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 third-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.
Areas of Responsibility: ZaLand Food Service
Joe Richard, M.B.A. ’27
Joe Richard is an MBA Candidate in the Mendoza College of Business Class of 2027. He comes to South Bend from St. Louis, Missouri, where he’s worked at The Boeing Company, most recently as a Mergers & Acquisitions Lead in Contracts. He graduated from Saint Louis University in 2020 with degrees in Entrepreneurship and International Studies (Go Billikens!) where he was active in campus ministry, involved in the Honors Learning Community, and had a few stints abroad for experiential learning. He spends his free time traveling with friends, rooting for the Yankees, and chasing around his 4 young nieces and nephews. Joe is excited continue his studies at Notre Dame, and is thrilled to get to know the Keenan community over the next two years!
Areas of Responsibility: TBD
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!
THOMAS MAZZURANA: 1N RA
My name is Thomas Mazzurana, though everyone calls me Mazz! I am originally from Austin, Texas and I am majoring in Business Analytics and Theology. I am a huge fan of volleyball, spikeball, pickleball, and card/board games. I sing in the Folk Choir on campus and I also love to garden!
JOSH DOBASHI: 1W RA
Joshua is a civil engineering major minoring in engineering corporate practice. Born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii, he greatly values and cares for his family and friends, and loves the sense of community he feels at Notre Dame, especially in Keenan Hall. Joshua’s favorite event of the year, by far, is the Keenan Revue, as he has been selected to be a part of the production’s staff three years in a row as a prop master, technical director, and assistant producer. He is a proud member of Keenan’s basketball and sand volleyball team, and is an intramural indoor volleyball and ultimate frisbee champion.
DOUG TACKNEY: 2N RA
Doug Tackney is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Notre Dame, Class of 2026, and a member of the Naval ROTC program. Engaged in campus life, he participates in both cultural and athletic organizations, including the Guam Club and the Wrestling Club. His presence is most known in his dorm, as he participates in section sports, dorm events, Keenan Koffee, and the Keenan Revue. Upon graduation, Doug will commission as an officer in the United States Navy, where he looks forward to applying his engineering expertise and leadership skills to serve our country.
MICHAEL MORRISSEY: 2W RA
Michael is a passionate pre-med student with a deep commitment to compassionate care in medicine. He has worked as a summer camp counselor at Camp Sweeney, supporting children with type 1 diabetes, and is actively involved in his university’s drumline, where he contributes to leadership and fosters a culture of support and collaboration. Michael is dedicated to integrating his theological studies with his medical ambitions, aiming to promote the dignity and well-being of others through both compassionate healthcare and meaningful community involvement.
DANIEL MAYER: 3N RA
My name is Daniel Mayer, and I am a chemical engineering major from Cincinnati. I have many interests including basketball, triathlon, traveling, cooking, music, and card games among many others. During my time at Notre Dame, I have worked both as a Theology Mentor and as a student caller at NDListens, but nothing has been as important or as fun as my two times being a head writer for the Keenan Revue. My relationships are the center of my life, and I am excited to continue to grow alongside the rest of Keenan as an RA!
RILEY McCOY: 3W RA
My name is Riley McCoy and I am a mechanical engineering major from Oklahoma City. Outside of school, I love playing cards, pick up with the lads, and climbing at the rock wall in Duncan. I was also fortunate enough to be a tech director and head writer in the last couple of Keenan Revues.
CONNOR CASEY: 4N RA
Formally Robert Connor Casey in honor of his Grandpa and Grandad, Connor is a Senior at Notre Dame, studying Business Analytics and Finance. Originally from Walnut Creek, California, he serves as the Faith Commissioner of Keenan Hall, President of the Sports Analytics Club, and a Peer Leader for Father Mark L. Poorman’s Moreau course, and previously worked as a Student Manager for Notre Dame Football and studied abroad in London. Outside of academics, Connor enjoys fishing, camping, playing/watching soccer (biggest Ronaldo fan you’ll ever meet!), attending country music concerts, and discussing his Catholic Faith. Keenan Hall, which played a major role in his decision to attend Notre Dame, and its residents have profoundly blessed Connor’s life, hence his motivation to be a Resident Assistant, and he could not be more excited and honored to contribute to Keenan’s legacy as a member of Hall Staff!
My name is Jack Kuka, but everyone calls me Kuka! I’m from the beautiful state of Indiana, and I am a Marketing and Economics major. When I’m not busy winning section basketball championships, I love hiking, all sports, playing the piano, and getting beat by my roommates in Madden. I love Keenan and can’t wait for an amazing year!
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.