Meet the baumer hall staff
Rector
Will Kerschen
Hello men of Baumer! My name is Will Kerschen, and I'm the incoming rector of Baumer Hall. I am a Kansas native, studied psychology at the University of Kansas, and most recently graduated from Notre Dame's Echo program with an MA in theology. During my two years in the Echo program, I lived in Ogden, Utah teaching high school theology. Between my time at KU and Notre Dame I spent several years serving as a college campus missionary, working with teenagers in the foster care system, and as a seminarian for the diocese of Wichita, Kansas. Some of my hobbies include playing sports, reading (everything from philosophy and theology to fantasy and sci-fi), and following KU basketball. I'm excited for the upcoming year in Baumer, getting to know the hall and its residents, and to hopefully take in my first football game in Notre Dame stadium.
Hometown: St. Marks, Kansas
Majors: Psychology (Undergrad), Theology (Graduate)
Undergrad: University of Kansas
Graduate: University of Notre Dame
General Meeting Times: The door to my room/office is open whenever I'm available, or send me an email/message if you need to set up a specific meeting time.
Fun Fact: I have ridden a rodeo bull three times (and had my head stepped on the last time).
Favorite Memory From Residence Life: Oldmen-Newmen football games in Stephenson Scholarship Hall (ask me about it).
Assistant Rector
Jack consolie
My name is Jack Consolie, a third-year Master of Divinity student and I am excited to serve as an Assistant Rector in Baumer for my second year in a row. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, but during my undergraduate studies, my family moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where I go to visit very often. For undergrad I graduated from Notre Dame in 2022, where I double majored in Arabic Studies and Theology, and minored in Philosophy, Religion and Literature (PRL). Outside of academics and life in The Best Hall on Campus, I serve as a cantor in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, as well as a member of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, in addition to serving in various capacities in Campus Ministry. If not in any of those places, I am probably reading outside, going for a run, or at a local coffee shop.
Year: Class of 2022, 2025
Hometown: McDonough, Georgia
Majors: Arabic Studies and Theology (Undergrad); Master of Divinity (Graduate)
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Graduate: University of Notre Dame (current)
General Meeting Times: I am generally available most weeknights after 8 p.m.
Fun Fact: I can speak as many languages as I play instruments.
Favorite Memory In Baumer: Gathering together at Camp Friedenswald for Baumer’s Retreat (aka, the largest retreat at Notre Dame).
Assistant Rector
Sam Ouhaj
Hello everyone! My name is Sam Ouhaj and I am excited to be your AR this year! Having lived in Zahm my freshman year and Baumer the last 3 years, I am honored to return to the ship. I recently graduated from Notre Dame in 2024 with degrees in American Studies and Film, Theatre, and Television. Now I am pursuing my Masters of Science in Management/Finance. Some of my hobbies include sports broadcasting, writing, playing video games, and hanging out with friends and family. I am super excited to continue to build the Baumer brotherhood and forge new friendships. Go Bucs!
Year: Class of 2024, 2025
Hometown: Newburgh, New York
Majors: American Studies, Film, Television, Theater (Undergrad), Management and Finance (Graduate)
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Graduate: University of Notre Dame (current)
General Meeting Times: I am always in Baumer Sunday and other nights that I am on duty.
Fun Fact: I have broadcasted Notre Dame Football games in Las Vegas, Ireland, and Tallahassee, FL.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Too many to count.
Meet the Baumer Hall Resident Assistants
1st Floor RA
Ryan Sullivan
Hey everybody! My name is Ryan Sullivan and I’m the 1st Floor RA this year. This will be my third consecutive year on the 1st Floor which should tell you all you need to know about how great it is. I transferred into Notre Dame as a sophomore through the Gateway Program, and I’m an American Studies major with a minor in Constitutional Studies. I’m from Attleboro, Massachusetts, so I’m always happy to watch or talk sports and tell you why my teams are better than yours, but I also love to learn about what others are interested in and passionate about. In my free time on campus, I’m pretty involved with the club swim team and will be an officer again this year, but otherwise I like to spend my time hanging out with friends and getting to know new faces, so make sure to stop by!
Year: Class of 2025
Hometown: Attleboro, Massachusetts
Major: American Studies
Minor: Constitutional Studies
General Meeting Times: Sunday nights, especially right before or after Mass.
Fun Fact: I’ve been skydiving and my sister and I have broken bones five minutes apart (unrelated to sky-diving fact).
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Baumer Retreats and jumping in St. Mary’s Lake after the tragic Marshall loss sophomore year.
2A RA
Jack thornton
Hey! My name is Jack Thornton, and I’ll be serving as the resident assistant in section 2A of our beautiful Baumer Hall. I’m working towards a degree in Philosophy and Theology (I have a special interest in the Church Fathers and philosophy of mind), and after I graduate, I intend to earn a masters and finally a PhD in theology. I was born in Nebraska, but I grew up in Eugene, Oregon. I’ve always enjoyed the great outdoors, but I also love a good book. If you challenge me to a race in Mario Kart, I will play you and win.
Year: Class of 2025
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Major: Philosophy and Theology
General Meeting Times: I can make myself available most weekdays, and I can fully commit myself either to Friday or Saturday nights.
Fun Fact: I have an awesome rock collection that I’ve been working on since I was a kid.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Hanging up random pictures of my first year roommate all over the dorm with two of the weirdest people I know.
2B RA
Dani Laverde
Hi my name is Dani, I am a senior in Baumer and I am very excited to be the Second Floor RA. I speak Spanish for anyone who wants to learn or feels more comfortable speaking Spanish. I also love soccer, whether it be watching it, playing it, or running some games on Fifa (I’m always down). If you ever want to hang with a weiner dog I am also the plug for that.
Year: Class of 2025
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Engineering Corporate Practice
General Meeting Times: Tuesday and Thursday I’m the most free since I only have one class those days.
Fun Fact: I did a research internship in Chile and I like milk on my cereal.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: The OG innovation playgrounds with Bike.
3A RA
Christian McClaine
My name is Christian, and I'm a senior and RA for Baumer 3A! I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA and study finance with the Business Honors Program. I love to run in my free time and am involved with the ultimate frisbee team on campus. I'm super excited to serve the community that has been my second home for four years!
Year: Class of 2025
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Major: Finance
Minor: Business Honors Program
General Meeting Times: Sunday nights
Fun Fact: My first job was at a local bakery, and I still work there on breaks from school.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: Snow tubing at the Baumer Retreat.
3B RA
Ashton Acquanita
Hey, my name is Ashton Acquanita and I am from Laguna Niguel, California. I am going into my fifth year of Architecture, and I’m really excited to be back in Baumer as an RA.
Year: Class of 2025
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA
Major: Architecture
Minor: Real Estate
General Meeting Times: I usually stay up pretty late so you can reach me most weeknights.
Fun Fact: I helped design The Shirt last year.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: The 2022 Baumer Retreat.
4th Floor RA
Brogan Burke
My name is Brogan Burke, and I'm excited to be the fourth floor RA on Baumer’s fifth voyage. I'm a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior on the pre-med track with a supplemental major in Spanish. I’m originally from Verona, WI but went to high school in Tbilisi, Georgia. When I'm not studying, you can find me playing guitar in the mass band or lifeguarding at the Rock. Whether you need advice or someone to chat with, my door is always open. Very excited to meet you all!
Year: Class of 2025
Hometown: Verona, Wisconsin
Major: Neuroscience & Behavior, Spanish (supplemental)
General Meeting Times: Wednesdays at 8pm
Fun Fact: I went to three high schools in three countries.
Favorite Memory in Baumer: The Camp Friedenswald Baumer retreat.