The winners were...

Fr. Ralph with Wetzel '16 and Hecht '16

...feted at the Morris Inn. This year's winners of the Hall Spirit Award and Citation of Merit awards were treated to a reception at the Morris Inn where they, along with other residence hall award recipients, were hosted by the Vice President of Student Affairs. This year's recipient of the Hall Spirit Award was John Wetzel while Chris Hecht received the Citation of Merit. Both winners will be immortalized on the respective plaques that hang in the Hall's lobby.  On the award recipients, Fr. Ralph said, "The food at the Morris Inn was good, but the company was even better!"

Congratulations to John Wetzel and Chris Hecht!

Saturday's squirrel...

A skunk outside Alumni Hall

...or should I say, Saturday's campus critter? Yes, I should, and you shouldn't be surprised to see a skunk or two around campus. This is especially the case since campus has turned into a bit of a ghost town as of late. With everyone gone, skunks and other critters feel more at ease and now rummage around a bit more than they used to. When asked about the invasion of critters on campus, a squirrel non-verbaled, "There goes the neighborhood."

Houston, we...

Look'n good...

...solved the problem! Yes, the gremlin that had harried the staining efforts of carpenters has been defeated as a replacement pole was able to match one of the previously stained poles. And from the looks of it, the darker stain carried the day. Either which way, this project, funded with ND Day funds, makes the welcome to Steds more stately and "gentlemanly." On the new the sign, Maem, Steds housekeeper, said, "Steds finally has a sign that it deserves!"

A Herculean task...

A man on a mission: Vince Cooke '82 and his bicycle

Following the historic Route 66, the legendary road that tamed the West, St.Edward’s very own, Vincent Cooke ’82, intends to ride the FULL length of the route, from the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in LA.  

Cooke and his wife, Michele, will drive to Chicago from their home just outside of Baltimore on Memorial Day weekend.  From there, Vince will ride the bike, and Michele will provide SAG services (support and gear) from the car.  The route is a whopping 2,486 miles, and Cooke plans to make the ride in just 28 days.

But why? Why not take a Greyhound bus that follows Route 66?

Like many cyclists, Cooke is using his love of cycling to try to raise money for a good cause, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.  All donations and pledges to the ride will go to help fight cancer, and NO donations go to the expenses of the ride.  Cooke’s goal is to raise $10k for the charities.  

Donations can be made on line at www.rt66tokickcancer.wix.com/donate.  

On his epic journey, Cooke said, “My ride is very aggressive at 100 miles per day because cancer is very aggressive, so my goal is likewise aggressive. Still, I have always been fascinated by Route 66.  It seems to hold a somewhat romantic charm of a slower and more personal time far removed from the everyday rat race of today.  To me, the unique roadside shops, restaurants, and hotels with their inviting décor and bright colorful lights have always fascinated me.”  

Cooke will post a Facebook blog daily with photos of the sights along the way.  You can follow their ride at www.facebook.com/Rt66tokickcancer.

Safe cycling and Godspeed to you Vincent!!!!

Your Sunday picture...

Can you see it?

...from Notre Dame. Here is a view of the Main Building, Hesburgh Library, and the Sacred Heart Basilica from the front yard of Carroll Hall and east bank of St. Mary's Lake. Still, there's something else in this picture that makes it so special... the moon rise. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Say goodbye...

"Parting" is such sweet sorrow

...to this tree and more. Without doubt, this tree, on the west side of the Jesus statue, has seen better days. Unfortunately, due to recent high winds or perhaps just old age, this tree has developed a severe crack, necessitating safety braces. Suffice it to say, it's coming down. On this damaged tree, Fr. Terry said, "There are more trees on God Quad that are coming down, namely the two large sugar beeches in front of the Main Dome."

Houston, we...

 What happened?

