Meet the baumer hall staff
Fr. T.J. Groden, C.S.C.
Rector (aka “Admiral”)
Bio: Like Pope Leo XIV, Fr. T.J. Groden, C.S.C., was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. Unlike Pope Leo, he attended the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate student and served as a Resident Assistant in Keenan Hall and on the leadership team for Camp Kesem Notre Dame. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in finance, T.J. joined the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) and was sent to Sacramento, California, where he taught history and coached cross country at Cristo Rey High School. While in ACE, he discerned a call to religious life and, in 2019, entered formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross. T.J. took his final vows and was ordained a Holy Cross priest in the 2025-26 academic year.
Hometown: Glenview, IL
Majors: Finance and Medieval Studies
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Graduate: University of Notre Dame (M.Ed., MDiv)
Dorrian Cohen
When I first arrived as a founding member of Baumer Hall in 2020, Baumer made up for a lack of pre-existing traditions with a seemingly endless supply of hall spirit and COVID-19. I could not be more elated to return to Baumer Hall as Assistant Rector. I'm a third-year Biology PhD student after graduating from Notre Dame in 2024 with a major in Biological Sciences and a supplemental major in Theology. I'm from about two hours north of New York City and love driving through the monotonous and endless woods of Pennsylvania to go from South Bend to New York. I enjoy board games, exercise, and stand-up comedy.
Year: Class of 2024 (undergrad), When I've finished (Graduate)
Hometown: Poughquag, New York
Undergrad Majors and Minors: Biological Sciences, Theology (supplemental); Glynn Family Honors Program
Graduate Program: Biology PhD
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Graduate: University of Notre Dame (current)
GeneralMeeting Times: Lunches, dinners, and whenever I'm on duty.
Fun Fact: My hometown has a sign that says "Welcome to Poughquag; Established a Long, Long Time Ago." To my knowledge, it is not a Star Wars reference.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Baumer Hall winning Hall of the Year in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Assistant Rector (3rd Floor)
Andrew Connor
Hi everyone! I am looking forward to joining Baumer this year as an assistant rector. I graduated from Notre Dame way back in 2022 as a physics in medicine major and a resident of Morrissey Manor. For three years I worked at Regis Jesuit high school in Denver, Colorado as a campus minister, science teacher, and cross country coach. Eventually, I felt called to come back to Our Lady’s University via the MDiv program, which brings me to you all. In my free time I love running, reading, cooking, and anything outside. I am super excited to jump into community life in August and can’t wait to get to know all of you!
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Graduate Program: Master of Divinity
Fun Fact: I once saw three bears shut down an event for 10,000 people.
Assistant Rector (2nd Floor)
Richard “Mazz” Mazzei
Rick Mazzei is a Massachusetts native who graduated from Notre Dame in 1978 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. While a student at Notre Dame, Rick was the goalie for the Notre Dame Lacrosse Club, and served as the President of the club his senior year.
Rick has been a Catholic school educator for the past four decades, including a five-year stint as Principal of Our Lady of Grace School in Chelsea, Massachusetts; 30 years of service at Malden Catholic High School, an all-boys Xaverian Brothers school located outside Boston; and seven years serving as the Rector of Fisher Hall at the University of Notre Dame. At Malden Catholic, Rick served in many administrative roles, including Athletic Director and Admissions Director, and he also taught United States History. Also, during his time at Malden Catholic, Rick earned a Master of American History degree from Salem State University. For 32 years, Rick served as Head Boys Lacrosse Coach in Eastern Massachusetts, coaching at Beverly High School for sixteen years and founding the program at Malden Catholic High School. A member of the New England Lacrosse, and Beverly High School Halls of Fame, Rick was the first coach in the state of Massachusetts to reach 400 wins and is also a member of the Malden Catholic Hall of Fame.
In July of 2014, Rick was appointed Rector of Fisher Hall and served the men of the Fisher community for seven years. Rick then served as the Rector of O’Neill Family Hall for the 2021-2022 academic year and has most recently served as the Staff in Residence in Baumer Hall while serving as the Acting Rector of Farley, and Breen-Phillips and then last semester served as the Interim Rector of Carroll Hall.
