Executive Board

  • Pierce Bruner

    President

    Pierce Bruner (C‘26) is majoring in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minoring in Classical Studies. Pierce became involved with the Collegium Institute through the Socrates on College Preceptorial during New Student Orientation as well as the Food for Thought program and has since enjoyed the multitude of talks, panels, and discussions that the Collegium has sponsored. Through the open dialogue that the Collegium Institute provides, Pierce enjoys learning more about the intersection between religion, philosophy and other areas of study. Outside of the classroom, Pierce is an editor for the Penn Science Journal of Undergraduate Research, a consultant for Penn Sustainability Consulting, and enjoys watching soccer, reading, and running.

  • Sophia Silva

    Vice President

    Sophia Silva (W’ 26) is pursuing a double major in Multinational Management and Retailing. In her leisure time, she finds joy in playing golf, mostly in the friendships it fosters. Additionally, she has a passion for baking and cooking, with a special fondness for Mexican recipes passed down from my family. Sophia's journey with collegium began my freshman year, by engaging in 'Food for Thought' discussions and further deepened during the 'Catholic Humanism' seminar. Eager to immerse herself in the Intellectual Tradition of her Catholic Faith, she looks forward to the transformative experience this fellowship offers, anticipating that it will further enrich her personal and intellectual growth, building on the profound impact it has already had.

  • Rachel Fischer

    Blog Editor-in-Chief

    Rachel Fischer (C ‘26) is pursuing a double major in chemistry and Hispanic studies, with a minor in neuroscience. In her free time, Rachel enjoys exploring cultures through her cooking and also has a passion for reading, painting, and playing the piano. Rachel first became involved in Collegium her freshman year through its “Socrates on College” seminar and “Food for Thought” weekly discussions. As an Undergrad Fellow, she is excited to continue to spark her intellectual curiosity exploring the various programs Collegium has to offer while immersing herself in the values, community, and joys of this institution.

  • Kayla Massick

    Treasurer

    Kayla Massick (C'27) a student studying Cognitive Science. In addition to Collegium Institute programs, Kayla is involved in the Outdoors Club, Bloomers Comedy group, and Young Life Skeptics Dinners. Outside of Penn she is working on building a boat and putting her EMT training to use. She discovered Collegium through the “Socrates on College” preceptorial and has attended the “Food for Thought” modules and Friday coffeehouses ever since. She cannot wait to continue to explore and discuss the nuances of the world around us in future Collegium programming!

  • Isaiah Weir

    Secretary

    Isaiah Weir (C' 26) studies Classical languages and literatures, with a special interest in Greek and general intellectual history. He loves reading, good conversation, good tea, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is always up for a game of chess if anyone's interested. He started with Collegium his freshman year through the "Socrates on college" session and has engaged with Lectio Humana and other reading groups. He has a passion for dialogue on campus and especially engagement with the Christian intellectual tradition. 

Undergraduate Fellows

Kofi Anokye ( '28) is a student in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research, pursuing Physics and Electrical Engineering. Raised in Ghana as a Presbyterian, Kofi has always had a fervent interest in faith traditions—from reading narrative in

Kofi Anokye ( '28) is a student in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research, pursuing Physics and Electrical Engineering. Raised in Ghana as a Presbyterian, Kofi has always had a fervent interest in faith traditions—from reading narrative in the Hebrew Bible to learning about Hindu Gods and Goddesses to contemplating the theology of African traditional religions, Islam and the local, syncretic traditions that subsume them. His object in Collegium is to be edified by the Catholic philosophical tradition.

Katherine (C'26) is a student pursuing a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Chemistry. She first got involved in Collegium through the Food for Thought program and subsequently got involved in the Catholic Humanism program where she has en

Katherine (C'26) is a student pursuing a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Chemistry. She first got involved in Collegium through the Food for Thought program and subsequently got involved in the Catholic Humanism program where she has enjoyed delving deeper into the Catholic intellectual tradition. She appreciates how Collegium gives her the chance to have lively discussions with a community of intelligent and curious peers. In her free time she enjoys reading, drawing, and the outdoors.

Paul Beblavy (C’ 28) is majoring in International Relations and East Asian Languages and Civilizations. Paul first got involved in Collegium through the Socrates at College preceptorial and Catholic Humanities Fellowship during his first semester and

Paul Beblavy (C’ 28) is majoring in International Relations and East Asian Languages and Civilizations. Paul first got involved in Collegium through the Socrates at College preceptorial and Catholic Humanities Fellowship during his first semester and has been an active member ever since. Through Collegium, Paul seeks to explore his main philosophical interests, metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics, while also rigorously debating ideas through Collegium's weekly talks and Fellowship meetings. Apart from being a Collegium Undergraduate Fellow, Paul also serves on Collegium's Steering Committee, where he brings the undergraduate perspective to the Institute's decision-making. Aside from Collegium, Paul is also involved in International Relations on campus, competing as part of Penn's Modul UN Travel Team, organizing Penn's Model UN conference, while also being a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society. In his free time, Paul enjoys running, exercise and playing the arcane game of pool with his friends.

