Keenan Hall, like all other residential communities at Notre Dame, is led by a rector. Assisting him are two assistant rectors (ARs) who reside on the third and fourth floors. Each floor in Keenan has two sections: north and west. Each section has one resident assistant (RA). ARs are typically post-grads while RAs are seniors. Keenan is also supported by a Priest in Residence and a Faculty Fellow. Read More about these folks below!
Rector
What is a rector? The term “rector” has a unique meaning at Notre Dame. Rectors include priests and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross—the founding order of the University—women and men from other religious orders, and lay women and men. Most are trained in ministry and education.
Rectors live in the building full-time and set the standard for communal life, counsel and advise students as a confidante, and supervises the staff. They hope to build trust and respect, always supporting the deep friendships and bonds in the community.
Cory Hodson
A native of Massachusetts, a big fan of Cape Cod and being frustrated with the Red Sox, Cory is excited to return to ministry and leadership in Catholic higher education. Most recently, Cory served as the Campus Minister & Student Engagement Coordinator for Francis Xavier Division (grades 7 & 8) at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts. In that catch-all capacity, Cory oversaw all campus ministry programs and pastoral support of the school’s 220 middle school students. Working within a model of shared leadership, collaboration with the head of middle school and middle school counselor allowed Cory to better understand the whole, cohesive experience of a student at Xaverian. His most prized responsibility was knowing each student by name and story – a commitment he looks to forward as Rector of the men of Keenan. Cory’s passion for mission-driven higher education was born from the love and zeal of his mentors, friends, and colleagues at both the Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale and Loyola University Maryland, where he served as student body president. On becoming Rector of Keenan, Cory noted that he is mindful and grateful that he carries forward the tradition of Keenan rectors educated in the Xaverian Tradition, including the late, beloved Brother Bonaventure Scully, C.F.X., and his immediate predecessor, Bobby Nichols.
Contact Information
- Mailing Address: 120 Keenan Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
- Phone: (574) 631-1494
- Email: chodson@nd.edu
- Twitter: @CHodson93
Assistant Rectors
ASSISTANT RECTORS (ARs) are Notre Dame graduate students who serve in residence halls, living side-by-side with students. The Rector and two ARs form the Head Staff, assisting the Rector with general administration and working to ensure a healthy, safe, and vibrant learning community. Every evening one of the three Head Staff members is “on duty,” fully available to all the residents.
Steven Tu, J.D. ’26
My name is Steven Tu, and I’m a second-year law student here at Notre Dame Law School. I’m a Seattle native and went to undergrad at the University of Washington, where I studied aerospace engineering and philosophy. Before ND, I served six years in the Marine Corps Reserve and worked full-time as an EMT in the Seattle area. In my free time, I love watching baseball, traveling, playing board games, and trying to learn new languages. I’m excited to join Keenan and spend the next couple of years with the best hall on campus!
Areas of Responsibility: ZaLand Food Service
Domenic Fabe ’24, M.S. ’25
Returning for my fifth year at Notre Dame and Keenan Hall, I am a graduate student in the Master’s in the Science of Accountancy (MSA) program. I was a four-year resident of Keenan Hall, serving as a resident assistant my senior year. During my undergraduate career, I majored in Accounting and Theology. I’m from Cleveland, Ohio and pride myself on all things Cleveland, Ohio, and Midwest. In my free time, I enjoy some golf, spending time outside, and hanging out with friends. I’m super excited and extremely lucky to be back in Keenan Hall, the greatest part of Our Lady’s University.
Areas of Responsibility: Liturgical Life, Hall Budget
Resident Assistants
RESIDENT ASSISTANTS (RAs) at Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious honors on campus. Chosen only from among the rising seniors, when possible, they are assigned to serve the community they have lived in for three years. RAs are mentors and leaders, truly on the front lines of building a sense of family in their hall. In Keenan, there is always at least one RA on duty every night, sometimes two. This past academic year, Keenan RAs were among the top few staffs as rated by our residents across categories including in-hall presence, perception of fairness, inclusivity, and leadership ability. Residents seek them out for advice, support, or just someone to talk to. We are pleased to introduce to you our 2024 – 2025 RAs!
