Freshman PSIP

Program Information

PSIP, Philadelphia Service Immersion Program, is a four day optional early move-in experience. Students participate in community service, explore historic and cultural destinations in the Philadelphia area, and foster a community amongst your peers rooted in the Jesuit mission of being with and for others.

Its goal is to introduce incoming freshmen, and now sophomores, immediately and intensely to our Jesuit values of social justice, service to those on the margin, moral discernment, and intellectual inquiry. The program is very holistic in design, including intellectual, service, and cultural components.

Participant applications for first-year students can be accessed here.

Meet the Team

Madeline Ashton

Madeline Ashton '27

Student Director for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Hazleton, PA
Major: Mathematics and Data Science

Hey everyone! My name is Madeline, and I am thrilled to be the student director for PSIP 2026! Community is one of the most valuable pieces of my SJU experience, and I am so excited to share that with the class of 2030 through PSIP. On campus, I am a peer tutor, a McNulty Scholar, a member of the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta, and a leader for Agape Christian Fellowship. I also do research in applied mathematics, help run SJU's basic needs center, HawkHUB, and take any opportunity to travel! I have been involved in PSIP since my freshman year, and it has undoubtedly shaped my passions for faith, fellowship, and social justice. This program demonstrates the value of serving with and for others as we strive towards a more loving, inclusive, equitable society. I look forward to all that PSIP 2026 has in store!

Clare Bentley

Clare Bentley '27

Student Coordinator for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Food Marketing

Hi everyone! My name is Clare Bentley and I am a senior from Seattle, Washington. I am a Food Marketing major with a LEO minor. On campus I am in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, and was an APEX 2024 and 2025 participant and 2026 leader. I love to travel, spend time with friends and family, craft, and go to concerts. I did PSIP 2023 which was the best way to be welcomed into the SJU community. I am so excited to welcome you all to campus and to start the year with some fun memories!

Ryan Torgerson

Ryan Torgerson '27

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Major: Exercise Physiology
Minor: Psychology

Hi! My name is Ryan Torgerson, and I'm from Staten Island, New York. I'm majoring in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Psychology, and I hope to continue my career in the world of health and fitness. I'm super excited to be a part of PSIP as a leader for the second time around! Outside of PSIP, I'm involved in the Paw It Forward club, Health and Wellness club, and you can usually find me either working out or working at the gym. I love going on walks, journaling, playing almost any sport, and spending time in cafes. Surprisingly, PSIP showed me what I love most, spreading love (as corny as that may sound), and I can't wait to help you feel supported, seen, and welcomed in this community. I'm so excited for PSIP 2026!

Ali Poloney

Ali Poloney '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Pitman, NJ
Major: Accounting and LEO

Hi, my name is Ali Poloney! I am a Sophomore Accounting and LEO double major. I participated in PSIP last year, and it was truly amazing. In addition to being a PSIP leader; I am also a campus tour guide, SI Leader, honors student, and a member of women in business. I love working out and reading (book recommendations are always welcome). I can't wait for PSIP to start because it is such a great way to give back to the Philadelphia community while also making new friends here at St. Joe's!

Kaitlynn Kirk

Kaitlynn Kirk '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Berlin, NJ
Major: International Business

Hey everyone! My name is Kaitlynn Kirk and I am a sophomore from Berlin, NJ majoring in International Business. On campus, I am heavily involved in our campus ministry affiliated clubs, such as chapel choir, handbells, LIFT, and many more. I'm also a member of the theater club, HawkHub, APEX, and the incoming president for the Society for International Business! Outside of school, I love exploring the city and spending time with friends. I wanted to become a PSIP leader because service and building meaningful connections with others have become such an important part of my college experience. Last year, PSIP helped me feel welcomed and connected when I first came to Saint Joe's, and it introduced me to opportunities to serve throughout Philadelphia while forming friendships that made campus feel like home. I can't wait to meet all of you and make this an amazing experience together!

Sean Parchesky

Sean Parchesky '27

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
Major: Finance and Business Intelligence & Analytics

Hi! I'm a rising senior from Washington Township, NJ majoring in finance and BIA. This is my third year participating in PSIP and my second as a leader. On campus I'm involved in DSP, Weekly Service, and Gaelic Football. I'm so excited for another year of PSIP, and I can't wait to welcome all the new freshmen into SJU and the service opportunities our school offers!

