Sammie Van Norstrand, Rector of Walsh Hall
Email: Stay Tuned! | Apartment: 574-631-9859
Sammie Van Norstrand is a proud Colorado native who grew up in Littleton, Colorado. She attended the University of Portland, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Theater. As a resident assistant and retreat leader during her undergraduate career, Sammie grew a passion for connecting and accompanying students through the hills and valleys of college life. After graduating from the University of Portland in May 2021, she served for two years as a House of Brigid fellow at Newman University Church in Dublin, Ireland. Throughout her ministry in Ireland, her desire to serve the Church became apparent. This led Sammie to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Notre Dame, which she completed in 2026. During her time in graduate school, Sammie served as the music director for the Notre Dame Vision program in the McGrath Institute for Church Life, an Assistant Rector in Lewis Hall, and a graduate student intern with the Notre Dame Folk Choir. She is passionate about music, the arts, and helping others uncover their own gifts and talents. She loves nature, reading, and traveling, and she can never say no to sharing quality time over coffee.
Illustration by Gary Covland.
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What is a rector?
A Rector is a full-time staff member who lives in Walsh with us (Sammie's apartment and office are on the first floor right off the lobby). Some of your friends at other schools might have separate people who function as Hall Directors and Resident Ministers; a Rector is basically a combination of these things. She is in charge of the logistics of the building, oversees all events and programming, serves as a pastor of the community, and builds relationships. Basically, #allthethings.
