Saturday's squirrel.

A table for one?

Today's furry friend is enjoying a quiet moment with a nut. Sitting on the Zahm picnic table this squirrel is, well, enjoying the fruits of his labors. On enjoying a quiet moment at the picnic table, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Hey, no one was using it." 

ND Day continued...

Bringing ND Day Campaign 2016 to a delicious end

At the conclusion of ND Day on Monday, there was a celebratory gathering in the first floor lounge. With President Ryan giving thanks to all Gentlemen and friends of St. Edward's for making ND Day Campaign 2016 a success, the Gentlemen took a much needed break from their labors, enjoying Chick-filet-A and each other's company. On the celebratory gathering, Danny Szydlowski, Steds freshman, said, "Glee Club may have incredible musical talent and been number one overall, but we have Chick-filet-A… AND a yacht dance. I think we all know who really won Notre Dame Day." Indeed, we do Danny… indeed we do!

Yacht Dance 2016...

Senior picture on the top deck

...was nothing but dancing, smiles, and good times on the Mystic Blue! While rain was always threatening, it didn't dampen the Stedsmen's special and magical evening on Lake Michigan in the least. The yacht shoved off on time, 11:30pm, and the dancing began with Fr. Ralph's favorite song, "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems." After sailing up and day the lake, the yacht returned to port at 1:30am with many tired dancers. On the attending the Yacht Dance, an unnamed date of a Stedsman, said, "Yacht Dance is Christmas in April!" Well said unnamed Yacht Dance... well said indeed!

It may be cloudy...

Let's go to Chicago!

...but it's a great day for a Yacht Dance! Yes, today is the last day of classes and that means... it's Yacht Dance Day. Later tonight and fresh from a successful ND Day campaign, 146 couples will head to Windy City, hopefully just wind and no rain, for dinner and a cruise on Lake Michigan, returning to campus tomorrow morning just in time to see the sun rise. It is a day that everyone, even the rector, looks forward to. On it being Yacht Dance Day, John Rutowski said, "It's a great day to be a Stedsman." Indeed it is John... indeed it is!

It's official...

You made it happen!

...for the second year in a row, Steds was the number one residence hall in Notre Dame Day voting. Friends, there's just no way of denying it... the numbers don't lie. St. Edward's IS Notre Dame's FIRST and MOST LOVED residence hall! On the behalf of the residents, many thanks to all the Stedsmen, alumni, parents, friends, and people of good will who made this campaign the MOST successful campaign ever. How will the funds be spent? Read the blog daily and find out. And when you do, know that it's happening because of you! On the success of ND Day 2016, St. Ed said, "My sincere thanks to all. The Gentlemen and friends of St. Ed's ALWAYS rise to the occasion!"

For final ND Day results, click HERE.

Because of YOU...

Men's Rowing? Is that a real thing?

...St. Ed's in FIRST PLACE! Never have we achieved such a distinction!!! Thank you to all who rallied to the call and did his/her duty to King and Hall. Know that your donation to the Steds campaign means the world to all of us... and in the end reminds all of us of the special place St. Edward's is. Thanks to you, long will it continue! As today unfolds, hopefully, we'll finish on top, but wherever we may land, we did it together!

If you can help St. Ed’s in its 2016 ND Day campaign, click HERE.

Do so by 11:59pm tonight, and you'll make the Gentlemen of St. Edward's gush!

Also....

Watch some Stedsmen on the ND Day broadcast...

V. Murthy and the Stedsmen's Christmas Break trip to India.

Brandon Ruggles and Ben Fouch with Dark House Recruiting.

Ned Vogel does a solo at DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

Your Sunday picture...

Springtime at ND

...from Notre Dame. Here is a view of the Sorin statue at the start of God Quad. It's a beautiful Sunday at Notre Dame, full of sun and spring flowers. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be...

...and remember St. Ed's for ND Day! Give your $10 and 5 votes to St. Ed's TODAY or by tomorrow, Monday, April 25th!

To help... click HERE.

For old St. Ed, for the kids...

What he wants for ND Day...

Never mind that he is a Cubs fan...

ND Day is here! While the Hall is mobilizing for the big day, it's important that everyone does their part for St. Ed's. Why? Because we ALL can make the dreams of so many Gentlemen come true! 

And on what he would like to do with the funds raised on ND Day, Jack Kasper, Steds freshman, said, “To get new furniture in the flounge (first floor lounge).”

For St. Edward’s…for new furniture…for the kids!

To help St. Ed’s in its 2016 ND Day campaign, click HERE.

