Saturday's Squirrel.

It's raining rabbits!

There is a surprising amount of wildlife on campus, and as of late, there has been an explosion in the campus rabbit population. Wherever you look, there's a rabbit or two... sometimes even three or more! While they are all over the place, one place campus rabbits prefer in particular is the green space behind St. Ed's. When asked why rabbits might prefer Steds grass than that of other halls, Fr. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C., theologian and biologist, said, "The grass is greener at Steds."

A new arrival...

 Class of 2034: Theodore Francis Keve

...to the Steds family. Yes, the Steds family has grown with the arrival of Theodore "Theo" Francis Keve, son of Bryan '11 and Stephani Keve, on June 27th. Congratulations!!! On Theo’s arrival, the proud parents said, “Since appearing on the scene, Theo has been all business… from the way he dresses to keeping his us up at night… keeping us up to take advantage of the markets in Asia.”

Still, there’s one way to put Theo to sleep... listening to a homily by Fr. Ralph!

It's official...

Mr. & Mrs. Andy and Marissa Thomas

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Marissa Henry '10, former Walsh resident, and Andy Thomas ’11, former Steds resident, were married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It was a beautiful day for a summertime wedding with plenty of sunshine AND humidity. On becoming a part of the Steds family, Marissa, said, ”It’s a honor and privilege.” Well said… well said indeed!

Best wishes and congratulations Marissa and Andy!

Your Sunday picture...

Looking good...

...from Notre Dame! Here's a view of the Main Building from Sorin Hall. Once again, no matter where you are, there's never a bad view of Mary and the Main Building. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you are!

Funny things...

Oh, okay. Thanks!

... that you see on campus that make you laugh. When making a visit to the Hesburgh Memorial Library, which is currently undergoing a renovation, visitors will see this memorable and laughable scene of port-a-potties and a campus sign. On this scene, an unnamed University official said, "What we would do without campus signs!"

A throwback...

Waiting for fall...

...to spring. With temperatures in the low 90's and humidity that makes you feel uncomfortable, that's exactly what's needed... visit to a different, cooler, less humid time! To facilitate this, here's a spring time picture. Surrounded by the bright spring red tulips, the God Quad's Jesus statue is surrounded in a sea of red. On a hot July Wednesday, a throwback to spring may not change anything physically but it does help mentally!

Have you ever seen...

A little slice of heaven at Notre Dame

... the ceiling of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart's Lady Chapel ceiling? If not, here's your chance! The Lady Chapel is the extension of the Basilica that was done in honor of Fr. Sorin's priestly ordination. It is located behind the main altar, and if you happen to make a visit, look up and see Luigi Gregori's depiction of Heaven. Prominently in the center is the Cross of Christ with the Congregation of Holy Cross' motto of "Ave Crux, Spes Unica," or "Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope." On the ceiling, St. Ed said, "Can you see me? I see you!"

Saturday's Squirrel.

Taking five... and then some

One thing that impresses me about our furry friends is that they know when to relax. Without doubt they work hard, and yes, they play hard too. They're always digging and chasing each other around! But when it's time to take a break, it's time to take a break. On taking a break on the St. Ed's patio trash can, our furry friend non-verbaled, "Taking five... maybe ten."

A summer time secret.

Students: Please return!

While no one would ever say publicly that they are happy to see students and graduates depart in May, quietly, many Notre Dame faculty and staff are. Campus is beautiful, and it seems that beauty only increases with the removal of the hustle and bustle of students. BUT this enjoyable summertime silence quickly gives way to something else... eerie loneliness! Suddenly, the faculty and staff who are quietly happy that students are gone are now quietly wishing that those same students would return! On the absence of students, Fr. Ralph said in a soft, singing voice, "So lonely... I feel so lonely..."

They Got Married!

Looking sharp: the Notre Dame Steds wedding party

It's official. Bryce Perischetti ’14 and Erin Ebbert were married in New Hampton, Iowa. Surrounded by family, friends, and their Sted's family, Bryce and Erin tied the proverbial knot with much emotion and joy. Indeed, there were smiles all around. On the recent nuptials, Tom Roman’ 14 said, “The wedding of the summer was in the Hamptons. No, not those Hamptons. NEW Hampton, Iowa. I always thought Iowa was mostly just corn. But there was so much more. Plenty of corn, of course. But also other things.” 

Still yet, on being in Iowa, fellow Stedsman, Dan Rish’14, said, “Iowa- greatest place I could have imagined (but didn’t beforehand)!"

Congratulations and best wishes to Erin and Bryce!

Your Sunday picture...

...from Notre Dame. Here's a view from Grace Hall looking south, and in the far distance you can see the east AND the south buildings of the new football stadium expansion. Hey, you can even see one of the new residence halls, Flaherty Hall, in the foreground.  Enjoy your Sunday wherever you are!

Construction Zone: Campus

Gone: First, La Fortune's Burger King, now its staircase

Just like the roads of your hometown during the summer, campus is also torn up.  With Doors now inaccessible and pedestrian paths closed, getting around campus is a bit of a hassle, especially if you have to go to La Fortune. The west side of the building has its door closed as its staircase is completely demolished. Will it be finished in time for the return of students in August? Well, you'll just have to stay tuned in.

Happy Birthday America!

Stars and Stripes forever!

For being 240 years old, you look marvelous! Enjoy your day of family, fireworks, and freedom!

153 years ago today...

Fr. Corby

...the future President of Notre Dame, Fr. William Corby, CSC, gave General Absolution to the Union's Irish Brigade in the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. One of only three persons to have the distinct honor of having a statue at the actually battlefield, Fr. Corby has yet another statue commemorating his actions. Located outside the hall that bears his name, Corby Hall, there is an exact replica of statue of him at Gettysburg. And there's your Notre Dame history lesson...