can’t wait to get started. PSIP encouraged me to get involved with Campus Ministry and the First Year Leadership Team, has introduced me to some of my best friends, and has given me some of my favorite memories at SJU. I’m also involved in the Appalachian Experience (APEX), I’m a manager of the Men’s Basketball Team, and I just finished my first six month Food Marketing co-op at Snyder’s-Lance!

PSIP will give you an opportunity to view service and community in a new way all while building friendships that will last a lifetime. It will also allow you to become more familiar with the wonderful city of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas that you will be calling home for the next few years! I can’t wait to meet all of you! See you soon and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Gab Samsock '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Scranton, PA

Major: English and Marketing

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Hello & welcome home CO22!! My name is Gab Samsock and I am a rising Junior from Scranton, PA majoring in English and Marketing. On campus I'm a work study student in the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Marketing Department, the Planning & Outreach Committee Leader for SJU Make-A-Wish, Collegiate Challenge participant, member of Greek Life, and most importantly PSIP Leader!

I'd like to first say congratulations on making an excellent choice in deciding to participate in this incredible program to start off your college career - you couldn't be off to a better start!

As you'll come to realize very quickly, PSIP is truly the best experience that an individual can have upon fist arriving at SJU. It's not just another program, but a lasting experience that you'll be talking about long after graduation. You'll be exposed to the values, community, and relationships that will come to define your four years on Hawk Hill.

Soon you'll be here to experience all of your college "firsts" while surrounded by the incredibly supportive community that makes up PSIP and I'm beyond ecstatic & proud to be a part of that.

Until then, I hope your summer is splendid, full of adventure, life, and memories...I can't wait to meet all of your beautiful faces & hear about it. Get super pumped that you guys and gals are so close to starting college and coming to Hawk Hill - it is a quite sweet spot to be in at this point in your lives and I'm so excited I get the opportunity to hang with ya'll for the first days of school & throughout your time here at SJU! See ya soon!!

Jess Arnold '20

PSIP Student Leaders

Hometown: Mt. Laurel, NJ
Major: Marketing

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Hello Class of 2022! My name is Jessica Arnold and I am a rising junior from Mount Laurel, NJ. PSIP was the highlight of my freshman year and I feel so privileged to share in this experience with all of you! This program gave me the courage to fearlessly dive into my freshman year and become involved in many campus organizations such as the Appalachian Experience, Greek Life, and Hawk Host. I hold PSIP near and dear to my heart because it did not teach me how to find myself, but how to create who I want to be. The amount of memories, laughter, and love you will experience throughout this week is a true reflection of the SJU community. This program highlights Jesuit values such as working with and for others and standing in solidarity, which will follow you throughout your journey as a Hawk. You will be exposed to social justice issues within the city of Philadelphia that will encourage you to think about your own experiences and reflect upon the significances that they hold. Naturally, we do not have all the answers, but we do have each other. PSIP 2018, we will tackle our uncertainties together to discover more about ourselves and those around us. I can’t wait to meet all of you!!!

Jimmy Faunce '20

PSIP Student Leaders

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Major: Accounting

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Welcome class of 2022! My name is Jimmy Faunce and I am a rising junior here on Hawk Hill. PSIP is one of my favorite programs here at SJU, and one that has shaped me and my time here on campus. I participated as a freshman, and this will be my second year as a leader. PSIP has brought me some of my closest friends and some of my fondest memories. I CANNOT wait to meet you all and welcome you to your new home! See you all soon!

Jess Arends '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Raritan, NJ
Major: Political Science

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Have you ever experienced a moment where your heart beats loud enough to hear in both ears, the sun is pressing onto your cheeks, and there is a stillness in your mind? That moment is a continuous feeling during PSIP. Class of 2022; you will grow, laugh, service, and learn an immense amount in just a few days.

I am elated to meet you all, I am Jessica Arends a rising junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in English. The roots of my SJU experience is within PSIP. I truly believe PSIP has guided me in each step I have taken through my first half of college. I am a Peer Minister for our Weekly Service program. Each Monday, I wake up at 5 a.m. and run with those experiencing homelessness. I am a leader for the Appalachian Service Experience, a week long service trip over spring break. I’ve been to Robbins, TN and Ivanhoe, VA!! I also work as a Hawk Host and at the Kinney Center. I am a brother of the honors fraternity Phi Sigma Pi as well. Each community I belong in at SJU finds a root in PSIP.

I wouldn’t be as compassionate, loving, open, and bright without PSIP. So sounds like YOU are about to gain more compassion, love, openness, and brightness!!!!

I AM SO HAPPY!! SEE YOU SOON!!!!

Maeve Sargeant '20

PSIP Student Leaders

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Major: Autism Behavioral Studies

Read Maeve's Message

Hello Hawks!!! My name is Maeve Sargeant, I am a junior Psychology and Autism Behavioral Studies double major from Rochester, NY and I am beyond ~*EXCITED*~ for your journey to start here on Hawk Hill. And what better way to kick off your Saint Joseph’s experience than with PSIP!!! PSIP allowed me to find my people, and I am sure you will find some of yours through this experience as well. I learned about myself and who I wanted to be, before I had even tried the hawk wrap. I decided fairly quickly that SJU was home and threw myself into activities - the Irish Dance Club, Greek Life, the Appalachian Experience, weekly service, and I am an avid club lib attender. You will soon learn that SJU offers so many amazing experiences to its students, PSIP being one that I will be eternally grateful for. Together, we are going to learn so much about the Philadelphia area, the wonderful people that inhabit it, and ways we can impact it. Get excited class of 2022 (I know I am) for one of the best weeks of your SJU career!!

