Leadership Team | Philadelphia Service Immersion Program

Meet the Team

Meet your 2019 PSIP Leadership Team!

Stephanie Crispell '20

PSIP Student Director

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Major: Elementary and Special Education

WELCOME Class of 2023! I am thrilled to welcome you to Hawk Hill and to the PSIP family! My name is Stephanie Crispell and I am a rising senior majoring in Elementary and Special Education with a minor in Faith Justice Studies, from Ellicott City, MD! I participated in PSIP my freshman year and can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I ever made coming to SJU. I was immediately immersed into Hawk Hill life, adventures of Philadelphia, the impact of service, and the my passion for solidarity! I met so many incredible friends and had the most amazing week to kickstart my SJU career! I am SO excited for you to experience PSIP and all the love and growth this program brings.

On campus, I love to stay busy with Irish Dance Club, giving tours on campus as a Hawk Host, Hawks for Just Employment, Kappa Delta Pi - Education Honors Society, Weekly Service, Greek Life, and much more! PSIP sparked me to get involved on campus and introduced me to all the incredible opportunities we have through our Campus Ministry program and in Student Life. PSIP also immersed me into Philadelphia to explore center city, SEPTA, Chinatown, and the beauty of the City of Brotherly Love. We are also so exited to share our love of spending time at Club Lib, Barb Beach, eating Hawk Wraps, and loving out our motto THWND! I can’t wait to welcome you to Hawk Hill and for you to experience such an incredibly intentional, eye-opening, heartwarming, comforting, fun early-move in program! See you all very soon!

Eliza Rocco '20

PSIP Coordinator

Hometown: Neptune, NJ
Major: Communications

Hello, Class of 2023!!!! 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 senior. I am a Communications major and a double minor in Entertainment Marketing and Faith Justice Studies. I am so grateful and excited to be sharing this experience with all of you!! I chose to do PSIP going into my freshman year 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 beatboxer for the all female a capella group, The City Belles, I am a Placement Liaison for the Faith-Justice Institute, an APEX Leader, and I serve at Gompers with Weekly Service! 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 Coordinator

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Major: Biology

Welcome to PSIP 2019!! I am so excited to be able to coordinate such an amazing group of leaders this year and help run a program that turns SJU into home for so many incoming freshman. I will be a senior Biology major. I play on the club soccer team and coordinate several projects in the Institute of Clinical Bioethics. PSIP is more than an early move in program; it’s love, a community, a home, and a ton of friendships. This will be my 4th year participating in the program and each year it is a highlight of my SJU experience. I am so excited to see you in the summer to start a new year!

Jess Arnold '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Mt. Laurel, NJ
Major: Accounting

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Hello Class of 2023! My name is Jessica Arnold and I am a rising senior 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! 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. This program was a catalyst for my college experience. It gave me the courage to fearlessly dive into my freshman year and become involved with many campus organizations such as the Appalachian Experience and Hawk Host. This program highlights Jesuit values such as being with and for others and standing in solidarity, which will follow you throughout your journey as a Hawk. Exploring the culture of the city of Philadelphia will encourage reflection on the significance of community and social justice. The amount of memories, laughter, and love you will experience throughout this week is a true reflection of the SJU community and something you will carry with you forever. PSIP 2019, I am so excited to explore your new city and home with you as you begin your time at SJU. I can’t wait to meet all of you!!!

Leila Benjamin '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Major: Biology

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Hey baby hawks!!! My name is Leila Benjamin and I am a rising senior Biology major with a minor in Health Care Ethics from Bucks County, PA. Although I did not participate in PSIP as a freshman, after leading 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 retreats through Campus Ministry, 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!!!

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 2023; 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 senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in English. The roots of my SJU experience are 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 , Ivanhoe, VA, and Clinchco, VA!! I also work as a Hawk Host, always ready to give a tour. Each community I belong in at SJU finds a root in PSIP. I wouldn’t be as compassionate, loving, open, or bright without PSIP. So sounds like YOU are about to gain more compassion, love, openness, and brightness!!!! I AM SO HAPPY!! SEE YOU SOON!!!!

