SXU Psychology Program Hosts Inaugural Match Day
The Saint Xavier University (SXU) Psychology program recently hosted its inaugural Match Day. The event celebrated 30 psychology students who were matched with internship sites across the Chicagoland area, marking an exciting milestone as they take the next step in their academic and professional journeys.
SXU's Psychology program currently partners with more than 10 internship sites, including the Center for Self-Actualization, Kumon, the Chinese American Service League, MUHSEN, Embarc Chicago, Tinley Park High School, and Illinois DCFS. Students are also placed right at SXU through the Career Development Center and Institutional Research.
Despite a major storm that hit just an hour before the event, the Psychology Program had a wonderful turnout, with over 30 attendees, including psychology faculty, students, and their family and friends, who braved the weather to come out and show their support.
The internship program was created by student success advisor Eric Hernandez in summer 2022. After seeing Match Day celebrations at other institutions, LaTreese Hall, Ph.D., assistant psychology professor, thought it would be meaningful to recreate that experience for SXU students, so she spearheaded the project at SXU.
"The matches are a result of a lot of thoughtful care. Our team sat down and reviewed the applications of every single student, reflecting on what we know about them from class discussions, research labs, and the ways they've engaged across campus. Each student will be stepping into a space where they will have the opportunity to live out the Mercy mission in real ways -- through compassion, through service, and through a commitment to understanding and supporting others," said Hall.
During the event, students gathered with loved ones to celebrate, enjoy light refreshments, and recognize this important accomplishment. Psychology faculty and staff shared words of encouragement, emphasizing that students are embarking on the next step toward their degrees and will have the opportunity to serve others, learn from others, and contribute in meaningful ways.
"It was a truly special moment to recognize our students' hard work and celebrate the impact they will make in their internships next semester. We look forward to growing this event in the future by inviting alumni of the internship program, administrators, and the broader SXU community to join in celebrating our students," said Hall.