Office of Mission Programs

Office of Mission Programs

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

Clare Yeatman

  Clare Yeatman '26

 Student Director for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Majors: English and Secondary Education
Minor: History

Hey Hawks! My name is Clare Yeatman and I am SO excited to be directing First Year PSIP this year! I am a senior English and secondary education major with a history minor from Wilmington Delaware. On campus, I work as a Writing Center tutor and I am involved in Chapel Choir, Summer Scholars, Sigma Tau Delta, and other activities! Outside of school, I enjoy reading, theater, music, and playing with my pets. I have been involved in PSIP since my freshman year as both a participant and a leader. This program has truly shaped my experience at SJU, giving me some of my best friends, and helping me find a sense of community both on campus and beyond. PSIP has taught me the value of serving with and for others, and how service, when done with love and a desire to connect, can become the ultimate act of building community. I can’t wait for PSIP 2025! 
Nora Zakrzewski

  Nora Zakrzewski '26

 Student Coordinator for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA
Majors: Math and Data Science
Minor: Faith-Justice Studies

Hi PSIP Nation!!! My name is Nora Zakrzewski and I am from Rising Senior from Drexel Hill, PA. I am a Math and Data Science double major with a minor in Faith-Justice Studies. On campus I am a McNulty Scholar, work with the Faith-Justice Institute, am an APEX Student Coordinator, and am a brother of PSP. I participated in PSIP my freshman year and it not only introduced me to some of my best friends, but it also taught me the value of serving with and for others in our community. It also opened the door to so many amazing opportunities on campus. I have been a leader for both PSIP and PSIP 2.0 and I am so excited to coordinate this year! See you all soon!!!
George Vyzaniaris

  George Vyzaniaris '26

 Student Coordinator for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Furlong, PA
Majors: Accounting and Supply Chain Management
 

Hi everyone! My name is George Vyzaniaris and I am a rising senior. On campus, I am involved in Delta Sigma Pi and Intramural Volleyball. I love PSIP because it is a great way to build community in Philadelphia, while also forming friendships along the way. You truly find what it means to be with and for others. This is my fourth year being a part of PSIP and I cannot wait to do it again!
Madeline Ashton

  Madeline Ashton '27

 Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Conyngham, PA
Majors: Mathematics and Data Science

Hey! My name is Madeline, and I will be a junior at SJU this year with majors in mathematics and data science. Some of my involvements on campus include being a McNulty scholar, a student leader for Agape Christian Fellowship, a tutor at the Writing Center, and a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. I also studied abroad in Rome, Italy in the spring! My Christian faith is an important piece of my identity, and PSIP has been a great outlet for me to express and explore that. This program has taught me so much about the meaning and impact of service. PSIP is also a great way to build and enhance community, both within and outside of Saint Joe's-- I can't wait to see what this year holds!
Clare Bentle

   Clare Bentley '27

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Food Marketing
Minor: Leadership, Ethics and Organizational Sustainability (LEO)

Hi everyone! My name is Clare Bentley and I am a junior 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, I was an APEX 2024 and 2025 participant. 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!
Liz Bolado

   Elizabeth Bolado '27

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Paramus, NJ
Major: Psychology

 Hiiiii! My name is Liz, I’m a junior Psychology major from Northern NJ, and I am so excited to be your PSIP leader. I love listening to music with the windows down, picking and arranging flowers, being Latina, dancing, artistic expression, and one of my favorite phrases is “peace and love.” I’ve been involved in service for a few years, but PSIP completely changed my perspective and helped me embrace everything SJU has to offer. Though PSIP, I met incredible people, learned so much about community and social justice, and even got to step inside the Eagles locker room at Lincoln Financial Field (they did win the Super Bowl that year… just saying). I can’t wait to help welcome you to campus and kick off your SJU journey with PSIP 2025!
KatieBrennan