...have a problem. Yes, we have a problem at Steds. What's a matter? Well, it concerns the new exterior sign that is going up thanks to Notre Dame Day funds. It appears that when the posts of the new exterior sign were stained they ended up being two colors. It was the same wood and same stain, but they ended up being two different colors, one dark and one light! I suspect Zahm had something to do with this. On the state of the exterior sign, St. Ed said, "My kingdom for an exterior sign with two matching posts!"

Exit Graduates.

A view that never gets old...

After yesterday's chilly, but dry, graduation and a memorable evening on the steps of the Main Building, the newly graduated are packing up and leaving campus. Without doubt, leaving is a sad moment, but we know that all will return sooner than they realize... for the first home football game of course! To our new graduates, congratulations... and we''ll see you in the fall!!!

Still, with graduates leaving, it means that summer has began, and so, the Gentlemen's Monthly enters into summer mode, bringing you all the happenings at Steds but at the same time enjoying summer time!

He's ready...

Lattimer and his Steds mortar board

...to graduate! Chris Lattimer, Stedsman and Architecture student, has completed his matriculation and is ready to graduate and enter the world of architecture. As he does, Lattimer is keeping the long standing graduation tradition of architecture students by creating and wearing personalized mortar boards. To not only stand out in the crowd but also communicate what means a great deal to him, Lattimer has hand-crafted AND painted of replica of Steds circa 1900. Now that's going to draw the attention of the crowd AND FBI working graduation ceremony. On his personalized mortar board, Lattimer said, "In my five years here at Notre Dame, St. Edward's Hall has provided me with an incredible community of friends and a long list of memories, including an undefeated broomball season, a surprise Christmas carol performance in studio in the final days of our project at Bond Hall, playing hide and seek in the library, and competitions for my friendship against my other friends in Bond. My mortar board model pays tribute to the greatest hall on campus and home away from my other home in Bond Hall!"

Lattimer modeling with St. Ed approving

Looking good...

St. Edward's 2015-2016

...for the Hall picture! Following the Yacht Dance, the Stedsmen woke up, gathered for a late afternoon hall photo, to be immortalized for ages to come. Unfortunately, the University prohibits Hall Staff from standing on the portico, destroying a fine tradition, but that didn't prevent them from doing something new... standing on ladders. On the recent photo change, Fr. Ralph said, "They may take our portico away, but they can't take our ladders!"

Move Out Day: Part III

The Williams: Dr. Jay and Liz, Susan and Jim, and Jack Ryan

As residents were moving out, Fr. Ralph was preparing to welcome the Williams Family. Why? Jim and Susan Williams were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, and they wanted to renew their vows in the Chapel of St. Edward. With their sons, Jay ’12 and Jack Ryan ’12, and daughter-in-law and 6th RA of Steds in 2012, Liz ’12, present, Susan and Jim renewed their vows, making the chapel even more historical. On renewing their vows, Susan said, “It's not the number of years but the number of blessings. And the blessing by Fr. Ralph in the St. Ed’s chapel, surrounded by Stedmen, so blessed to be blessed in so blessed a place!” 

Notre Dame Day...

Making way for something new

...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 exterior Steds sign in the backyard. Working with a local company and using the design of John Wetzel and Chris Lattimer, the exterior sign will be looking better than ever! On the new exterior sign, an  unnamed, neighboring rector said, "It's about time." Indeed, it is... indeed it is about time!

Here's a peek at the new sign....

A sign coming soon to Steds!

Move Out Day: Part II

Fr. Ralph, Skip and his wife, their son Chad with Coach Lou Holtz

As residents were moving out, Fr. Ralph and the Steds Assistant Rectors, Tom Roman and Kevin Cornwall, were preparing to welcome the Holtz Family. Why? Coach Holtz and his wife, Beth, endowed the St. Edward's Chapel in honor of their son, Skip Holtz, who was once a resident of the Hall. This generous endowment provided for the recent renovation of the Steds chapel. In addition to the Steds chapel, the Holtzs endowed two other chapels, BP and Morrissey, in their children's honor. On the Holtz's endowment of the St. Edward's Chapel, Fr. Ralph said, "Every Stedsman is grateful for this gift, and because of it, our chapel is not only more historic but also a better place to pray!" 

