Kate Palko, M.T.S., Rector of Walsh Hall
kpalko@nd.edu | Office: 574-631-5750 | Apartment: 574-631-9859
Hello everyone! My name is Kate. I am the new Rector for Walsh Hall. Writing a bio is... more involved than I thought. Let's start with where I am from: I grew up in Indiana, Pennsylvania. I am a middle child between my two brothers and have two wonderful parents. For my undergrad, I went to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where I majored in philosophy and minored in biology. I was on their women's tennis team and was involved in Residence Life my junior and senior year. Then, I went on to receive my Master's in Theological Studies at Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry. At both institutions, I was an R.A. I realized that the many joys and challenges I got to experience in that role helped me grow into the person I am today, and now I get to continue that journey here as a Rector. I am so excited to embrace all that Walsh has to offer! And I am so eager to meet all of you, hear your stories, and grow together.
Some fun things about me:
Some fun things about me:
- I love birds! You will most definitely see me around campus with a bag of seed and attempting to befriend all the critters on my walks.
- My Myers-Briggs personality type is INFJ.
- My patron saint is Kateri Tekakwitha.
- I like making references to Vine, tiktok videos, and various memes.
- I truly appreciate authenticity.
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 (Kate'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.