Melissa MacPherson '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Major: English

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HELLO CLASS OF 2023!!! My name is Missy MacPherson and I am a rising senior with an english major and sociology minor. This will be my first year as a PSIP leader and I am beyond excited to experience this amazing program with you all! My time on Hawk Hill has changed me for the better and instilled in me a passion and a love of serving with and for others. I am so pumped to share this passion with you all and can not wait to learn about your passions and interests! On campus I am also involved in greek life and serve as an event lead for Relay for Life. Cheers to an amazing start to your freshman year!

Whitney Jones '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: West Chester, PA
Major: Political Science

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Maeve Sargeant '20

PSIP Student Leaders

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Major: Psychology and Autism Behavioral Studies

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Hello Hawks!!! My name is Maeve Sargeant, I am a senior 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 - 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 2023 (I know I am) for one of the best weeks of your SJU career!!

Gab Samsock '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Scranton, PA

Major: English

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Hello & welcome home CO23!! My name is Gab Samsock and I am a rising Senior from Scranton, PA majoring in English with minors in business and healthcare ethics. On campus I’m President of SJU Make-A-Wish, Collegiate Challenge and APEX participant, member of Greek Life, hammock enthusiast and most importantly, a 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 first 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!!

Brittany Porter '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Fairless Hills, PA

Major: Interdisciplinary Health Services

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Hello to the lovely Class of 2023! 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!!!

Soph Escario '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Clarksburg, MD
Major: Psychology

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Hello Class of 2023! 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 Soph Escario, a junior 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 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, & other great programs such as IGNITE and Weekly Service. I had the opportunity to travel to Robbins, TN & Hazard, KY on APEX, a spring break service trip. Needless to say, there are endless opportunities to get involved at SJU, and you made the best choice by starting it off with PSIP! You’ll meet great friends, make unforgettable memories, and start college with ease as you move in four days early! 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!!!

Bronagh Douglas '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Flourtown, PA
Major: Food Marketing

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WELCOME HOME CLASS OF 2023! I am so thrilled to welcome you not only to SJU but to PSIP. My name is Bronagh Douglas and I am a rising Junior studying Food Marketing from Flourtown, PA. I am currently on co-op at Campbell Soup Company in Camden, NJ working in the Community Affairs department. At school I am a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta, a weekly service participant, manager of the Gaelic football team, APEX participant and Food Marketing ambassador. When I was an incoming freshman I participated in PSIP and it was the best decision I have ever made at SJU. PSIP helps students truly immerse themselves in the values of SJU and a connect with people from all over. For me, it instantly made St. Joe’s feel like a home and made me excited for the next four years on Hawk Hill! Because of PSIP I was able to meet life-long friends and help make an impact in my community. I am excited to meet each and every one of you and show you all the amazing things SJU and Philly has to offer. PSIP will help you grow into yourself and become the person you were meant to be! Can’t wait to see you all in August! #THWND

Gabby Gutierrez '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Major: History

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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 Junior. 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 our APEX trip twice. 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.

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 junior from Elkridge, MD double majoring in International Relations and Spanish. I also have a minor in Latin-American Studies and Pre-Law. I play on the women's club soccer team and am a SCHOLAR at the Kinney Center. Over the last two years I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Peru and El Salvador with the Winter Immersion Program for a life-changing service immersion experience! 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. This semester I am taking the Inside-Course which has allowed me the eye-opening opportunity to be in class with inmates at a jail in Philadelphia every Wednesday. 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!!!

Madelyn Rose '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
Major: Undecided Business

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Hi Class of 2023!!! Welcome home to Saint Joe’s — Hawk Hill and PSIP are so lucky to have you! My name is Maddie Rose, and I am a sophomore Undecided Business major from Washington Township, NJ. Signing up for PSIP is without a doubt the BEST decision I made at SJU (and maybe ever) because I made so many amazing friends, experienced so many enlightening things, and was introduced to so many incredible programs that Hawk Hill has to offer. On campus, I am involved in several different organizations: Delta Sigma Pi (co-ed business fraternity), Alpha Gamma Delta (sorority), the Women’s Club Basketball Team, Magis Weekly Service, and I also had the amazing opportunity of traveling to West Jefferson, North Carolina on APEX, a service trip over Spring Break. None of these things would have been possible if it weren’t for PSIP! Through the four short days of PSIP, I grew so much as a person and it truly made the adjustment to college life completely effortless. This program does wonders for everyone involved, whether that is the participants, the leaders, or the wonderful people we meet at the service sites each day. I am so happy to have the opportunity to meet you all in August and guide you through this one-of-a-kind experience; I hope you enjoy PSIP as much as I did, and I can’t wait for you to make Hawk Hill your home!!!!