Hometown: Everett, Massachusetts
Undergrad: BBA University of Notre Dame 1978
Graduate: MA Salem University 1992
Favorite Notre Dame Memory: ND posting the first shut-out in ND Lacrosse history 16-0 vs. Vanderbilt.
Minister in Residence
Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C.
Priest in Residence
Rev. Peter McCormick, C.S.C., serves as the Assistant Vice President of Campus Ministry at the University of Notre Dame. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Father Pete entered Moreau Seminary following his graduation from Grand Valley State University in 2000. In 2006, he earned a Masters of Divinity and was ordained a Holy Cross priest the following year. From 2007 to 2013, Father Pete served as rector of Notre Dame’s Keough Hall. Following his time as rector, Father Pete pursued his Executive M.B.A. from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, completing the degree in 2015
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Favorite Baumer Memory: One of my favorite memories of Baumer Hall is the 10:00 p.m. Sunday Mass. There’s something powerful about gathering in the chapel at the end of the weekend. Students show up—sometimes with friends, sometimes alone—but always with open hearts. It’s intimate and deeply communal. Every time I celebrate that Mass, I’m reminded why I love this ministry: it’s a space where faith feels both deeply personal and beautifully shared.
Meet the Baumer Hall Resident Assistants
Diego Cubillo
1st Floor
What's good everyone! My name is Diego Cubillo, and I am super excited to be the 1st-floor RA this year. I grew up in South Bend, so I have been around the city and the campus for a while. I love rock climbing, so you can always catch me at the gym or my frequent weekend crag, the Red River Gorge. I'm big into soccer, Mario Kart, One Piece, food, and chill sessions. I'm excited to share how fun Indiana can be and put y’all on to Rocco’s. My door will always be open for people to come chill!! Welcome to Baumer!
Year: Class of 2027
Hometown: South Bend, IN
Majors: Global Affairs, Spanish
Minors: Civil & Human Rights, Latino Studies
Fun Fact: I enjoy partaking in the occasional free solo
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Lying in the grass of Baumer Bay listening to music with my friends
2A
Matthew Dunn
Hi, I’m Matthew Dunn, and I am super excited to be the 2A RA! I grew up with six siblings in Modesto CA in the Central Valley. I’m a Computer Science major with minors in Engineering Corporate Practice and Theology.
I’m honored to be back in Baumer for my fourth year! Over my time here I’ve been involved in the hall in a lot of ways. I’ve served as hall senator for two years, while also being on a mission to get two cannons installed on top of Baumer Hall which strangely has received some push back from administration. I also love serving as sacristan to set up Baumer’s daily masses. In my spare time, you can find me at Costco eating their free samples or out fishing. My door is always open, so don’t hesitate to stop by whether you need something or you just want to hang out.
Year: Class of 2027
Hometown: Modesto, CA
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Engineering Corporate Practice, Theology
Fun Fact: Zach Bryan gave me a hug in Ireland
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Building a snowman in Baumer Bay during my Freshman year
Jack Gallagher
2B
My name is Jack Gallagher, and I am pumped to be the 2B RA next year. My interests/likes include but are not limited to the Philadelphia Phillies, chocolate milk, Harry Potter, cows, Wawa, mid-major basketball (THWND), and Tow Mater, among other normalcies. On campus, I’m the President of the Club Baseball team, co-host of a radio show with my twin brother, and enjoy attending the weekly service opportunities we have in Baumer Hall.
Over my years in ‘B-town’, I’ve held many roles: sports commissioner, service commissioner, BaumerBoo™ mastermind, spikeball champion (2024), unofficial official hall barber (high-risk, low-reward haircuts), and assistant to the assistant of the vice president. While I have enjoyed wearing all of these hats, I am PROUDEST of my role next year as 2B RA. As the legendary Lou Holtz said, ‘those who know [Baumer Hall], no explanation necessary. Those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.’ God bless and Go Bucs!
Year: Class of 2027
Hometown: Haverford, PA
Major: Preprofessional Studies
Minors: Compassionate Care in Medicine, Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fun Fact: I am fluent in one language! (English)
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Baumer Welcome Weekend (every year) + Baumer Retreat
Skills: Nationally certified EMT, amateur dog sitter, below-average golfer
Will Ek
I’m so excited to be back in Baumer for my fourth year, this time as the 3A RA! I am from Saint Paul, Minnesota, where I come from a family of six kids. When I arrived in Baumer in the fall of 2023, I quickly realized how important this community would be to my Notre Dame experience. Through the ups and downs of college life, Baumer has been a place where my faith and friendships have only grown stronger. I’m grateful to be an RA, where I hope I can help 3A become a second home for each of our Bucs.