ND Day...

Hall Staff at the new watering hole on the 2nd floor

...funds at work! As funds continue to be dispersed, improvements are being seen around the Hall. Another improvement thanks to Notre Dame Day funds is the addition of filtered water fountains. Up until this semester, there was only one filtered water fountain in the Hall, and it was on the first floor. So, if you weren’t living on the 1st floor, it was a real inconvenience to hop in the elevator or descend the steps to get a drink of refreshing, mineral lite, water. BUT… thanks to ND Day funds, that inconvenience is a thing of the past. On being able to get fresh, filtered water on all floors at Steds, Dawson Robinson, 1st floor RA and pictured above at the fountain, said, “"Stedsmen like me, who live on the first floor, have always been privileged with a water filter, so today is bittersweet for us. On the one hand, our 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor friends have better tasting water. On the other hand, we lost one of our few bragging rights," while Fr. Ralph said,"When we're thirsty, we can now get a drink of water on ANY floor of Steds. Stay thirsty my friends!"

To help St. Ed’s in its 2016 ND Day campaign, click HERE.

A message from...

President Ryan: Ready to lead the charge on and off the field

...the President, Brandon Ryan. Actually, it's more than just a message. It's a message AND an interview from the man leading the Sted's ND Day campaign. In addition to advancing his studies and tending to that leg that won so many inter-hall football games, President Ryan is rallying everyone and mustering everything to aid and advance the Hall's 2016 ND Day campaign. That campaign starts today. Before it did, I had the chance to talk with President Ryan. 

St.Ed: Is ND Day really that important to St. Ed’s?

Ryan: ND Day is very important to St. Ed’s. It allows us to gather to funds necessary to continue some of the university’s richest traditions, as well as maintain the highest quality of life for the Steds community. It is the support Stedsmen need to remain the best hall on campus since 1882.

St.Ed: What are you and your administration doing to make this year’s ND Day campaign a success?

Ryan: Between John Haley’s variety of artistic skills, my creative word play, and Kurt, we think that our team is ready and able to spread the word around the Steds community better than ever. With adept use of social media, a dedicated workforce, and a righteous cause we believe act this year can be as effective as last years, despite the increases competition.

St.Ed: If this year’s campaign is successful as last year’s was, how will the Hall use its ND Day funds?

Ryan: The most important use of these funds will be the continuation of subsidizing of Steds’ beloved Yacht Dance. Believe it or not, there are those beyond these walls who don’t appreciate the cost of tradition. Allocating money from Notre Dame Day to pay for some of the expenses of Yacht Dance can help take pressure off the Hall’s budget, and make sure that Stedsmen are given the best deal possible for their tickets. Still, ND funds will continue to be used to support the Hall retreat, general improvements and upgrades to the Hall, to equip inter-hall sports teams. 

St.Ed: Why should someone give to St. Ed’s on ND Day?

Ryan: For the kids! Everything we do in Steds revolves around this motto. All of your support will be used directly to make your favorite Stedsman’s time in the hall as enjoyable as possible. Steds is the absolute center of my college social life. Almost every extra-curricular I have taken part in during my two years has been through the Steds community, and I know many other people are similar. Supporting Steds during ND Day is the absolute best way to have an effect on each and every Stedsman’s time in college.

St.Ed: Good luck Mr. President!!!

For more information on how to give to Steds and for the instructional video "How to give to Steds," click HERE.

ND Day...

Oh, Lund, and Owen, on the phone calling his broker.

... funds at work! As funds continue to be dispersed, improvements are being seen around the Hall. Another improvement thanks to Notre Dame Day funds is the Gentlemen’s Billiards Club on the first floor. While the Gentlemen are still waiting for a new pool table light to be installed, the room has been painted a darker green, receives a daily copy of the daily Wall Street Journal, and has new leather furniture and pool chairs. With all the upgrades, the room is harkening back to a Victorian sense of a gentleman’s club. On being able to play pool AND read the Wall Street everyday, Albert Oh said, “A gentleman never plays safe… that’s why I always go for the shot and invest in mortgage backed securities!”

Be on the lookout for a message and instructional video from the Hall on how to make improvements like this and many others happen at St. Edward's!

What he wants for ND Day...

Please make Carr's dreams come true!

ND Day is almost here! While the Hall is preparing for the big day, it's important that everyone does their part for St. Ed's. Why? Because we ALL can make the dreams of so many Gentlemen come true! For more information about the day and ways YOU can support the Gentlemen are on the Hall’s website. Ten dollars can really go a long way! 