   Katie Brennan '27

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Delco, PA
Major: Psychology

Hi everyone!!! My name is Katie Brennan and I'm a junior Psychology major from Delco, PA! On campus, I am the Vice President of Programming for DPhiE, and a member of Alpha Omega CLC and I'm a Kinney Scholar. I am also involved in APEX and Campus Ministry retreats. I participated in PSIP my freshman year and it was such an amazing introduction to SJU and I'm so excited to share that with more first-years!
Ava Bullis

   Ava Bullis '28

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Manahawkin, NJ
Major: Finance
Minor: International Business

Hey everyone! My name is Ava Bullis and I'm a sophomore from Manahawkin, NJ. I am majoring in Finance and have a minor in International Business here at Saint Joe's. Outside of PSIP, on campus I am involved in the University Student Senate as the Secretary of Mission, the Society of International Business as the CFO, and the Dean's Leadership Program. Other than this, I love to travel, read, and volunteer for important causes. I became a first-year leader because PSIP welcomed me with open arms when I first arrived here at SJU and helped me find a sense of community during a new chapter in my life. I cannot wait to meet you all and for you to get to experience this amazing program as well!
Natalie Cicale

   Natalie Cicale '26

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Bridgewater, NJ
Majors: Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Business
Minors: Business Intelligence & Analytics

Welcome first years!! My name is Natalie Cicale and I’m a senior from Central Jersey majoring in Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Business with a minor in Business Intelligence & Analytics. On campus, I’m involved in Delta Sigma Pi, Phi Sigma Sigma, and club dance. This will be my third year leading PSIP and I cannot wait to engage in service and explore Philly with you all!
Marissa DeRosa

   Marissa DeRosa '28

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Northfield, NJ
Major: Health Science-Pre PA   

Hiiiii! My name is Marissa DeRosa and I am a sophomore from Northfield, NJ majoring in Health Science in the Pre-Physician Assistant Program. On campus I am a weekly service CPC (for Keystone Hospice), Co President of Sharing Excess, a mentor for DREAM SJU, Social Media Chair for Pre- PA Club, and I spent my spring break on APEX in Tennessee. In my free time I love hot yoga, reading, the beach, and of course, service! This is my first year as a PSIP leader and I can't wait to help you all become more involved in the Philadelphia community and learn about the importance of service. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!!
Alex DiGiacomo '26

   Alex DiGiacomo '26

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Lafayette Hill, PA
Major: Biology
Minor: Art

Hi guys! I'm Alex DiGiacomo and I'm a rising senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Art. I currently commute from my hometown Lafayette Hill, PA and love a good scenic drive. Around campus you can likely find me in the library chatting with friends. I am involved in service within Campus Ministry, Biology research, and Art Club. In my free time, I'll probably be on a hike, painting, or at a concert venue in Philly. No matter my role in PSIP, its always the best start to my year-- can't wait to see you all in August!
Caroline Galvin '26

    Caroline Galvin '26

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Norwood, MA
Major: English
Minors: Psychology and Irish Studies

 Hey everyone! My name is Caroline and I'm a senior English major from Boston, Massachusetts. On campus, I'm involved in club soccer, APEX, weekly service, Alpha Gamma Delta, and the Crimson and Gray literary magazine. In my free time I love running, traveling, watching movies, going to the beach, and spending time with my friends and family. My favorite part about PSIP is forming connections with other students at Saint Joe's as well as community members in Philadelphia. Can't wait to meet you all soon!!
Ethan Grabowski '28

    Ethan Grabowski '28

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Pottsville, PA
Major: Exercise Physiology/DPT

 Hey everyone! My name is Ethan and I am a rising sophomore from Pottsville, PA. I am a Exercise Physiology Major in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. On campus, I am involved in APEX, intramural sports, and work for campus rec. Some of my hobbies include traveling, sports, and hanging out with friends. I participated in PSIP last fall, which not only introduced me to many new friends and opportunities on campus but also gave me a newfound interest in serving others and creating meaningful relationships. I cannot wait to get started and meet all of you!
Nora Higley '27