In Baumer, I’ve served as Vice President and Events Commissioner, where I’ve helped with events like our dances, Bay Week, and our annual concert, VoyageFest. Outside of the dorm, I’ve served as an OCIA sponsor, and I also work for ND Studios on athletics broadcasts.
Year: Class of 2027
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Majors: Political Science and Theology
Fun Fact: After an incredible last-minute maneuver, I was born three minutes before my twin sister Anna.
Favorite Baumer Tradition: Serving on the St. Andre Committee during Welcome Weekend
3A
Matthew Scherber
Hi guys, my name is Matthew Scherber and I am stoked to be your 3B RA this year! Growing up in a small town an hour west of the Twin Cities, I not only never planned on attending Notre Dame, I didn’t even quite know where—or what—it was until my senior year of high school. A lot can change in four years and I can now say with a full heart that I love this university and I love Baumer Hall. I’m a big fan of the great outdoors, and when I’m not out and about or listening to jazzy riffs in the tunnels under the Frankfurt airport as I am now, I love audiobooks, snowforts, Charlie Brown, and an odd baked good here and there—as well as any opportunity to use an em dash. After a semester in sunny Italy, I’m excited to be back in the saddle for a great last ride.
Year: Class of 2027
Hometown: Buffalo, MN
Majors: Global Affairs, Theology
Minor: European Studies
Fun Fact: I don't trust AllTrails and neither should you.
Favorite Baumer Tradition: Watching the northern lights from the Bay the last night of Freshman year.
3B
Ryan Allen
What’s up Bucs, my name is Ryan Allen and I’m hyped to be the 4th Floor RA this year! I am a senior Biology major with a Chemistry minor looking to go to medical school after graduation. I’m from Chicago and have one brother, Brendon, who will be a Junior in Baumer this year. Outside of Baumer Hall I am a member of the Building Bridges Peer Mentorship Program, participate in Biology research at Holy Cross College, and serve as the Vice President of Bookstore Basketball. I am a massive Chicago Cubs fan but love all sports, so always feel free to stop by to watch a game or talk ball. My hobbies include golfing (recently hit my first hole in one over the summer!), going to see live music, and hanging out with the boys.
This being my fourth year in Baumer, I can truly say that this place is my second home. The brotherhood that we have here in the Baumer community is truly special as it has helped to form me into the person that I am today and given me friendships that will last a lifetime. I am very excited to be the RA of the 4th floor this upcoming year with both the returning Bucs and our new Bucs that we are welcoming into the family.
Year: Class of 2027
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Fun Fact: I bowled competitively in high school and had a 210 average
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Bay Week, specifically Buc-an-ear and Voyage Fest
4th Floor
Meet the 26-27 senior fellow
Hey Bucs! As part of the Baumer Presidency severance package after the most peaceful transition of power that Baumer has ever seen, Father T.J. offered me the role of Smuggler’s Cove President and CEO, along with a comfortable situation in the Penthouse. It was my honor to accept the role, and I am super excited to serve up grilled cheeses, ice cream, Mexican Coke, and more throughout the year at our on-board food service! We’re open late, almost every night, so come by! All proceeds go to Building a More Beautiful Baumer Experience.
Baumer has been my home for the last three years, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else for round four. My time at Notre Dame has been filled with all the things I love: friends, family, football (Go Irish, Who Dat!), golf, music (huge Zach Bryan fan, and Luke Combs was awesome too), Baumer, and Costco. I’ve also spent a good bit of time in class and the study room attempting to be an aerospace engineer, and I hope to join the space industry after I graduate.
Feel free to stop by 472 with any questions, concerns, Smugs suggestions, or just to hang out! The door is always open, and Pat, Aldo, Anthony, and I would love to have you!
Hometown: Mandeville, Louisiana
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Fun Fact: I am a founding member of the Elder Council
Favorite Baumer memory: Christmas Banquet (HM: Welcome Weekend)
