Hospitality Team
The Institute for Social Concerns’ work depends upon a vibrant community, and the institute’s hospitality team is instrumental in creating and sustaining that. They share a commitment to the institute’s mission and values and open the door for guests to learn more about justice education, research for the common good, and conversations that matter. They can answer questions about our courses, programs, and events; put you in touch with Social Concerns faculty and staff; and guide you through our website or show you around the building.
Isaac Bernsten
What’s up! I am Isaac Bernsten, a senior in Siegfried Hall majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies and minoring in Public Service. I am from Rockford, Illinois. I have participated in the Appalachia Seminar three times, twice as a leader and once as a student, as well as Solidarity and the City in the spring. The Institute for Social Concerns has given me life-changing experiences and lifelong friendships, so feel free to ask me any questions about what it can offer you! Or about anything at all!
Breana Boies
Hi! My name is Breana Boies, and I am from a small part of Florida between Daytona Beach and Orlando (the best of both worlds). I am currently a Theology major and Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor here at Notre Dame. I live in Cavanaugh Hall — roll chaos! Notre Dame is an incredibly special place, and I am thrilled to be part of the wonderful community in Geddes Hall. I am involved in various groups at Notre Dame such as Campus Ministry, the Scholars Program, and of course, the Institute for Social Concerns. I love meeting new people and assisting students and faculty in any way that I can, so I hope to see you around! I am always down for a lovely life chat. See you around!
Tess Gilmore
My name is Tess Gilmore, and I am a junior studying Global Affairs. I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland, but here on campus I live in Breen-Phillips! I love the outdoors, running, and of course baking! I am so excited to be involved with the Institute for Social Concerns this year, and I can’t wait to get to know new faces around campus.
Mary Jordan
Hello! My name is Mary Jordan, and I am a junior from East Greenbush, New York. I am studying Neuroscience and Behavior in the College of Science along with a Poverty Studies minor through the Institute for Social Concerns. I have been involved with the institute’s RISE, NDBridge, and Appalachia programs. Geddes Hall is my second home on campus, while my first home is Johnson Family Hall. The Institute for Social Concerns is a really important part of my Notre Dame experience so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Laila Naquin
Hi! My name is Laila Naquin, and I am a senior from New Orleans, Louisiana. I currently reside in Cavanaugh Hall, and I am majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-medicine track, as well as minoring in Poverty Studies. In the Institute for Social Concerns, I have had the amazing privilege of participating in the Appalachia Seminar and Racial Justice in America course. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, and cooking. The Institute for Social Concerns has been such an integral part of my journey here at Notre Dame, and I am eager to answer any questions that you may have!
Andrew Packard
My name is Andrew Packard, and I am a senior from San Jose, California. I am in the John J. Reilly Dual Degree Program in Engineering and Arts & Letters, pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Economics. I also have a minor in Catholic Social Tradition, hosted by the Institute for Social Concerns. I have been involved in several programs within the Institute for Social Concerns, including a summer program after my freshman year, as a team member on the Appalachia and Solidarity and the City seminars, and most recently, as a leader for the Solidarity and the City seminar in spring 2024. The Institute for Social Concerns has played such a large part of my experience at ND, so feel free to stop by anytime to have a quick chat. I am super excited to be involved with the institute again this year!
Caroline Petrikas
Hi! My name is Caroline Petrikas, and I am a current sophomore majoring in Political Science. I’m from Dallas, but on campus I live in Breen-Phillips. In my free time, I love to run, bake, and spend time with friends and family. This past summer, I spent eight weeks in Letterfrack, Ireland, working with Ukrainian refugee integration through the institute’s NDBridge program. I am so excited to be involved with the Institute for Social Concerns again this year!
Jazmin Zamudio
Hey! My name is Jazmin Zamudio. I am a sophomore in the College of Arts & Letters majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior and minoring in Compassionate Care in Medicine. I love being outdoors, especially to go hunting, fishing, and camping. This past summer I had the opportunity to travel to Mumbai, India, through the institute’s NDBridge program. It truly was one of the most eye-opening and humbling experiences in my life. I can’t wait to become more involved with the Institute for Social Concerns and help connect others to the amazing opportunities the institute offers!