Nic Schoppe

Rector

Nic Schoppe was born and raised in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Nic attended Saint Joseph’s University (‘22), Philadelphia’s Jesuit institution, where he majored in Sports Marketing and minored in Justice & Ethics in the Law. Nic was on the Water Polo team at St. Joe’s for all four of his undergrad years, helping lead the team to its first ever division championship in 2019. Nic was also very involved in many aspects of student life and athletics, including serving as an RA and Head RA for three years and working with the Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams. Nic completed his Master’s degree in Education with a
concentration in Higher Education Administration & Leadership from Villanova University (‘24). While at Villanova, Nic served as a Graduate Resident Director for three upperclassmen residence halls and the largest first year residence hall on campus. Nic also served as the Graduate Assistant for the Ursinus Center for Advocacy, Responsibility, and Engagement at Ursinus College and completed an ACUHO-i internship at the University of Notre Dame. Through these experiences, Nic fell in love with Catholic higher education and the world of student affairs because of the meaningful work, personal connections, and the ability to help empower students to be successful and become the best versions of themselves.

Office Telephone: 574-631-4021

Father Jim Lies, CSC

Priest in Residence

Fr. Jim Lies, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, joined the Nanovic Institute in 2023. He serves as Senior Advisor for Faculty Fellows Affairs and Partnerships and as a Professor of Teaching. His teaching and research have been in the areas of adolescent thriving, moral development, and Catholic Social Teaching. He serves as priest-in-residence in Duncan Hall and provides sacramental support in Jenkins Nanovic Halls. 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 (Campus Ministry’s assistant director of spirituality and retreats and as rector of Zahm Hall); 2017-2023 (Director of Catholic Initiatives and Outreach, and as Academic Director, at Notre Dame London; 2023-present (Nanovic Institute); the University of Portland, 2005-12 (Assistant/associate professor of psychology and executive director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture); and Stonehill College, 2012-17 (vice president for mission and associate professor of psychology).

Michael Albright

Assistant Rector

Born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Michael is a third-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.

AR Michael lives in Duncan’s 2A section.

Nicholas Smith

Assistant Rector

Born in Kingston and raised in Clarendon, this Jamaican flies his flag high. In 2016, Nicholas moved to NYC from Jamaica, where he received a BA in Law and Society from the Macaulay Honors College at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In 2020, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked in healthcare compliance at a biotech company before accepting an offer to attend Notre Dame Law School. Nicholas is currently a second year law student (2L) and president of the Black Law Student Association. After law school, he hopes to return to Los Angeles and pursue a career in healthcare law. He is an avid music listener and is singlehandedly responsible for keeping the Spotify stock alive via his extensive listening hours. He is a family man and is his parents' favorite child of their three children. He has a younger sister (spoilt and the real favorite) who still lives in Jamaica and an older brother who lives in NYC. He loves good food, the beach, hiking, going to the gym and meeting new and interesting people. He loves watching sports highlights so he can pretend he is informed when people inevitably start talking about sports (a much-needed skill at Notre Dame). All in all, he's a chill guy who's easy to get along with. He will always encourage you to prioritize your mental health and will remind you, in the words of Bob Marley, the great Jamaica musician, that "Every little thing is gonna be alright!"

AR Nick lives in Duncan’s 3A section.

David Wang

Resident Assistant, 1A

Hi everyone! My name is David Wang and I am excited to be the 1A RA this upcoming year. Born in New York City, I’ve lived in New York, China, and Kansas, and for the past 14 years, I’ve been lucky (or unlucky) enough to call South Bend, Indiana, my home. I’m studying Civil Engineering (concentrating on structures) at the University of Notre Dame. Three things that you should know about me are: There’s nothing better than homemade cooking. I love cooking. I am always willing to cook something new and different if anyone has any recipes. If not, I will stick to my tried and true homemade scratch noodle soup. Big. Huge. I mean MASSIVE soccer fan. In my free time, I like to watch and play soccer. Fun fact: I watched all but four of Notre Dame’s (men’s and women’s) home soccer games last fall. This season we’re aiming for 100%. Barracuda? Budapest? Barracuda-pest? Never heard of her, but I’m a Buddhist and always welcoming of a healthy discussion about religion. If you ever need anything, you can reach me by call or text at 574-383-7368, email at dwang25@nd.edu, or stop by Room 117.

Matthew Sims

Resident Assistant, 1B

Hey y’all! The name’s Matthew, but almost everyone in the dorm calls me Sims! I’m from the booming metropolis of Mahomet, Illinois (our top rated restaurant is Arby’s). Just a small town boy, scraping it in the big city (South Bend). I’m super pumped to bring the CBR to 1B as this year’s RA. I’m a double major in Electrical Engineering and ACMS (applied math), and a minor in theology. I have been asked many times when I’ll be making my debut for the Notre Dame Football and/or basketball team, but my heart has already been taken by long distance running, ex: Last year I ran 33 miles to an ice cream shop on Lake Michigan and it was closed. I’m also starting a disc golf club this year, and not saying we’re desperate for members, but I will give you one of my dining hall swipes if you join :). Whether it be for anime watch parties, overly competitive smash bros, late night discussions about pretty much anything (except for Michael Albright’s tattoo), my door’s will always be open. I was last year’s Duncan Prez and have grown very fond of this dorm, as I’m sure everyone who spends enough time in will eventually as well. Feel free to reach out at (217)-590-5304, msims4@nd.edu, and venmo: Matthew-Sims-56. I look forward to meetin’ y’all!!