Very soon, on this coming Sunday, April 24th, you will see our informative ND Day letter as well as an instructional video on how to give… 

But in the meantime, on what he would like to do with the funds raised on ND Day, Jon Carr, Steds sophomore and fourth floor resident, said, “Having seen one too many residents take the elevator to the third and even second floors, I think a new elevator that goes directly to the 4th floor would be greatly appreciated. Something must be done to prevent this inconvenient laziness.”

What he wants for ND Day...

Please make Montemarano and Mathes’ dreams come true!

ND Day is almost here! While the Hall is preparing for the big day, it's important that everyone does their part for St. Ed's. Why? Because we ALL can make the dreams of so many Gentlemen come true! For more information about the day and ways YOU can support the Gentlemen are on the Hall’s website. Ten dollars can really go a long way! More information coming soon…

On what he would like to do with the funds raised on ND Day, Parker Mathes said, “Make a donation to the Hall’s charity, Mullets Against Malaria and get some new football jerseys,” while his roommate, Drew Montemarano, said, “Commission a well-respected artist to paint colonial style portraits of every resident of the hall. I would suggest someone who would be of the Jeremiah Theus School of portraiture painting.”

Jeremiah Theus....

Your Sunday picture...

There and back again...

...from Notre Dame. It's nice to get away every now and then, but seeing this always make me glad to be back. Nothing says home like seeing Mary on the Dome AND St. Edward's. Enjoy Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Wish I had something to give...

With the recent warm temps, our furry friends are out and about campus doing all things that we know them to do, namely beg for food. Walking by the Basilica's main door, this furry friend run up, stood up, and blocked my path. On standing in my path, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Something for the trouble?"

Thoughts from Abroad.

Schmitt and Grasberger matriculating at Dover

Each semester, even during the summer, a number of Notre Dame students study abroad in locations that range from London to Santiago, from Tokyo to Paris and all points in between. Not wanting to miss out on the chance to matriculate abroad, Stedsmen have joined their fellow students in hitching a ride for a three month vacation, errrr I mean, study abroad. On studying abroad in London for the Spring Semester, Kevin Schmitt, Steds junior, said, "Matriculation has never been more fun! I have learned that throughout history, empires have risen and fallen, but the Steds empire shall live forever and cover the face of the Earth!"

Still yet...

not quite a Schmitt get-together in South Bend but Paris will have to do!

Notre Dame Day...

Is this a scene from the Louvre? No, just a new picture on the 1st floor...

... funds at work! As funds continue to be dispersed, improvements are being seen around the Hall. Another improvement thanks to Notre Dame Day funds are the hallways of Steds. Four 30 x 40 inch Matt Cashore photos, selected with the help of Hall Government, were hung throughout the Hall, adding some color as well as a feeling of home. On the hanging of four Cashore pictures, John Sticha, Steds freshman, said, “They’re vibrant and fresh.” Indeed, they are, and Steds finally has some color!

...with another on the 2nd floor...

... and another on the 3rd floor, east side...

...and one more on the 3rd floor, west side.

Rancher Larry...

Rancher Larry: Rancher and wisdom figure

...has taken a break from his chores of tending herd, homestead, and medical school to tell us an importance message about but ND Day. On ND Day, Rancher Larry said, 

              "Howdy folks it’s me again, Rancher Larry. Did you know that Notre Dame Day is         

               coming up? I bet you did blog reader, you’re smart as a whip! ND Day is really           

               important down here on the homeSTED, it’s the day that good people like 

               yourselves can "super power" your charitable donations of $10 to the fine   

               establishment of St. Edward’s Hall. That’s right, with Mars in the fourth house and 

               three goats… no wait, that’s a different super power day. Anyways, on April 24th 

               and 25th donations made are boosted by a Notre Dame "Challenge Fund" 

               proportionate to the number of voters for each cause. These donations will have a 

               huge impact on the lives of these Gentlemen, so please spread the word! Flannel 

               isn’t as cheap as it used to be! Thank ya kindly and for more information please 

               check out and donate at notredameday.nd.edu.”

If I had a herd and homestead, I would want Rancher Larry in charge!

What he wants for ND Day...

Please make Schelble's dreams come true!

