Meet the Staff
Nhat Nguyen
Rector
574-631-6457
nnguyen3@nd.edu
Nhat Nguyen is starting his 10th year as Rector of Duncan Hall and 11th year as a rector at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland, America’s First Catholic Seminary. Nhat is not an ordained priest. Prior to the seminary, Nhat graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from James Madison University, where he was also a Division I student-athlete on the varsity wrestling team and a three-time All-State wrestler. He became the Assistant Catholic Campus Minister at JMU after graduation, and the following year was promoted to be the Catholic Campus Minister at Roanoke College. Nhat hails from Roanoke, Virginia, where his family of nine settled in 1993 from Vietnam.
When asked to reflect on this invitation to serve in the formation of Notre Dame undergraduate students, Nhat answered: “It’s the ‘American Story.’ Our family is a first-generation immigrant family who came to the United States in 1993, and we identified ourselves with Notre Dame because of its Catholicity, tradition, and values. To be a part of this University is my ‘American Dream.’ I believe that my passion for service and love for ministry will prepare me to meet the rigorous demands of being Rector. My many years of ministerial work have given me a genuine empathy, which enables me to connect well and personally with others, and a deep desire to be a man for others in the likeness of Christ.”
William Irvin
Assistant Rector
What’s good y’all! My name’s William Irvin and I’m ecstatic to be your Assistant Rector (AR) for this upcoming academic year. Originally from Minneapolis, I attended Loyola University Chicago and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with two minors: Philosophy and Spanish. I currently am a second-year law student (2L) primarily focusing on the transactional side of the legal field, specifically corporate law.
A couple of facts you must know about me:
1. I have three little brothers, two of which are fraternal twins and attending my old high school, DeLaSalle. My other brother attends the University of Chicago majoring in Law, Letters, and Society.
2. From K-5, I attended a Spanish Immersion School. As a result, I didn’t know how to proficiently read English until 8th grade.
3. I’m a sports junky. I don’t play, pay attention to nor necessarily like all sports, but if you ask me to play something, best believe I’ll be TTG (Trained-To-Go)! If I had to choose three of my favorite sports, it’d be the following: 1. Basketball; 2. Soccer; and 3. Football.
3. During my undergraduate days, I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile at La Universidad de Alberto Hurtado. There, I served as a English tutor for the disadvantaged Cerro Navia citizens. I also extensively traveled the region, visiting locations like Rio de Janeiro, Cusco, Perú, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and also seeing historical monuments like Cristo Redentor, Manchu Picchu, and Easter Island.
4. I can solve a 3x3 Rubik’s cube in less than 1.5 minutes!
5. I’m a Protestant Christian, specifically Lutheran. I was baptized at an early age and confirmed into the religion in the 8th grade!
6. Last but not least, I am here to serve you guys and Duncan Hall as a whole. I truly want to experience the undergraduate life at Notre Dame while developing your physical, social, professional, and religious lives as your mentor, brother, and friend. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any and everything that may be of your concern. Let’s make this year a great one!!!
Michael Albright
Assistant Rector
Born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Michael is a second-year law student at the University of Notre Dame. Michael attended Oklahoma State University, where he received both a B.S. and M.S in Accounting before relocating to South Bend. Sadly, Michael will not be doing your taxes for you this year. While at Oklahoma State, Michael was involved in on-campus clubs, a fraternity, and as the OSU mascot, Pistol Pete. He capped off his Pistol Pete career with a Fiesta Bowl win against Notre Dame, but he will try his best not to bring it up.
Michael has one older brother, Matthew, and a rotten Boston Terrier named Cookie. His parents owned and operated a local John Deere store before retiring. His family is active in their local parish, St. Francis Xavier, in Stillwater. In his free time, Michael enjoys watching anything Oklahoma State and Notre Dame (especially OSU wrestling), rooting on the Kansas City Chiefs, snow and wake boarding, and skeet shooting. He looks forward to the upcoming year, and cannot wait for some CBR.
Priest in Residence
Fr. Jim Lies, CSC
A Minnesotan, Fr. Jim earned a B.A. from the University of St. Thomas (MN), an M.A. from Notre Dame, an M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota. Since ordination, he has ministered at three Holy Cross institutions: Notre Dame, 1996-2000, as Campus Ministry’s assistant director of spirituality and retreats and as rector of Zahm Hall; the University of Portland, 2005-12, as assistant/associate professor of psychology and executive director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture; and Stonehill College, 2012-17, as vice president for mission and associate professor of psychology. Most recently, Fr. Jim coordinated Catholic initiatives, the academic program for undergraduates, and academic research initiatives and partnerships for Notre Dame’s London Global Gateway, where he served from 2017 to 2023. This is Fr. Jim first year in Duncan Hall.
Patrick Kuebler
Resident Assistant, 1A
Whats up guys, my name is Patrick. The first thing you need to know about me is that I'm a really good beatboxer. Just don't ask me to show you my skills cause I get nervous when I have to do it in front of people. I also like doing a lot of other really cool things. I'm from Ohio (which makes me automatically cool) and I'm majoring in Biology and Theology. My current plan is medical school but if that fails then my fallback is botany. When I'm not beatboxing or doing homework or whatever, sometimes I like to play and watch a lot of soccer. I also like going on long runs and reading books. My favorite book is probably the Notre Dame Handbook. I like to dabble in some hiking from time to time as well. I'm really excited to be back in Duncan soon. I was studying abroad in Italy this past Spring (which makes me cool), so another fun fact is that I've reached the proficiency of a five year-old in Italian. Arrivederci.