CHRIS FOUNTAIN: 1N RA
My name is Christopher Fountain and I am a senior at Notre Dame studying Mechanical Engineering. While I am a motivated student inside the classroom, I am passionate about bringing my joy and attitude to others. Specifically, I march in the Notre Dame Marching Band, serve as a Eucharistic Minister, work in my hall as a Resident Assistant, teach as an undergraduate TA, and serve as a tour guide for the Office of Admissions. I am an avid runner and love seeing new places and cultures.
JOEY KOSITZKE: 1W RA
I am a rising Senior in Keenan Hall with a major in American Studies and minors in Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Business Economics, and Latino Studies. On campus, I’m involved within Keenan Hall (surprise surprise!), Student Government, The Sheedy Family Program, WSND (our student radio network), various research projects, and The Admissions Office. Within Keenan, I’ve been on the head staff of the Revue for two years running, lived on the first, second, and third floors (and in multiple common rooms), served as a commissioner and welcome week representative, and spent hundreds of dollars on Za. I love this building and I love this school and I am excited to serve as a member of Keenan Hall Staff as I enter my Senior year!
TOM GAZIANO: 2N RA
Formally Thomas Andrew Gaziano, Jr., I go by Tom! I am a Pre-Med major at Notre Dame who also studies Latin and French and has a passion for Theology. Outside of class, I like to spend my time outdoors playing basketball, soccer, and running, and inside, I enjoy cooking, chilling, and discussing deep topics.
ZACH EBNER: 2W RA
My name is Zach Ebner, but literally everyone here calls me Zebner. I’m from just outside of Seattle, and I am a mechanical engineering major. I enjoy watching TV, hanging out with whoever will let me procrastinate my homework, and playing piano. I’m super excited for this upcoming year!
CONNOR McCLOSKEY: 3N RA
I am studying biological sciences with a minor in philosophy, hoping to attend medical school immediately after graduation. I grew up in Crown Point, Indiana but is somehow a Nashville fan for football and hockey. When not mourning the trade of Derrick Henry or studying in the 2N study room, he can be found in the Keenan gym training hard for the next Max Day. Connor is also a retired Keenan President and two-time Revue Head Writer, and will likely need to be dragged out of Keenan after graduation.
TOMMY HEDMAN: 3W RA
My name is Thomas Hedman, and I am studying Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine on the pre-med track! While my on-campus home is Keenan Hall, I am originally from St. Paul, Minnesota and am a Midwesterner at heart. I love being outdoors as much as I can, whether that be playing pickup pond hockey with friends in the winter or walking alongside the Mississippi River near my house with my family in the summer. I am also an avid lover of “game” and “movie nights” with friends and family, traveling and exploring new places, and meeting and getting to know new people!
I am originally from Shelton, CT. I am a senior majoring in Business Analytics with minors in Theology and Actuarial Science. Some of my favorite things to talk about are the Catholic faith, sports, and the best pizza in the world (Frank Pepe’s).
My name is Hayden Gilkinson. I am a mathematics major from Cincinnati. After college I am planning to pursue a career in actuarial sciences. Outside of school one of my favorite things to do is play golf.
Priest in Residence
Fr. Lou DelFra, C.S.C.
Fr. Lou has been a proud Knight and Fratre in Cristo as the priest-in-residence in Keenan Hall for the past 9 years. He also serves as the Director of Pastoral Life for the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) here on campus, where he also serves as faculty member. Fr Lou was also a high school and middle school teacher before entering the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Faculty Fellow
Andrew Bartolini, Ph.D.
Andrew has been the Faculty Fellow of Keenan Hall since the Fall 2022 semester and has thoroughly enjoyed being welcomed in the Keenan Kommunity! Andrew is an Assistant Teaching Professor and the Director of the First-Year Engineering Program at Notre Dame. He also advises the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter and coaches youth swimming in the area. Andrew enjoys getting to know the Keenan Knights through signature events, Keenan Hall masses, Walks with Andrew, and Cards with Andrew.