Olivia Cardarelli '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Major: LEO & Managing Human Capital

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Hi PSIP people! I am a rising sophomore at Saint Joes, with a double major in Leadership, Ethics, and Organization Sustainability and Food Marketing. I am from Collegeville, PA. Some of my favorite things are: running, spinning, the SHORE, my dog Maya, and anything that has to do with health and fitness. I love to hangout with my friends, make smoothie bowls, and take my dog for a run by the water. I absolutely love traveling and experiencing all cultures, too. At SJU, I participate in so many fun things. Some include: I am a brother in the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, I am in The Dean's Leadership Program, Hawk Host, CLC member, APEX participant, and a future writing tutor at the writing center. I am so excited to be a leader for PSIP and share my experience. PSIP was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my freshman year and I cannot wait to see it through the eyes of you. My favorite quote is from Maya Angelou: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Nick Kropp '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Major: Food Marketing

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Welcome class of 2023! My name is Nick Kropp and I am a rising senior Food Marketing major from Collegeville, PA! PSIP is a great way for you to move in early and form a bond with a group of likeminded individuals before the school year even begins. Just like you, I participated in PSIP my freshman year and absolutely LOVED it! This is my third 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’m in the Food Marketing co-op program! 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!

George Litman '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Major: Accounting & BI/Data Analytics

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Hey everyone, what's up. My name is George Litman and I will be a senior this year (gasp). I'm double majoring in Accounting and Business Intelligence. A few of the things that I do on campus is be a Tour Guide and a brother of Delta Sigma Pi. I am so excited to meet you and to get to know you during PSIP and the school year. We will all have a blast wandering around the city and doing service. PSIP has a special place in my heart as it was when I truly felt at home here on Hawk Hill, and I can't wait to experience that with you all. Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you soon!

Liam O'Neill '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Major: Biology

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Hi PSIP peeps! My name is Liam (I'm the one on the right), and I'm going into my senior year (don't txt). I'm majoring in biology and minoring in healthcare ethics, so if you have any questions about either of those areas of study I'd be happy to answer! Outside of class, I'm involved in SJU's gender-inclusive service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, SJU Pride, Hip Hop Hawks, and I have been a retreat leader. I am also a HUGE supporter of events on campus like Out of the Darkness, Relay for Life, and other awesome and important student led programs! While I do appreciate science and the health field, I'm also a lowkey lover of writing. Poems, creative stories, movies, TV shows, all of it. Coming into St Joe's my freshman year, I didn't get the opportunity to go on PSIP, so all of you are way ahead of me in terms of involvement and putting yourselves out there. I hope you're proud of yourself and excited for this program!!! I remember hearing all about people's unforgettable times on PSIP and how great it was to already have such an appreciative experience of service in their new home (and soon to be yours)! When I found out this past year that you didn't need to go on PSIP to lead it, I threw myself at the chance to lead you all on this exciting, educational, holistic experience. I am genuinely so eager to experience this immersion program together with you all for our first time! I promise to be reliable, supportive, and tons of fun to be around. I hope you have an amazing end of high school and a relaxing summer break, and I look forward to creating memories with you come August 15th. THWND!!!

Jimmy Faunce '20

PSIP Student Leaders

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Major: Accounting

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Welcome class of 2023! 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!

Nathan Vrabel '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Major: Accounting

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Welcome class of 2023! We are so excited to welcome you to Hawk Hill! My name is Nathan Vrabel, and I am a senior 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!

Brendan Fallon '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Walpole, MA
Major: Sports Marketing

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HELLO CLASS OF 2023!!!