Riley Green

Riley Green '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Stroudsburg, PA
Major: Nursing, BSN

Welcome to PSIP Nation!! My name is Riley, and I have been a PSIP participant for the last two years, this year being my first as a leader. I grew up in the Poconos so I have grown to love hiking, paddleboarding, and just being in the fresh air! I also enjoy traveling, and exploring new places as much as possible. I am a Nursing major, as well as a cadet in Air Force ROTC; my ultimate goal is to be a Flight Nurse in the Air Force. On campus, I am also the VP of SNAP (Student Nursing Association), as well as one of the Club Sport Supervisors. PSIP was my first experience at SJU and I will forever be grateful for finding my belonging on campus through this amazing program. I encourage all of you to step out of your comfort zone and talk to as many other participants and leaders as possible, you never know who will end up becoming some of your best friends! Embrace every volunteering experience you encounter, and take the lessons you learn from PSIP into your own world, each and every one of us can take the small steps to make this world a better place :)

Ella Perso

Ella Perso '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Kennett Square, PA
Major: Nursing

Hi everyone!! My name is Ella, and I am a junior nursing major from Kennett Square, PA! I love to travel, visit Cape May, and work out. On campus, I love to be involved in Campus ministry with PSIP and Weekly Service (Gompers Recess)! I also am an exec board member for the student nurses association and club swimming, and in addition I am a nursing tutor. I did PSIP my freshman year and returned as a 2.0 leader, and it truly changed my time here at SJU! My faith is an important part of who I am, and being given the opportunity to serve with others has allowed me to grow so much. I'm so excited to welcome you all and start off the year with so many fun memories!

Cole Donkus

Cole Donkus '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Kutztown, PA
Major: Biochemistry
Minors: Business, Faith-Justice Studies

Hi!! My name is Cole Donkus, and I am a sophomore from Kutztown, PA. I am a biochemistry major with minors in business administration and faith-justice studies. On campus, I've been involved in Relay for Life, the First Year Leadership Team (FYLT), Weekly Service at the GESU after-school program, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This year, I'll also be serving as an assistant catechist for those interested in baptism and confirmation within the Church here at Saint Joe's. Outside of school, I love running, hiking, and service! This is my second year being a part of PSIP and my first year being a leader. I can't wait to get started and meet you all!!

Nicolai Pipitone

Nicolai Pipitone '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Watertown, MA
Major: RMI & LEO

Hello, I'm Nicolai, and I'm an upcoming sophomore at SJU! Some of my hobbies are going to the gym, exploring, and meeting new people. I'm currently involved in the Dean's Leadership Program here at SJU, and through PSIP, I aim to become more connected with the freshman class while also being a supportive and confident leader. A fun fact about me is that I was born in Moscow, Russia!

Juliana Attanasio

Juliana Attanasio '27

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Nazareth, PA
Major: Psychology
Minor: Clinical Concentration

Hi, my name is Juliana Attanasio. On campus I am a part of weekly service, vice president of club volleyball, president of Psi Chi, secretary of Alpha Sigma Nu, APEX, PATH, and I am doing research with Dr. McCleery. I'm so excited for PSIP this year and I can't wait to meet everyone!

Nick Trasatti

Nicholas Trasatti '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Brookhaven, PA
Major: Risk Management and Insurance, Finance

At SJU, I'm involved with AKPSI, intramural sports, weekly service, APEX, and a few other low-key clubs as well. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and playing yard games during the summer. To me, PSIP represents altruism, meaning giving your time and service to help others in need while creating a positive impact on others, which I find fulfilling.

Leah Byrnes

Leah Byrnes '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Verona, NJ
Major: Elementary and Special Education

Hi everyone! My name is Leah Byrnes and I am a sophomore from Verona, New Jersey. I am an Elementary and Special Education major. On campus, I am a part of the Magis Education Scholars, involved with the PACE program, weekly service, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, and participated in PSIP 2025! PSIP is a great way to get acclimated to campus and explore the city of Philadelphia before the school year even starts! I am so excited to experience PSIP for the second time as a leader and can't wait to meet everyone!!

Jackie Heyer

Jackie Heyer '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Kennett Square, PA
Major: Elementary Education and Special Education

Hi! My name is Jackie, and I am a rising sophomore from Kennett Square, PA!! I study elementary education and special education here at SJU. On campus I am involved with club swimming and I am a member of the Magis Education Scholars! I also participate in weekly service through service learning courses. I am beyond excited to be a PSIP leader this fall since PSIP brought me an amazing community and so many meaningful experiences during my time as a participant. I can't wait to get to know everyone!!

Abigail Mangan

Abby Mangan '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Kennett Square, PA
Major: English and Music Double Major

My name is Abby Mangan and I am very excited to be a leader of PSIP 2026! I started as a first year participant in 2024 and I got to be a leader of the PSIP 2.0 program in 2025. PSIP is so important to me because it was the first step that I took in college as a young adult looking to discover, participate in, and fall in love with my new community of Philadelphia. Outside of PSIP, I am a writing tutor at the Writing Center, I am Co-Music Director for Hawkappella as well as a member of our all-female acapella group The City Belles. I am in Alpha Kappa Psi as well as Alpha Omicron Pi and I am a part of the Dean's Leadership Program here at SJU. I was a competitive swimmer growing up and still love to swim in my free time. I can't wait for PSIP 2026!