After Christmas, Easter, Easter Monday, Moms’ Weekend, Thanksgiving, Fall and Spring Breaks, and Labor Day, Notre Dame Day is my most “favorite-est” time of the year. Why? Because we CAN make the dreams of so many Gentlemen come true! For more information about the day and ways YOU can support the Gentlemen are on the Hall’s website. Ten dollars can really go a long way! More information coming soon…

On what he would like to do with the funds raised on ND Day, Peter Schelble said, “I would like to purchase Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona and bring him onto the Big Cats team. With two wins and a tie this season, we think it’s worth the risk to take a veteran player who may not possess the perfect physical fitness that all other Big Cats do.”

Thank you...

Jackson with his mom

...Jackson! Many, many thanks to Jackson Herrfeldt and the work that he did to make Moms' Weekend a success, and I dare say, the best one ever. When the weekend was over and things returned to normal, I caught up with Jackson and asked him how things went. Here's what Herrfeldt had to say...

St.Ed: How did the weekend go?

Herrfeldt: I was a bit nervous to see how the weekend would turn out, and hoped that everything would come together. Luckily it did, and it seemed like everyone had a great weekend. At least I know I did. I'd also like to say I think I was line dancing better than the Texans. 

St.Ed: What was your favorite appetizer of the weekend?

Herrfeldt: As popular as the cheese cubes were, I must say I was more partial to the hummus. I don't know if it had garlic or red peppers or whatever. All I know is that it was delicious and that's the only thing that makes sense to me. 

St.Ed: Were you trying to influence the dancing at Yacht Dance later this month with the Texas line dancing lesson at Moms Weekend? As a Californian, do you have Texan sympathies?

Herrfeldt: Considering one of my roommates from this year is from Texas, and I will live with another Texan next year, I'd like to say I am sympathetic toward them. I mean it's so sad to see them think they are an important state, like California. I guess I was just looking out for my roommates to make them feel important, for once. They finally get to be the "cool kids" at Yacht dance, hopefully.

St.Ed: With the weekend being such a success, what do you do next?

Herrfeldt: I divert my stress over the weekend back into the stress over my school work. Such is the life of an ND student. 

VIDEO: For a peek at the lining dance on Saturday night, click HERE.

Your Sunday picture...

Brighter than ever...

...from Notre Dame. I tell you... Mary atop that dome of gold shines more brightly against a clear blue sky! Shine on Mary... shine on! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

A snowy Saturday...

Nothing can stop them!

...caught many by surprise, and it even forced the cancelation of the "Holy Half Marathon." The cancelation is particularly saddening because so many Stedsmen were training for the marathon And yes, that's why the gym and the hallway by the gym smelled like "teen spirit." Still, there is a sliver lining to this sad story. On the canceling of the marathon, Brandon Ruggles, former Steds vice-president, said, "They canceled the Holy Half due to snow, but a little weather never stopped any Stedsmen. We all ran it!"

On the "Complimentary Compliments," a.k.a. Steds Spirit Squad, being held up in the Hall due to the weather, Tim Sherman, Steds sophomore and marathoner, "Their compliments were  and meant more in spirit than anything else." 

Ready to cheer but nowhere to go...

What he wants for ND Day...

Please make Rutherford's dreams come true!

After Moms’ Weekend, Notre Dame Day is my most “favorite-est” day of the year at Notre Dame. Why? Because we CAN make the dreams of so many Gentlemen come true! For more information about the day and ways YOU can support the Gentlemen are on the Hall’s website. Ten dollars can really go a long way! More information coming soon…

On what he would like to do with the funds raised on ND Day, Charlie Rutherford said, “I would love for the Hall to purchase a chocolate fountain for the boys and a variety of snacks that can be dipped in that chocolate fountain.”

Thoughts from Abroad.

I am beginning to see the St. Francis in Mike

Each semester, even during the summer, a number of Notre Dame students study abroad in locations that range from Perth, Australia to Rome, Italy and all points in between. Not wanting to miss out on the chance to matriculate abroad, Stedsmen have joined their fellow students in hitching a ride for a three month vacation, errrr I mean, study abroad. On studying abroad in Dublin for the Spring Semester, Steven Mike, Steds junior and Californian, said, 

"Studying abroad in Dublin this semester has been an amazing experience. At first I was nervous to leave all of my friends and the comfort of South Bend, but the second I landed in Ireland I was glad I did. The country is beautiful and traveling across Ireland and throughout Europe has been so much fun. I've made many Irish friends and have spent more than a few nights drinking pints of Guinness with them out at a pub, and will never forget this experience. I urge everyone to consider studying abroad if they have the chance." 

Well, I am not going to argue with that. Oh, to be a student again!

Situation normal...

Be nice or else!