Allan George
Resident Assistant, 1B
Allan George is from the bustling and upcoming city of Phoenix, Arizona, which you will probably hear about at least once a week when he complains about the lack of sunshine in South Bend. Please do not mention Arizona sports to him, he has got enough grief as it is (Suns in 4). Here at ND, he majors in Neuroscience and Behavior and minors in Poverty Studies with the hopes of attending medical school following Notre Dame. Allan is passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice, so make sure to stop by his room if you want to converse or learn more about these kinds of things (warning: he might hold you hostage in conversation for 2 hours). Outside the classroom, Allan makes a variety of things in ceramics, is an avid photographer/videographer, and will serenade you with singing and guitar if requested. Sports are another passion of his, and he will not hesitate to take your ankles in basketball, soccer, and even volleyball (don’t ask questions to things you do not want answers to). He will herald Section 1B into prosperity as they come on top of any sort of Duncan Hall competition. Allan is beyond excited to start his senior year as a RA, and is excited for putting on Masala Chai Mondays and other section events this upcoming year. With any questions, comments, and concerns, he can be reached at 623-698-1925, ageorge9@nd.edu, ageorge20 (Venmo), or stop by Room 143. CBR! - Allan George
Zack Tyler
Resident Assistant, 2A
Hailing from the state featured as the setting from the hit middle school novel "The Outsiders" and that one unfortunately popular Netflix show, Zack Tyler is a born and bred supporter of his hometown, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and its best attributes: the OKC Thunder, Cowboy Hall of Fame, Bricktown, and one actual skyscraper. Majoring in Electrical Engineering, he can often be found in the Engineering Innovation Hub where he works as a lab assistant. As former Spring Vice President for Duncan and current Executive Assistant for the Hall President's Council, Zack is extremely passionate about getting involved in Duncan Hall and the Notre Dame community. When not moonlighting as a popular 2010s animated villain, the self proclaimed "Best Mario Kart player this side of the Mississippi" is probably losing at pickleball, reading sci-fi, playing cribbage, or debating some obscure NBA topic. Zack is super excited to server in 2A alongside his fellow Okie AR Michael and bring CBR (and just maybe a section sports championship) to the section. You can reach out to him any time at (405) 397-2999, ztyler2@nd.edu, or room 217.
Luke Park
Resident Assistant, 2B
Originally born in South Korea, but raised in Charlotte, NC, Luke Park is majoring in Science Preprofessional Studies with minors in Theology and Compassionate Care in Medicine. When not spending time in class, he can usually be found participating in the many Interhall sports that Duncan Hall competes in; while he is looking for his first ring, he has started in championship games in both Notre Dame Stadium and Purcell Pavilion. He is also very passionate about his sports teams and is willing to go the extra mile to explain the greatness of Drew Brees or relax and play a game of Madden. Luke is excited to return to his roots in 2B - as that was the section he called home his first two years - and continue to uphold the excellent reputation of the section; he loves any section competition and will be gladly leading the charge to bring back home the football, basketball, and section decorating contests. Known to be a "big teddy bear," his door will always be open to all and welcomes all to talk about anything from class recommendations, faith, sports etc. You can reach out to him at (704) 591-2618, lpark2@nd.edu, or room 243! CBR
Chace Moncrief
Resident Assistant, 3A
Born in Germany but raised in Mansfield, Texas, Chace is a Science Preprofessional Studies major with minors in Theology and Anthropology. Growing up in the Lone Star State, Chace loves Southern comfort food and country music (but don't be alarmed at his energetic rendition of Family Ties by Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar). When he is not stressing over his pre-med workload, Chace can be found working out at the Rock or re-watching Friends and Grey's Anatomy. His semester abroad in London has prepared him to continue the 3A tradition of Sunday Night Tea Time when any and everyone is invited to hang out in his room to enjoy a selection of tea, hot chocolate, and baked goods. Chace is always on the lookout for the best breakfast spot or next trivia game around South Bend, but he looks forward most to maximizing his time in the best home under the dome, Duncan Hall. Chace is a big advocator for participation in all dorm events, especially section sports where he is preparing to coach 3A to back-to-back championships in football and basketball. A resident of the third floor for a third year in a row, Chace is beyond excited to welcome new and returning Highlanders to the penthouse floor of the best dorm on campus. His door is always open to talk about Notre Dame football, faith life on campus, the pre-med track, his time abroad, or if you are in need of a mediocre athlete to make the teams even. You can reach Chace by call or text at 682-561-7087, email at cmoncrie@nd.edu, or stop by room 317.
CBR
Frank Parquette
Resident Assistant, 3B
Frank Paquette hails from Vienna, Virginia and is double majoring in Philosophy and Theology. When he’s not in class thinking as hard as he can about everything at once, Frank loves spending time hanging with his pet dolphin (inflatable, but don’t tell her that) and listening to Zach Bryan way too loud. Outside Duncan, Frank can be found in any two of his favorite locations on campus: McGlinn fields and Lyons beach courts. The common denominator? Volleyball. Frank loves to play outside doing just about anything active (except slip n slides) with the Duncan guys, and is emotionally preparing for another great year of championship losses in every interhall sport. He especially can’t wait for his fourth and final ride on the Duncan Oil Rig in the Fisher Regatta this year, and this captain plans on going down with his ship. Frank loves to talk about movies, and doesn’t mind if you haven’t seen any because he’ll explain the whole thing to you from beginning to end. Do NOT get him started about Madagascar 2. Frank is always open to trying new things, which led him to study abroad in Chile last fall. He’s excited to talk about his study abroad experience, outdoor adventures, how great South Bend is, and anything related to pursuing faith life on campus. As 3B RA, Frank will challenge anyone to beat his third floor RipStik course record, and can’t wait to grow and learn with his section next year.