Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, has taken his commitment to leadership and service to new heights as vice president of student life in Fordham University’s Rose Hill United Student Government (USG). A political science and international studies double major from Pelham, New York, DaProcida juggles his academic pursuits, Army ROTC training and USG responsibilities, focusing on enhancing campus life and promoting student well-being. 

DaProcida’s role as VP of student life involves overseeing the McShane Student Center club suites and leading the Student Experience Committee. His team ensures the suites are well-maintained, addressing issues such as water damage, storage concerns and policy adherence. “We want to make sure that, first of all, everyone gets a fair shot at having some storage,” he explained,  recognizing how limited space in dorms can create challenges for students. 

This responsibility is paired with organizing large-scale events designed to foster community and reduce stress. “The vice president of student life is big on hosting events for students, especially when times are stressful,” DaProcida said. Signature events like Keating Steps have drawn strong attendance and enthusiasm. “Keating Steps is a way of taking a look at these performance groups, especially if you’re not that involved on campus. It’s a great way of getting involved,” he shared. Halloween Night, an initiative started this year, aimed to fill a gap in campus activities, offering students a space to relax, watch a Halloween movie and enjoy seasonal treats. 

DaProcida attributes his ability to balance these responsibilities to his Army ROTC training. “We use reverse planning,” he explained, describing a method that works backward from an event date to establish deadlines for tasks like advertising and organizing logistics. This structured approach allows him to manage multiple commitments while staying on track. “We’re up really early in the mornings, so I usually have a lot of time right after we have our physical training to work on whatever has to get done,” he added. 

Collaboration is another key element of DaProcida’s leadership style. He believes in trusting his team and recognizing their unique talents. “You really want to trust the people who you have working with you. Everyone will have incredible talents that you’ll just have no idea about until they bring them up,” he said. This approach has led to unexpected successes, such as when a committee member created a graphic for Keating Steps that exceeded expectations. “I look at it, and I’m like, this is amazing,” he recalled. 

Mental health advocacy is a cornerstone of DaProcida’s tenure. He has worked with Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) to roll out initiatives like a 24/7 crisis hotline. “Students can call if they’re feeling like there’s a crisis going on, or if they really just need to talk to someone.” DaProcida sees such resources as essential for addressing students’ stress and providing accessible support. 

Another focus for DaProcida is ensuring students feel recognized for their contributions. “Students work so hard at whatever it is they’re doing,” he emphasized. Initiatives like the upcoming art show aim to highlight student talent and provide a sense of accomplishment. The event will feature framed artwork and may include a sound exhibit showcasing creativity across multiple mediums. “We’re just trying to get the word out,” he said. “If students get excited about these events and they’re like, ‘Oh, my artwork’s going to be shown,’ that’s a success to me.” 

Despite the challenges of navigating an understaffed committee, DaProcida remains optimistic about the impact they can achieve. “The Student Experience Committee has kind of been flying high. We’ve been getting help where we can, but it’s really all students that have been hosting these events, which I think is incredible,” he said. 

Looking ahead, DaProcida plans to continue his journey in service through a four-year active-duty commitment with the U.S. Army. His top branch preferences include military intelligence, armor and transportation. “I’ll know where I’m at then,” he said, anticipating his branch assignment announcement in December. His dedication to helping others succeed remains a guiding principle. “I joined the Army because I feel that I’m pretty good myself, but I saw a lot of friends in high school who I looked at and was like, this person’s going to do amazing things. And I will fight to defend that,” he shared. 

For DaProcida, the true measure of success lies in the connections students make and the pride they feel. “As long as people show up and partake in the event, however that might be, I would call that at least a success,” he said. His leadership reflects the heart of Fordham’s mission: fostering a community where students feel empowered and supported.