...trapped in the elevator. Yes, that's what happened when Chris Hecht, Steds senior, got into the elevator to, ironically, post a note that the elevator was out of order. Posting that note, was Hecht being a "responsible resident" or was he trying to cover his tracks. Whatever it was, he ended up having some one on one time with the "vator." When Hecht got sweet release from the elevator, thanks to the help of NDFD, here's what he had to say about his ordeal.

St.Ed: So, I hear that you broke the elevator.

Hecht: Allegedly.

St.Ed: What did you think once you realized that you had broken the elevator?

Hecht: It's all kind of a blur, but I think it was survival instincts that helped me maintain my sanity. Oxygen supply was low and food rations were scarce, so keeping a cool head was important.

St.Ed: How did you pass that first minute stuck in the elevator?

Hecht: It felt like weeks, even months, passed by in that first minute. I saw my entire life flash before my eyes.

St.Ed: If there was going to be movie made about this, who would be casted as you?

Hecht: I'd have to go with Harrison Ford circa Indiana Jones.

Success and...

Dwyer, Meder, and McCarthy embracing after a successful pick

...failure. Yes, that's how one could describe Room Picks Night at St. Edward's, success and failure. As  lottery numbers were called and room picked, some times Stedsmen were able to successfully pick the room they wanted, and at other times, well, just the opposite. The stakes were real and so was the drama, but in the end, everyone got a room. The good thing about St. Ed's is that there is NO bad room! On the evening...

...the person with the number one pick, Quinn Schwartz, said, "I tried to shoot for the first floor 'Fralph Suite,' but I was told 'No' and 'Really? That's dumb Quinn'... It's like first place room pick means nothing anymore!"

...the barker, Frank Spesia, who called out lottery numbers as well as closed out rooms as they were selected, said, "They say that my bark is worse than my bite, and I typically must agree. However, when a dream triple with great bathroom and water fountain access hangs in the balance, sometimes I have to make sure the kids fear my bite."

...the rector, Fr. Ralph, said, "I am glad it is over."

They're going for...

Riley: Playing for keeps this time

...gold in the upcoming in-Hall Olympics. Yes, after falling by the wayside for the past couple of years, a renaissance of sorts has occurred and interest in this hallow and cherished event has been rekindled. Once again, St. Ed's floors will be pitted against each other battling for gold and glory in events that test senses, (gentle)manliness, knowledge, and of course, athletics. On his participation and preparation for these games, Dan Riley, Steds sophomore and 4th floor resident, said, "After the underground blood doping scandal, we are looking forward to some good old fashioned clean sporting this season," and he went to say,

"I heard we were able to get Bob Costas to announce this year," only to go on to say,

"Despite the inter-floor rivalries, we are all repping the same flag," where he finally closed by saying,

"Let's see if Steds will be able to repeat the incredible sweep of all the gold medals from last year."

Exit Moms.

Goodbye moms!

Today, after the 10am Mass at St. Edward's Hall chapel, Moms' Weekend 2016 drew to an official close. Unfortunately, only now at the close of the weekend did the sun shine brightly and the temps warm up. While the weather was more miss than hit and the weekend felt that it went by too fast, one thing that was not lamented was the great amount of fun and parental bonding was had! Without doubt, Steds loves their moms! On the weekend coming to an end, an unnamed Steds freshman mom said, "We're leaving, but we're coming back next year!" Please do unnamed Steds freshman mom and ALL Steds moms!   

Moms continued...

Jackson Herrfeldt with opening remarks that...

...their special weekend by keeping a busy Saturday schedule. While the weather was on and off again snow showers and bright sun shine, it did not put on a damper on the festivities. Saturday started off with a brunch at SDH with a dinner that was later served in the Monogram Room at JACC. On the "Celebration Dinner," Susan Riley, Steds mom from Wisconsin, said, ""It was an evening of pleasant conversation, a delicious dinner, a fun but strenuous line dancing experience... but I finally got the hang of it at the end. It has been a special time shared with my son, his friends and their moms. Much appreciation for the opportunity!"

...later gave way to Texas line dancing lessons...

...where everyone had a good time, even the student dance instructor in the corner!

Enter moms.

Steds loves their moms

Today is the start of the much anticipated Moms Weekend. It's a celebration of moms by their sons, the Gentlemen of St. Ed's. This year, there are 94 moms attending with 24 special guest- grandmas, aunts and sisters- joining as well. The weekend kicked off with a reception and giving of gift bags at Remmick Commons at Visitation Hall.  On the reception,  Frank Spesia said, "I wish I got a gift bag."