Hall Staff

Dennis Wieboldt

Welcome to Graham Family Hall! I graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 2026 and am back on campus this academic year to complete my Ph.D. in the History Department. This fall, I will also begin a faculty appointment at the Law School. I will be teaching in the areas of legal history and constitutional law, with a particular focus on the First Amendment.

Before arriving at Notre Dame, I earned a B.A. (History & Theology) and an M.A. (History) from Boston College. I was an Assistant Rector in Graham during the 2024- 2025 and 2025-2026 academic years.

When I'm not knee-deep in reading, you will likely find me running around campus or cooking. About ten years ago, I was invited to audition for the first season of "Chopped Jr." on the Food Network. Some of the upperclassmen who you'll meet have had an Italian dinner (or two) in Room 227 (… the best Assistant Rector apartment on campus). You can ask them how I did!

Andrés Buckley

I'm a second year MA student in English and American Literature. I graduated from Notre Dame in 2025 with a double major in the Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) and French and Francophone Studies. Although I don't have a specialty, my primary interests are in Classics, Romanticism, and intersections between English and French literature. I also work as an intern for Notre Dame Family Wines, a university program profiling vintners who graduated from Notre Dame. When I'm not reading or writing I "enjoy" watching the Mets. I was in Graham's inaugural class of RAs and am excited to move back in after a one-year hiatus from dorm life. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Alejandro Alvarez

I'm a third-year law student, and this is my first year serving as an Assistant Rector. Before Notre Dame, I earned my B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the George Washington University. Born and raised in El Salvador, I moved to the U.S. in 2017 for college, and after graduating, spent three years working in D.C. for a pharmaceutical company. This summer, I'm working at a law firm in New York City.

Law school has more or less deprived me of my hobbies, but when I do have time, you'll find me walking around campus, at the movies, or in pursuit of a good espresso (hard to find in South Bend).

Father Brian Ching, CSC

I currently serve as Rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. I have previously served in parishes in Goodyear, AZ and South Bend, IN and spent six years as the Director of Old College Undergraduate Seminary prior to my current assignment. I also work with a number of campus organizations including the Marching Band, Sacramental Preparation, Knights of Columbus, and Militia of the Immaculata. In my free time I love to cook, fish, and watch baseball.

Eric Sims

Eric Sims is the William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Professor of Economics. He has taught at Notre Dame since 2009 and has served as department chair of Economics since 2020. His research and teaching interests are in macroeconomics. He is married to Jill (Joehl) Sims (Notre Dame class of 2005, Lewis Hall) and is father to four daughters. He enjoys getting to know the men of Graham. In his spare time, he is a rabid Notre Dame sports fan and an avid golfer.

Johnny Phan

Hey everyone, I'm Johnny, the RA for the first floor. I'm a senior studying math and business analytics, so if you ever need someone to complain about problem sets with, I'm your guy.

My door's pretty much always open. Whether you have actual RA stuff to ask about or just want to talk, come knock.

Lastly, welcome to Notre Dame, it's going to be a great time and I'm glad you're here.

Marco Tchernychev

Hi guys, I'm really into soccer, LEGOs, fishing, and drawing among other things. The first two years were epic for The Palace, and I can't wait for this year to be even better! See you all on campus, and roll Graham!

Thomas Mitchell

Hi guys! I'm Thomas, an RA in 2b in Graham this year. Some background about me is that I grew up on a small island called St. Simons off the coast of Georgia and I love to golf or kick a soccer ball in my spare time. I look forward to getting to know everyone this year!

Olivier Bruno

Hey Royals! My name is Olivier Bruno and I'm from Lima, Ohio. I study Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine and plan on going to medical school after graduation. If I'm not studying you'll probably find me watching sports in my room, playing sports with the fellas, or lifting weights in the Iron Palace. I'm the former president of Graham and have so much love for this community. I hope you all will come to find that love too. Feel free to reach out with any questions about life in Graham, pre-med, or anything else. Roll Graham!

Dylan Burke

Welcome to the Palace fellas! I'm a biological sciences major with theology and marketing minors and I plan to go into veterinary medicine after college. I'm from the suburbs of New York City and outside of schoolwork I like to lift, get outside, watch sports (especially football and lacrosse) and ski (which is just great for South Bend). I love to talk and have almost no concept of a sleep schedule so feel free to stop by anytime. Looking forward to a great year with y'all!

Luke Gallagher

Welcome to the Palace, Royals! My name is Luke and I'm so excited to be serving as one of your RAs this year. Graham is hands down the best community on campus and it will only get better with all of you here. A little bit about me - I love to travel and have been to 17 countries. I co-host a radio show at ND called Double Trouble with my twin brother. I love playing tennis, watching Philly sports, playing the guitar in the B side stairwell, and making videos. My door is always open (418) so feel free to stop by any time! I'll most likely always have music playing, a new Netflix CIA show on the TV, or a YouTube fireplace that lasts from November to April along with South Bend winters. See you guys on campus!

Patrick Cavanaugh

What's up boys! My name is Patrick Cavanaugh. I'm a senior and will be the RA in 4B for this upcoming year. I'm an Electrical Engineering major with a minor in Engineering Corporate Practice. I'm originally from Longmont, Colorado which is about 30 minutes from Boulder and Denver. I'm a big Denver sports fan throughout the year so I'm always down to talk ball. I love college football especially. I enjoy watching movies and working out. I love to travel and see the world. Welcome to Notre Dame!