    Nora Higley '27

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Major: Exercise Physiology 

 Hi everyone! My name is Nora Higley and I am a junior from Wilmington, Delaware with a major in Exercise Physiology. On campus, I am involved in the Akpsi business fraternity where I hold the position of service chair, and I have also participated in PSIP and APEX. I am very excited to be a first year leader this year given that my participation in PSIP has had such a big impact on my college experience so far! Through service, PSIP not only connected me with the SJU community, but with the Philadelphia community as a whole. I can confidently say that PSIP provided me with the best introduction to campus and life here at SJU and helped me feel right at home. I am so excited for my second year as a PSIP leader!!!
Kerry McCullagh '28

    Kerry McCullagh '28

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Spanish

 Hey everyone! I'm Kerry and I am a rising sophomore and a first time PSIP leader! I am a neuroscience major with a Spanish minor and I play club softball! Some of my favorite things are concerts, the phillies, and going to brunch with friends. I loved PSIP so much last year, so I am so excited for all of you to experience it too!
Emily Medwid '27

    Emily Medwid '27

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Abington, PA
Major: Biology

 Hi guys!! My name is Emily Medwid and I'm a junior biology major. On campus, I'm in Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, and participated in PSIP 2.0 2024, as well as the Winter Immersion Program 2025. I'm from Abington PA, and I LOVE Philly. I love philly sports, hanging out with my friends, playing with my dog, listening to music, reading, coloring - anything to keep me busy! 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 :) 
Cora Moeller '27

    Cora Moeller '27

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA
Majors: English and Sociology
Minors: Faith Justice and Irish Studies

Hellooo!! My name is my Cora and I am a junior English and sociology double major with minors in faith justice and Irish studies! I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing team and cannot wait for PSIP 2025! I was a first time leader last year, and I participated as an incoming freshman as well. PSIP has given me the chance to grow so much as well as learn about my community and what it truly means to work with and for others. Outside of PSIP I am a brother of Phi Sigma Pi and take part in service learning through the Faith Justice Institute at SJU. My favorite place to be is Citizens Bank Park, I have 4 cats, and I read many books whenever I can :) 
Sean Parchesky '27

    Sean Parchesky '27

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

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

 Hi everyone! My name is Sean Parchesky and I am so excited to be a first-year leader for PSIP this year! I’m originally from Washington Township, NJ and am a rising junior double majoring in finance and business intelligence & analytics. On campus I am involved with Delta Sigma Pi, Gaelic Football, Weekly Service at Gesu School, and Beta Gamma Sigma. I was a participant of PSIP 2.0 last year, which gave me a newfound understanding of service. PSIP is a a great way to start your experience at SJU, so I can’t wait to experience it again and see what this year has in store!
Rory Peterson '28

    Rory Peterson '28

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Delco, PA
Major: Food Marketing 

 Welcome, first years; my name is Rory Peterson. I'm a rising sophomore studying food marketing, and I'm from Delco, PA. I am currently a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. I wanted to become a PSIP leader because I know how important it is to the college experience to get immersed in the surrounding area of SJU. 
Sydney Phillips '26

    Sydney Phillips '26

  Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: North Andover, MA
Major: Psychology 

Hi everyone!! My name is Sydney Phillips and i’m so excited to be a first year PSIP leader!! I am a senior psychology major from Boston,MA. On campus, my involvements are being President of City Belles, APEX Leader, Hawk Host, and PSP. Outside of campus, i love anything to do with music, the outdoors, and being with my friends! I’ve been a participant of PSIP for the past two years and cannot wait to be a leader for year 3!! The PSIP program helped me find my love for service and gain so many friendships and memories, and I truly cannot imagine my college experience without PSIP! Can’t wait to meet you all!
Mercedes Pierce '26

   Mercedes Pierce '26

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Medford, NJ
Major: Biology
Minors: Theology & Religious Studies; Health Care Ethics

