Rector

Amanda Bell is from Chandler, AZ. She graduated from Notre Dame in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, and lived in McGlinn during her time at Notre Dame. She earned her Master of Arts degree also in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She then spent 10.5 years serving Seton Catholic Prep in Chandler both teaching Theology and serving as Campus Minister. She has always felt a strong call to walk with young people through their years of discerning who they are and where they belong in this world. Most importantly she hopes they will come to know the truth that they are loved and have a unique, unrepeatable, and important role to play. She loves a good adventure, great coffee, exploring her local city, and absolutely loves to style anything: decor, clothes, makeup!​

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Phone: 574-631-3780

​Email: abell2@nd.edu

Priest in Residence

Rev. Patrick D. Gaffney, CSC, is a prest-in-resident in Badin Hall. Prior to moving back to Notre Dame's campus in the spring of 2024, he was in Dhaka, serving as the Vice Chancellor of the Congregation’s newest university. Notre Dame University Bangladesh was founded 1n 2013 by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province in response to requests from the Catholic bishops of Bangladesh who have appreciated the long experience of Holy Cross priests, brothers, and sisters as educators in East Bengal. Before that, Fr. Gaffney worked for 36 years on the faculty of the University of Notre Dame in the Department of Anthropology. He was also a fellow and field worker in the Joan B. Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies. He took his doctorate at the University of Chicago after studying theology at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. He was born and grew up near the Columbia River on the high plateau of eastern Washington State. From there, he first came to Indiana as a freshman in high school to study at Holy Cross Seminary. His academic interests include religion, authority, and socio-political life in the Islamic context especially in the Arab world. In addition to the Middle East, he has done research in Europe and east Africa. Lately he has turned his attention to the study of attitudes, rituals, and cultural practices surrounding death and memorials.

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​Email: pgaffney@nd.edu

Assistant Rector (& Assistant Rectfur)

After earning a bachelor's in education, a doctorate in physical therapy, and spending a decade as a physical therapist, I’ve finally arrived at my dream school to study law! Though I grew up in the Chicagoland area and spent time in Arizona and California, NYC has become home. Before law school, I worked at a financial firm in Manhattan and participated in Community at the Crossing, an ecumenical group focused on discernment, community, and unity.

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You’ll often find me reading legal cases, networking, or walking my dog. Lahna, my elderly yellow lab, is thrilled to be an "Assistant Rectfur" at Badin! A gentle giant, she sleeps most of the day but never turns down a treat from a stranger. Timidly passive, she greets people on her terms—with a sniff or, if you're lucky, a kiss on the back of the hand. To gradually earn Lahna’s affection, the best approach is to avoid eye contact, speak softly, and move slowly and calmly.

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Lahna and I are beyond excited to join the Badin community as Assistant Rector/Rectfur. We can’t wait to meet everyone, share in this incredible experience, and help make Badin feel like home!f

Assistant Rector

Hi everyone! My name is Ella, and I couldn't be more excited to be back in Badin Hall as an AR after living in Badin while I was an undergrad. I grew up in New Jersey and have spent the last five years at Notre Dame, first as an undergrad and now as a PhD student in mathematics. Some of my favorite things are sunshine, CrossFit, pajamas, and smoothies. A fun fact about me is that, in the math department, I am currently undefeated in arm wrestling. I love to talk about anything and everything, so feel free to stop by and chat! 

2 Lake RA

I'm a PLS and Theology major from here in South Bend, so if you need off-campus coffee recs, I'm your gal! During the week, I love singing with the ND folk choir, hanging out in the PLS lounge, and going on lake walks with friends. When I'm not doing those things, I love to crochet and get cozy, so my room is the place to be for a craft-and chat. I can't wait to meet all of you! :)

2 Quad RA

I am from Cleveland, Ohio, and I am studying Neuroscience and Global Health on the premed track.  I am a huge Taylor Swift and Lana Del Ray fan, which you probably will hear me playing on my speaker at some point. I also love nothing more than talking about the Cleveland Browns and Notre Dame football. My fun fact is I am a black belt in jiu-jitsu. On campus, I am involved in a lot of things, including acting as the President of the Women's Network and Chair of Social Events for the Junior Class.  I am so honored and excited to be an RA in Badin and cannot wait to meet you all!!!

3 Lake RA

I am a Program of Liberal Studies major from Palm City, Florida. On campus I work in the PLS lounge, am a member of the Irish Dance club, and act as a Peer Advocate. I love to read, write, and scrapbook while watching mind-numbing reality TV. I am so excited to join Badin as an RA and can't wait to get to know everyone!

3 Quad RA

I am studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine. I am from Wheeling, Illinois, which is a northwest suburb of Chicago. I am interested in the intersection of medicine and public health, and am excited to explore this in my future career! On campus, I'm involved with the Asian American Association, Diversity Council, and Campus Ministry. In my free time, I love taking lake walks and taking in the beautiful campus views! I have been blessed to be a part of the Badin community over the last few years, previously serving as a Multicultural and Diversity Commissioner. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as an RA in Badin next year!

4th Floor RA

I’m a rising senior from Ridgefield, CT, majoring in Industrial Design and English, with a minor in Computing & Digital Technologies. I currently live in Howard Hall, but am very excited to move next door to Badin for my last year at Notre Dame (go bullfrogs!!). On campus, I am involved with ID research, The Juggler (ND’s student art and literature journal), and Baraka Bouts. Outside of class and clubs, you can usually find me in West Lake Hall, SDH, or somewhere else on South Quad, reading and listening to music. I am so excited to meet everyone and have a great year with all of you!!