Diego Budejen-Jerez is a student from Philadelphia, PA. He attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in North Philadelphia and is now a student at Penn (C‘28). He was first introduced to the Collegium Institute in highschool through the Young Catholic

Diego Budejen-Jerez is a student from Philadelphia, PA. He attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in North Philadelphia and is now a student at Penn (C‘28). He was first introduced to the Collegium Institute in highschool through the Young Catholic Leaders Initiative (YCLI). His academic interests lie in all fields of knowledge that contribute to a deeper understanding of Christianity. Through the YCLI, he first became interested in the intellectual tradition of the Church, and is excited to continue his exploration in the years to come

Michael Cameron is a student in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business (C’28, W’28). In attending an academically rigorous Catholic prep school in New York City, he is interested in understanding how Catholic tradition and moralit

Michael Cameron is a student in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business (C’28, W’28). In attending an academically rigorous Catholic prep school in New York City, he is interested in understanding how Catholic tradition and morality intertwine with the foundations behind business, law, and philosophy. He is also passionate about global issues like preventing the rise of authoritarianism due to his background as a Hungarian-American dual national. Michael first got involved with Collegium through the Food for Thought session about conspiracy theories, and he is now involved in the Philosophy of Finance Fellowship. In his free time, Michael loves to play, watch, and read books about soccer.

Alexander Chotai (C'26) is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in Philosophy and Linguistics. Further drawn to the Catholic faith in high school in part due to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the writings of thinkers

Alexander Chotai (C'26) is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in Philosophy and Linguistics. Further drawn to the Catholic faith in high school in part due to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the writings of thinkers such as Saints Thomas Aquinas and Augustine, Alex has long taken interest in philosophy as it applies to faith. Through taking part in various Collegium modules - such as Catholic Humanism, Lectio Humana, and the various intellectual retreats and seminars offered throughout the year - he has gained a new appreciation for the vast and rich history of Christian thought. Alex is conversant in several languages and aims to use this skill in reading texts as they were originally written. In his free time, Alex enjoys learning about the faith, self-studying various foreign languages.

Hyniff Collins is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Religion and minoring in Political Science. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Hyniff attended Freire Charter High School. At Penn, Hyniff is a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, an editor

Hyniff Collins is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Religion and minoring in Political Science. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Hyniff attended Freire Charter High School. At Penn, Hyniff is a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, an editor for Christian journal Penn Epistle, and is a SNF Paideia Fellow. Hyniff enjoys writing and reading about Christian theology. He is an avid scholar of theology and aspires to be a professor of theology, focusing specifically on eastern Christian theology.

Catalina Gallardo (C '27) is a student in the College of Arts & Sciences from Miami, Florida. She is majoring in Political Science, concentrating in International Relations, and double-minoring in International Development and History of Art. Aspirin

Catalina Gallardo (C '27) is a student in the College of Arts & Sciences from Miami, Florida. She is majoring in Political Science, concentrating in International Relations, and double-minoring in International Development and History of Art. Aspiring to become a Diplomat, she thoroughly studies debate & dialogue while still enjoying leisure time spent playing tennis, long runs, and with friends. Catalina became involved with the Collegium Institute through the Penn Newman Center and Collegium's Legal Humanities fellowships.

Samuel J.C. Hatfield is an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences studying English. He is involved in the Collegium Institute and the Penn Catholic Newman Center and enjoys discussing theology and literature.

Samuel J.C. Hatfield is an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences studying English. He is involved in the Collegium Institute and the Penn Catholic Newman Center and enjoys discussing theology and literature.

Teddy Kaiser (C’28) is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in Biology on the pre-med track. He has always been fascinated by the search for truth in the universe and discovered, through the "Food for Thought" module, that the

Teddy Kaiser (C’28) is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in Biology on the pre-med track. He has always been fascinated by the search for truth in the universe and discovered, through the "Food for Thought" module, that the collegium explored these topics. While most of his life is spent seeking that truth in the realm of empirical science—whether through classes, research, or recreational reading—he also recognizes the importance of philosophical thought and religion in asking questions that elude the scientific method.