Paige Tacker

Paige Tacker '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Whitehall, PA
Major: Nursing

Hey! My name is Paige Tacker, and I am a sophomore nursing major. On campus I am a part of Agape Christian Fellowship as well as Agape's women small group, and I am in SNAP, the Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania on Hawk Hill! I enjoy thrifting (or any type of shopping), listening to music, taking my dog for walks, hanging out with my friends, and trying new coffee places :) I loved my PSIP experience last year and I am so excited to be a part of it again, but as a leader this time. I can't wait to share this amazing experience with all of you. We are going to have so much fun exploring Philly, making new friends, and most importantly doing service!

Arianna Lopez Silguero

Arianna Lopez '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Major: Health Science in the DPT track

Hey!! My name is Arianna Lopez, and I am from Long Island, NY. I am a health science major in the DPT track. On campus I have been involved in Tennis Club, First Year Leadership, and in the fall will be a leader for the Ignite Retreat! On my own time I love playing tennis, hiking, watching movies, and trying new food places. This is my second year doing PSIP and first being a leader! So hype for PSIP 2026!!

Kerry McCullough

Kerry McCullagh '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Spanish

Hey everyone! My name is Kerry and I am a junior Neuroscience major and Spanish minor from Lansdale, PA! On campus, I am PR Officer of the Pre-Medical Society, Vice President of Club Softball, a member of the Biology Club, and a brother of Phi Sigma Pi. I am beyond excited to meet all of you and to experience all that PSIP has to offer alongside you! See you soon!

Adriana Saya-Pucello

Ana Saya-Pucello '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Major: Chemical Biology and Spanish

Hi!! My name is Ana Saya-Pucello, and I am a Junior from Syracuse, NY. I am a double major in chemical biology and Spanish! I am a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, Pit Orchestra, participated in Apex 2025 and 2026, and it is my second year as a PSIP leader. Some of my favorite things are dogs, hiking, reading, and Phillies games. I am so excited for PSIP, and can't wait to meet everyone!!

Michaela Dennean

Michaela Dennean '29

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Major: English
Minors: Irish Studies, Spanish

Hi everyone! My name is Michaela and I'm a rising sophomore from Long Island, New York. I'm an English major with minors in Irish Studies and Spanish. Here on campus, I'm involved in Phi Sig, weekly service at Gesu School, Hawk Host, APEX, and run club. I love reading, baking, journaling, and long coffee walks with friends! PSIP was the best introduction to Philly and St. Joe's that I could've ever imagined, and it brought me some of my best friends! Can't wait to meet you all!!

Joely McMullen

Joely McMullen '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Greensburg, PA
Major: Sociology
Minor: Faith Justice Studies

Hello!!! My name is Joely and I am a rising junior sociology major with a faith justice studies minor. I am beyond excited for PSIP 2026! On campus, I am a student program coordinator for the Winter Immersion Program, a service scholar with the Faith Justice Institute, and a member of the chapel choir. I also love to read and craft!! PSIP has been such a special part of my SJU experience because it introduced me to service, justice, and Philadelphia in an exciting, community-oriented way. I can't wait to meet you all!

Matteo Reina

Matteo Reina '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: West Orange, NJ
Major: Finance and Business Intelligence & Analytics
Minor: Real Estate Finance

Hi guys, I'm Matteo. I'm involved in Delta Sigma Pi, Gaelic football, investing club, and real estate society outside of PSIP. Outside of school, I love to travel and watch sports. I'm really excited for PSIP this year and can't wait to meet all of you.

Colin Ottensen

Colin Ottesen '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: West Chester, PA
Major: Psychology

A few of my hobbies and interests are that I love all sports but especially love watching and playing basketball. I'm also attempting to learn the guitar. On campus, I participate in weekly service and I will also be a leader for APEX this year. I'm very excited to meet everyone!

Emily Medwid

Emily Medwid '27

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Abington, PA
Major: Biology

Hi everyone!! I'm Emily and I'm a senior biology major. On campus, I'm involved in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and have participated in various campus ministry programs like APEX, WIP, and PSIP!! I'm from Abington, PA and I LOVE Philly. I love animals, taking care of my plants, spending time with friends, listening to music, and scrapbooking. PSIP is such a special way to ease into campus culture: meeting new people, exploring Philadelphia, and participating in service that benefits everyone involved! I'm so excited and can't wait to meet everyone :)

Karoline Geslak

Karoline Geslak '28

Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Holmdel, NJ
Major: English and Secondary Education

Hello!! My name is Karoline Geslak, and I'm a junior English and Secondary Education dual major from Holmdel, NJ. On campus, I'm involved in Campus Ministry's first year retreats, APEX, and am a tutor in the Writing Center. In my free time, I love going to local coffee shops, watching movies, going to the beach, and spending time with my friends and family. For me, PSIP was the ultimate welcome to the SJU and Philadelphia community. I love PSIP and I can't wait for you all to experience it too!