Welcome to Hawk Hill and your new home for the next 4 years. PSIP is such an incredible adventure and you have already started your SJU experience on the perfect foot by signing up for this year’s PSIP. My name is Brendan Fallon and I am one of the student leaders for this year. I am a former PSIP participant and returning leader. At SJU I am involved in CLC, school retreats, intramural basketball, Hawk Host, the APEX program and being a member of this wonderful SJU community. I love Boston sports, cooking, and spending time with my friends. PSIP was the program that welcomed me to the incredible city of Philadelphia and Hawk Hill and I am so excited to welcome you to the city and school that I love. Enjoy the rest of your summer and please start getting excited for PSIP 2019!!!!!

Peter Ferrara '20

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Forest Hill, MD
Major: Finance & LEO

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Welcome class of 2023!!! I am so so excited to meet you all. After a one year break from PSIP because of study abroad (I went to Ireland and would love to tell you about it) I am back as a part of the 2019 Leadership Community and I could not be happier. A little about myself, I am a rising senior Finance and LEO double major from Forest Hill, MD. On campus I'm involved in Weekly Service, Dean's Leadership Program and APEX as well as playing pick up basketball whenever I get the chance. When I was a freshman, PSIP was the perfect gateway to college. Not only did I get to move in a few days early (and pick the better side of my room in Lafarge) but I also met a whole group of new friends before the first day of class. On top of that I was introduced to a number of new service opportunities, and got to explore campus and the city of Philadelphia right away. PSIP truly was a great way to jump into freshmen year for me and is one of the most important reasons why I can call Saint Joe's my home. Welcome to Hawk Hill and as always THWND.

Jeremy Campbell '21

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Princeton Junction, NJ
Major: Middle School Education (Social Studies)

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Welcome Saint Joseph’s University Class of 2023!!!!!! My name is Jeremy Campbell. I am a rising Junior from Princeton Junction, New Jersey and I’m majoring in Middle School Education with a concentration in Social Studies. Around campus, I am a Hawk Host, CLC Leader, Ignite retreat Coordinator, radio show host, and as you can see, a PSIP leader! Throughout my time at SJU, I’ve participated in PSIP, Spark, Ignite, Search, CLC, and APEX. As you can tell, I like to consider myself a Campus Ministry regular! If you are reading this and deciding to do PSIP (or you have already decided), congratulations! PSIP played a huge role in my college career because I got to move in early, make new friends, and see what great things were ahead of me on my SJU journey. My brother went to SJU and he encouraged me to do PSIP before my Freshman year started. At first I was hesitant because the idea of leaving home and moving in early intimidated me, however as I look back, signing up for PSIP was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. With that being said, I’m really looking forward to meeting the class of 2023! Starting college in a brand new environment is definitely a scary thought, but I hope that through your participation in PSIP all of your worries will be lifted from your heart. PSIP is a really great opportunity to meet new people, explore the city of Philadelphia, and discover new things about yourself. The leader team and I are eagerly waiting your arrival to Hawk Hill because we know that every single one of you will contribute something great to this campus. Like I said before, PSIP can help you learn new things about yourself that you might have never realized. It did for me and I know it will for you as well! So get pumped, get excited, because PSIP 2019 is going to be great!!! 🙂

Paul Koenig '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Oreland, PA
Major: Political Science and Economics

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Hello Class of 2023! Welcome to your new home!!! We, as the 2019 PSIP Leadership Team, are so exited to meet you all! My name is Paul Koenig and I am a sophomore from right outside of Philadelphia in Oreland, PA. I am a double major in Political Science and Economics. PSIP is the perfect way to start your SJU career. First, it is a fantastic introduction to service and Campus Ministry life here on Hawk Hill. A Jesuit phrase that you will hear a lot at St. Joe’s is “men and women for and with others.” PSIP perfectly embodies what that phrase means. PSIP taught me that true service requires one to build relationships, make friends, have fun and laugh. Service is not just about the task at hand, but the people for whom you are completing the task. My fantastic PSIP experience led me to participate in Weekly Service for the past two semesters. Also, it encouraged me to be a part of the Winter Immersion Program’s trip to El Salvador. Just as importantly, PSIP introduced me to the loving and all-inclusive SJU community. I met some of my closest friends at PSIP and could not be more grateful. The love, energy, passion and school spirit that I encountered during PSIP have shaped my SJU experience for the better. I cannot wait to meet you all! Enjoy your summer and see you in August!!