Isaiah Littlejohn (C’28) is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. Although he has not yet declared a major, he plans to study Law and Society. Isaiah is interested in understanding others’ perspectives on morals, laws, and politics—not jus

Isaiah Littlejohn (C’28) is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. Although he has not yet declared a major, he plans to study Law and Society. Isaiah is interested in understanding others’ perspectives on morals, laws, and politics—not just how people develop these views, but also how such beliefs inform their broader outlook on the world. He aspires to pursue a career where he can serve as an informed voice—one that unites rather than divides, and helps people see the human behind different beliefs. Isaiah was first introduced to Collegium through the Young Catholic Leaders Initiative, which helped deepen his engagement with dialogue and intellectual community. In addition to Collegium Institute programs, he is a content manager for the Penn Review, an SNF Paideia Fellow for Civic Dialogue, and a member of the Netter Center Student Advisory Board. He also pursues interests in music and writing.

Wesley Liu (C’28) is currently pursuing a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Wesley is passionate about Christian ethics and apologetics, drawing from his favorite church fathers as well as C.S. Lewis (his favorite author of all time). In

Wesley Liu (C’28) is currently pursuing a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Wesley is passionate about Christian ethics and apologetics, drawing from his favorite church fathers as well as C.S. Lewis (his favorite author of all time). In his free time, Wesley enjoys reading, laughing with friends, and admiring nature. Wesley has participated in the Catholic Humanism, Philosophy of Finance fellowships among others. Wesley is excited to serve as an Undergraduate Fellow at the Collegium Institute to continue to feast at God’s wisdom banquet.

Melody Luo is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C’26), majoring in Political Science and English and minoring in Legal Studies, History, and Urban Education - Policy, Research, and Practice. Her academic and career interests include cons

Melody Luo is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C’26), majoring in Political Science and English and minoring in Legal Studies, History, and Urban Education - Policy, Research, and Practice. Her academic and career interests include constitutional law, racial formation theory, and education and food policy reform. At Penn, Melody is part of the Penn Mock Trial team, Undergraduate Assembly, PennYo A Cappella, and the SNF Paideia Fellowship Program. She was first introduced to Collegium through the Legal Humanities Fellowship and looks forward to building bridges across divides through having meaningful conversations with her peers.

Raphael Renzo Martinez is a student from Sylmar, California intending to pursue a double major in philosophy and physics at the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27). Some of his research interests lie at the intersection of philosophy and science, but

Raphael Renzo Martinez is a student from Sylmar, California intending to pursue a double major in philosophy and physics at the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27). Some of his research interests lie at the intersection of philosophy and science, but his other hobbies include chess, basketball and filmmaking. He intends to use the Collegium Institute to cultivate thoughts seeded in others’ perspectives.

Griffin Pitt (C ‘26) is pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies. She is concentrating in Water Management for both majors. Her senior thesis is about nature-based solutions for water conservation, where she investigates the

Griffin Pitt (C ‘26) is pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies. She is concentrating in Water Management for both majors. Her senior thesis is about nature-based solutions for water conservation, where she investigates the intersection between water-capture technology efficacy and its economic and social impacts. Her research is currently based in the Kamba community of East Africa, Andean indigenous techniques in Peru, and evaluating the Sponge City Program (SCP) in China. Outside of water management, Griffin is an avid reader, athlete and artist. In addition to Collegium, she is an SNF Paideia Fellow and President of the Benjamin Franklin Scholars. She is a Research Fellow at The Water Center at Penn and the Penn Institute for Urban Research. She is from North Carolina.

Tyler Ringhofer is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27) from Orange County, California. He intends to pursue a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and is passionate about the intersections between Business and Law. He thoroug

Tyler Ringhofer is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27) from Orange County, California. He intends to pursue a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and is passionate about the intersections between Business and Law. He thoroughly enjoys Collegium Institute’s “Food For Thought” discussions, which has opened up his mind to fascinating philosophical and religious topics. In his free time, you can find him on the basketball court perfecting his three-point shot as well as cheering on his favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

Emilia is a pre-law student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a double-major in PPE and Classical Languages (C ’26). She first got involved with the Penn Newman Center, and is now in “Food for Thought” and the Sun Rises in the East program.

Emilia is a pre-law student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a double-major in PPE and Classical Languages (C ’26). She first got involved with the Penn Newman Center, and is now in “Food for Thought” and the Sun Rises in the East program. Some of her research interests include the dual evolution of regulation and scientific innovation, ancient women in Rome, and the role of credentialism in building public trust. As part of Collegium, Emilia hopes to build her understanding of how the Catholic intellectual tradition can become integrated into modern life and build community with her peers.

Undergraduate Fellow Alumni