 

Fr. Ralph with the man of the hour... Skip Holtz

Senior Week...

Miko (tan hat) and Steds "glitterati"

...starts today, but for the seniors of St. Ed's, it started on Saturday with a trip to Churchill Downs. Yes, in keeping with tradition, Steds seniors were in attendance for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby. With sunshine, bowties, and mint juleps, how could our Stedsmen lose? On attending the Derby, Miko Malabute, Steds senior, said, "I actually went to Churchill Downs my sophomore year during fall break, but the difference between then and now is like night and day. The smell of ponies (both good and bad) was in the air, and folks were dressed to impressed, all came together to make for a life-long experience. Thank goodness that my mom helped me pick out what to wear so I could blend right in!"  Thanks mom indeed!

Your Sunday picture...

Happy Mother's Day!

...from Notre Dame. Here's view from God Quad of the beautiful day that is today. It is absolutely gorgeous, and I wish you could be here to share it. The leaves are coming out, the flowers are blooming, AND we have a leftover couch from Move Out Day to sit on while we soak everything in. Can you see the couch in the picture? Don't forget to call mom today, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Did I say something?

Our furry friend looks like he is simply enjoying a nut; however, there is always something more than meets the eye. Actually, our furry friend is enjoying a nut AND is quite perplexed. On being perplexed, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Where's everyone going?" Good question since today was the last day of move out. Stay tuned... and find out where the Stedsmen have gone.

It's over...

A sea of trucks

...and move out begins in earnest. With the last finals finishing at 4pm today, many Stedsmen are packing up and heading out to all parts and corners of our nation and world. Perhaps, we'll hear about some of their travels and adventures this summer? Still, it is important to note that they are many Steds parents giving a helping hand with the Herculean task of move out. As she was helping her son, John, move out, Katerina Haley said, "We'll be back soon." Great... but please, don't rush back!

Some Stedsmen...

A Stedsman best friend: the "vator"

...have all the luck. Yes, some Stedsmen have completed their finals, and now, they're are enjoying some much needed and well deserved down time. Still, some are forgoing a break and are immediately packing and moving out. On finals being over, Joe Petrone, Steds Junior, said, "The amount relief is surprising!"

Who knew...

Hecht: Not a Canadian...just a Cinncinnatian on ice

...that St. Ed's had a curling team? I sure didn't, but I am not surprised that they are winners! With Chris Hecht "captaining" the curling squad, the Sted's team has had a very good season as Hecht has helped fellow players channel their "inner Canadian." On the first round of the playoffs, Hecht said, "We won 3-1 in thrilling fashion courtesy of a masterful snipe by fellow Stedsman Steven Brill on the last throw of the game. We advanced to the Round of 32 with the win."

It's on!

Cervantes burning the candle at both ends

Finals Week is well underway, and Stedsmen are pulling out all of the stops, redoubling their efforts, burning the midnight oil, etc., etc., etc. to make this Finals Week successful. So, all study spaces have been made quiet study spaces and hall quiet hours are in effect. Still, there is the traditional "letting off steam" every night at 10pm. On Finals Week, V, Steds Senior and RA, said, "Is there studying going on? Oh, there's plenty of studying going on!"

Thoughts from Abroad.

Taking a break from Rome: Cullen in Florence

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 Rome for the Spring Semester, Sean Cullen, Steds junior, said, "I've really broadened my perspective and seen a lot of amazing history here in Rome and Europe. I now have a more competitive list of places that are almost as good as Steds!”

Your Sunday picture...

Soon the park will be awash in color...

...from Notre Dame. Here's a Spring panoramic view of St. Edward's Park. It's true. April showers bring May flowers! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!