John O’Neill

Resident Assistant, 2A

John “Joneil” O’Neill is a senior originally from Williamsburg Virginia. While his legal name is John, most residents affectionately refer to him as “joneil”. Joneil is studying economics with a concentration in financial economics and a minor in economic history. As you can probably tell, John is really into economics. On campus, he is co-president of the Federal Reserve &Fiscal Challenge club—Notre Dame’s premiere (and only) economic competition team. Joneil is also considered the biggest ND football fan in Duncan Hall. He earned this title after successfully rattling off 76 out of 85 scholarship players on a random Wednesday night in the 3B bathroom quad last fall. Joneil’s favorite football player is Tyler Buchner. Yes, I know you didn’t ask. And yes, this is the same Tyler Buchner who transferred to Alabama and now plays lacrosse at ND. But none of this deters Joneil’s commitment to the former 5-star QB from Cali. John can often be found in Duncan’s 2-4, running the Dorm’s underground poker table. For a meager $10 buy-in, Joneil will gladly teach you how to play. Learning how to win at the Duncan Table, however, could be a much more expensive lesson. Over the past three years, John has served many roles in Duncan’s community: Section Sports Commissioner, Duncan Head Football Coach, and two-time Dunkie Winner. But, Joneil is especially excited to step into his new role as an RA. He can’t wait to meet his new residents and build life-long relationships with his section. Joneil especially looks forward to defending the 2A’s section football championship. if you have any questions about the upcoming year, don’t hesitate to reach John at 757-209-1040 or joneil24@nd.edu

Sean Froning

Resident Assistant, 2B

What’s up y’all! My name is Sean Froning, but most just call me Fro. I was born and raised in downtown Chicago, and I am excited to go back to my roots and return 2B to greatness this year. I am studying Computer Engineering and Business, and I am a President of the Shareholder’s Committee for CPEGs. Fair warning, my general mood is fairly dependent on the Chicago Bears finding success on Sunday (most weekends they do not). In my spare time I play Club Baseball (I am washed), lifting heavy stuff, football, basketball, fishing, or golfing (I suck). Most nights you can find me in the 2-4 beating Tomtana at pool, dying at the farm in TranZit, watching Bigfoot conspiracy videos, terrorizing Luke Park out in Iowa, or generally completing side quests around the Midwest and spreading some good old fashioned CBR. You can also find me networking with University Relations up in the stadium on game days or seeking greatness over at ND Listens. My door is always open, and if it is not, bug me and I will open it - I am probably engaged in Fantasy Football trade negotiations. I cannot wait to meet all of y’all, give you horrible dating advice that clearly is not working for me, help foster personal growth in the next generation of Highlanders, and form some classic lifelong Irish relationships. Connect with me at any time (including over the Summer) by calling and texting 773-724-0301, emailing sfroning@nd.edu, or shouting in the general direction of the Career Center. Yours in CBR.

Brent Bergnach

Resident Assistant, 3A

Hello guys! My name is Brent Bergnach and I am from the Western Suburbs of Chicago, specifically Burr Ridge. I am a Finance major in the Mendoza College of Business who plans on pursuing a career in consulting. One interesting thing about me is that I transferred to Notre Dame after attending the University of Illinois my freshman year. As an RA, I am looking forward to making an impact on the Notre Dame community at large. I want to do this by continuing to uphold the extraordinary character of Duncan Hall. Personally, I am passionate about my faith as a Catholic and philosophy. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with family and friends, country music, college football, any outdoor activity, and physical fitness. I am excited to meet the new class of Duncan men and maintain the legacy in 3A — CBR!

Sean O’Gara

Resident Assistant, 3B

Hey y’all! My name is Sean O’Gara and I am pumped to lead the best section in Duncan next year: 3B. I am studying Finance with a minor in Theology and proudly call Phoenix my home, despite our exceedingly disappointing sports teams. I am involved in Army ROTC at Notre Dame, so if you see me around the halls at 6 am tell me to hurry up because I’m probably late to pt. I love anything that involves fitness, sports, and the outdoors. I have a particular passion for leg days (the second most important day of the week) and recently have started to find running a little less miserable. I am a proud bogey golfer and 6’ 5” white man that struggles to dunk. More importantly, since the age of four I have been playing the most attractive instrument a man can play: the accordion. I spent my junior fall semester abroad in Rome where I learned that I am terrible at Italian but really good at eating their food. Super stoked to continue 3B’s incredible legacy and to meet all the freshmen. Feel free to reach out at 623-680-3360 or sogara@nd.edu. Ciao!