Hiiii!!! My name is Mercedes Pierce and I am a rising senior from Medford, NJ. I am a Biology major on the pre-dental track. On campus I am a sister of Alpha Phi, a McNulty fellow, weekly service CPC, APEX participant, and involved in Biology lab research. I participated in PSIP 2024 and absolutely LOVED it. It is the perfect way to start each school year by immersing yourself within the community around Saint Joes. I am so excited and I cant wait to meet everyone!!!! 
Matteo Reina '28

   Matteo Reina '28

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

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

Hey everyone! My name is Matteo Reina, I am a rising sophomore Finance and BIA double major from West Orange, NJ. Some things I am involved with on campus are Delta Sigma Pi, intermural sports, and real estate society. I love PSIP because it is such a great way to explore the city of Philadelphia, while meeting future classmates and friends, while doing service.  
Hannah Riley '26

   Hannah Riley '26

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Rockville, MD
Majors: Elementary and Special Education
Minor: Psychology

Hi everyone!! My name is Hannah and I’m from Rockville, Maryland. I’m a senior elementary and special education major and a psychology minor! On campus, I’m involved with the PACE program, weekly service, APEX, chamber music, and chapel band. I also love running, baking, and hiking! PSIP is such a great way to start the year, and you get to meet really cool people in our communities and on campus! I’m so excited to meet you all!!
Rebecca Romito

   Rebecca Romito '26

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Cranford, NJ
Major: English 
Minor: Communications

Hey everyone! My name is Rebecca Romito and I am a senior English major from Cranford, NJ. PSIP is the perfect way to start at St.Joe's and I am so excited to meet everyone! 
Ana Saya-Pucello '28

   Ana Saya-Pucello '28

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Majors: Chemical Biology and Spanish

Hi!! My name is Ana Saya-Pucello, and I am a sophomore from Syracuse, NY. I am a double major in chemical biology and Spanish! I am a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, Chapel Band, and participated in Apex 2025 and PSIP 2024. Some of my favorite things are dogs, music, reading, and Phillies games. I am so excited for PSIP, especially since I am a first time leader, and can't wait to meet everyone!!
Emily Scheidecker '27

   Emily Scheidecker '27

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Major: English
Minor: Psychology

Hey! My name is Emily Scheidecker and I'm a junior English major. On campus, I’m involved in Alpha Sigma Tau, Art Club, APEX, and The Hawk Newspaper. PSIP is such a great way to ease into college by meeting new people, exploring Philly, and getting involved in service right from the start. Being at a city school means we get to connect with our community in real, meaningful ways. I’m so excited to help you get to know service at St. Joe’s and be part of such a fun, welcoming group!
Ava Shaner '27

   Ava Shaner '27

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: Springfield, PA
Majors: Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business

Hi! My name is Ava Shaner, and I’m a junior Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business Major. On campus, I am a Service Scholar through the Faith-Justice institute, I am a part of Agape Christian Fellowship, I am in Alpha Kappa Psi professional fraternity, and I have participated in APEX and PSIP. I am excited to be a leader for PSIP again this year for my second year in a row! I have loved PSIP ever since my freshman year, and I can’t wait to share the PSIP 2025 experience with you all!!
Kylie Tang '26

   Kylie Tang '26

   Student Leader for First-Year PSIP

Hometown: South Philadelphia, PA
Majors: Human Resources and People Management
Minors: Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Hi everyone!!! my name is Kylie and i’m a rising senior Business major with a Psychology minor! On campus, I’ve been involved with PSIP since the beginning of my four years, as well as APEX, CLC, and as a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta! On my free time, I love doing hot pilates and yoga with friends, going to the beach, hiking, and concerts! I love PSIP because of the large and loving community of participants, leaders, and Philadelphia of course that makes this program what it is! There’s truly nothing quite like starting the school year with an atmosphere this welcoming and being able to go into communities in Philadelphia while also getting acclimated onto campus early!
Ryan Torgerson '27

   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 the First Year Leadership Team for PSIP! Outside of PSIP, I’m involved in the Paw It Forward club and weekly service, 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 cafés. 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 2025!