Claire Fitzgerald '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Timonium, MD
Major: Communications

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Welcome new hawks of the class of 2022!! College can be intimidating but trust me when I say that doing PSIP is the best way to start out! It helped me to get settled early on campus, learn what service is like at SJU and start to become familiar with the city of Philadelphia.

This past year PSIP inspired me to get involved in service-oriented things like Service Learning (a class that requires a couple hours of service per week), Magis (a freshmen weekly service where you go somewhere different each week), and APEX (an alternative spring break program where you serve in various spots in the Appalachian region, like Ivanhoe, VA). I’m also a Hawk Host, retreat leader and a member of the sustainability club, fair trade club, Catholic Relief Services, One Love Club and the Honors Program. I know everyone says it, but it really is true that getting involved is a great way to meet other people and to find what you’re passionate about. And you’re already doing that with PSIP!

I’m so so excited you’ve decided to do PSIP and cannot wait to see you on campus! My advice to you: be open minded and be yourself. You got this!!

Kelley Corbett '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Mawah, NJ
Major: Marketing and LEO

Read Kelley's Message

Hey Class of 2021!!!! Congrats on deciding to come to Hawk Hill, it’ll become your 2nd home so fast! I’m so glad you decided to join PSIP, it’s the perfect way to kick off four awesome years here at SJU. My name is Kelley Corbett and I’m from Mahwah New Jersey. I’m a Marketing and LEO (Leadership, Ethics, and Organizational Sustainability) double major and I will be a rising sophomore this fall. I’m involved in many organizations on campus including University Student Senate, Dean’s Leadership Program, Phi Sigma Sigma, First Year Leadership Team, and Weekly Service. I was fortunate enough to go on the Appalachian Experience Service Trip over spring break to Ivanhoe Virginia and did PSIP in the fall! PSIP is such an incredible opportunity to meet tons of other freshman as well as upperclassmen while becoming acquainted with Saint Joe’s and Philly. It’s so fun to get to know your group while you serve and meet with others within the Philadelphia area. One of PSIP’s biggest perks is making friends and having those connections with other people before school starts. PSIP is the experience of a lifetime and is honestly one of the best decisions I ever made. I am so so excited for PSIP 2018 and can’t wait to meet all of you!!!!!! Welcome to the fam, Have a great summer and Go Hawks!

Andrea Mueller '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Clifton, VA
Major: Psychology & English

Read Andrea's Message

Have you ever known you're exactly where you're supposed to be? My experience of PSIP introducing me to the wonderful home that is SJU was exactly that. For that reason, I am so excited for you and all of the other members of the class of 2022!! After PSIP, I got involved in as much as I could fit into my schedule including Student Senate, Irish Dance Club, Service Learning, Magis, APEX, PSP Honors Fraternity, and Campus Ministry First Year Leadership Team. In my free time I enjoy reading, laughing, running, snacking, making the world a better place, and adventuring with my friends. Hopefully, you can be one of those new friends that I meet this August!!"

Soph Escario '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Clarksburg, PA
Major: Psychololgy

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Hello Class of 2022! Welcome home to Hawk Hill! And better yet, welcome to the start of one of the most amazing experiences at SJU, PSIP!! My name is Sophie Escario, a sophomore Psychology major from Clarksburg, MD. I am so excited to be sharing this experience with you because PSIP had such a positive, lasting impact on my life here at Saint Joe’s. PSIP made me fall in love with SJU all over again by immersing myself in service with and for others! It inspired me to join all the clubs and organizations I’m involved in today. I joined the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, First Year Leadership Team, and other great programs such as SPARK and Weekly Service. I had the opportunity to travel to Robbins, TN on APEX, a spring break service trip.This year I also will be leading the Ignite Retreat for freshmen. Needless to say, there are endless opportunities to get involved at SJU, and you made the best choice by starting it off with PSIP! I cannot wait to learn more about one another, the Philadelphia area, and the beautiful communities within it! See you in August! Peace, Love, PSIP!!!

Thomas Shoemaker '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Southborough, MA
Major: Marketing

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Hello class of 2022, and welcome to Saint Joe’s. My name is Thomas Shoemaker and I am a sophomore marketing major from Southborough, Massachusetts. My time at Saint Joseph’s so far has been nothing but enjoyable. I am a member of the Gaelic Football team, which is a sport that I had not heard about until coming here. It combines soccer and rugby, with aspects of other sports, and overall is a great time. I went on a short Freshman retreat called Spark that provided a getaway from the stress of work at college for just a weekend, and focused on reflecting and having an enjoyable rest before getting back to work. I also was enrolled in a Service learning class. This course was my Freshman year English requirement, but unlike other course, it allowed me to go to service each week. Every Monday night I would go to the IHM Center for Literacy, where I taught English to immigrants from around the world. However this was not my first experience with service at Saint Joe’s. Rather, it was PSIP which allowed me to continue a commitment to service that I started during high school into college. Going into my Freshman year on Hawk Hill I heard about PSIP, which seemed like the perfect way to transition into the new atmosphere that college provided. It was an even better experience than what I hoped it would be. It allowed me to become friends with people who valued service as I did. It also helped me become more familiar with the campus and the city of Philadelphia, both of which I did not know well. I was able to grow comfortable in this new place as I was surrounded by supportive individuals, who were all trying to have a good first experience in college. As daunting as the transition into college may seem, PSIP provides the opportunity to alleviate much of the stress that comes with going into a new atmosphere. I cannot think of a better way to start college here at SJU than through PSIP.