Nick Palermo '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Media, PA
Major: Actuarial Science

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What's up class of 2023!? I'm Nick Palermo and I'm super thrilled to meet you all come August. I'm a rising sophomore from Media PA with an Actuarial Science major and Math and RMI double minor. I love PSIP because it's a headstart on getting acclimated with campus and Philadelphia, making great friends, and finding out what service at St. Joe's is all about. Along with being a PSIP leader, I also love being a part of HawkHost, Student Senate, Dean's Leadership Program, APEX, APO service fraternity, and weekly service. WELCOME TO HAWK HILL!!

Jake Vermes '22

PSIP Student Leaders

Hometown: Cinnaminson, New Jersey

Major: Accounting

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Hey everyone, welcome to SJU! I’m super pumped for PSIP this year and can’t wait for you guys to kick off your four years on Hawk Hill with us. My name is Jake Vermes and I’m a Sophomore accounting major with a Spanish minor from South Jersey. On campus I am a Hawk Host and participate in a couple different Campus Ministry programs. Going into freshman year I too decided to do PSIP and it was one of the best decisions I made that year. Those four days allowed me to experience so many things I have never experienced before and shaped the rest of the year for me. In these four days you spend on PSIP you will meet so many amazing people and get to do some really cool things. From service to reflection and getting to experience the great city of Philadelphia in a brand-new way, these four days allow you to make so many great memories. PSIP is something you will always remember taking part in. Get pumped for an exciting four days and welcome home!!!

Thomas Francesconi '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Haddon Heights, NJ

Major: Food Marketing

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Welcome to Hawk Hill Class of 2023! I hope that you are all super excited for one of the best programs Saint Josephs has to offer, PSIP! My name is Thomas Francesconi and I am a sophomore Food Marketing major. I am so glad I chose to participate in PSIP as an incoming freshman because it was where I met my best friends on campus and where I began to love service. PSIP is not something offered at every other college, it is something at SJU that is unique and an is what I (and many others) believe is the best possible way to start your journey at Saint Josephs. PSIP inspired me to get involved on campus in other service related activities, such as Magis (a freshman weekly service group) and the Appalachian Experience (a one week service immersion trip to the Appalachian region). I am also involved in Delta Sigma Pi (one of the professional fraternities on campus), The Dean's Leadership Program, Hawk Hosts, and the First Year Leadership Team. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer and I can't wait to meet you all in August! See you soon! #PSIP2019

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Michael Harty '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Norristown, Pennsylvania
Major: Marketing

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Hello future Hawks!! My name is Michael Harty and I am a sophomore marketing major from Norristown, Pennsylvania. I'm super excited to lead PSIP this summer and meet all of you. I participated in PSIP last year and had a fantastic time. Along with PSIP, I also took part in the APEX service trip in the Spring. I am a member of the Phi Sigma Pi fraternity here at SJU. I also participate in the CO-OP program at SJU and will be working at AmerisourceBergen in the fall. I can't wait to help you all discover Philadelphia and learn all about this city, and the people who live here. At St. Joe's I found a new home and can't wait to help you all do the same. See you in August! GO BIRDS :)!!

Grace Young '22

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA
Major: Elementary and Special Education

Read Grace's Message

Hello new hawks!! Welcome home!! My name is Grace Young and I’m a rising sophomore from Drexel Hill, PA majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education. On campus, I am involved in Weekly Service (tutoring at Gompers and teaching at the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center), I was a member of the First Year Leadership Team, and I’m on the Club Tennis team. I also enjoy spending time at Club Lib (trust me, the library is the best place to socialize and procrastinate on campus), sitting on Villiger Lawn when it’s nice out, and loading up on Campion cookies 🙂 I am beyond excited for you to join our family on Hawk Hill, and I’m even more excited that you’ve decided to participate in PSIP to begin your journey here! PSIP holds such a special place in my heart and I am so grateful for the friends, memories, and experiences that the program has given me. During PSIP, we will serve, reflect on our experiences, explore Philly (my absolute favorite city), and spend time with each other as you begin your first year at the best school in the world. Enjoy your summer and get excited to begin this new chapter in your life. I can’t wait to meet you guys and share my love of St. Joe’s, Philly, and PSIP with you all! Peace, Love, PSIP!!