Best of...

...the Gentlemen's Monthly. Yes, three years ago today, here was today's posting. Enjoy this blast from the past!

                                                  Are those regulation Christmas lights? Just asking...

Our Tour de St. Edward continues with room 221, a room with a great view of the Dome and home to two Steds freshmen. Here's what the residents, Joe and Brandon, had to say when I caught up with them before the start of the Christmas Break.

St. Ed: With two persons in the room, isn't it a tight fit?

Freshmen: Actually, we were surprised by how much space we actually had when we first moved everything into the room.  We are lucky enough to live on the second floor of Steds, and the ceilings in our rooms are the highest of any dorm on campus (13').  This extra vertical space allowed us to loft our beds higher, and this has created tons of floor space.   Also, some credit needs to go to our extremely clever mothers who figured out exactly how to fit all of our belongings into a 15'X12' space.

St. Ed: How did the building of your loft go?

Freshmen: Building our loft was a simple process.  Using the online loft exchange, we were able to find a loft that had been designed by a civil engineer.  Neither of us has any construction skills whatsoever, so we actually paid the guy who owned the loft a little bit extra to come and set it up for us during the first week of school.  

St. Ed: What you do wish that your room had?

Freshmen: It wouldn't hurt to get a little A/C in here, but the 99 degree days in August were good for character-building. We would also like it if our sink didn't spew toxic waste while we are sleeping, as that gets a little bit inconvenient after a while.  

St. Ed:  What would you like to see in this summer's renovation?

Freshmen: We’re afraid the list would be too long, but most definitely, world peace.

There you have it folks, freshmen living it up in a room with a view, not to mention lofts that are safe.

A blast...

More to come...

...from the past. Thanks to Neil Sielski '15, we have an insight into Notre Dame’s past. Through a patient, Sielski came into possession of Notre Dame Student Manual from 1941.

This week’s installment from the 1941 Notre Dame Student Manual, page 30:

"A good talking-picture is presented each week."

I wonder if the new Star Wars film, Rogue One, would have been shown? I hope so!

On fourth day of...

Can I buy one?

...Christmas, a Stedsman gave to me... this picture of a most unique birthday gift. Dr. Jay Williams '12 celebrated a birthday- besides Geico who's counting- last week, and as a gift, he received this one-of-a-kind quilt of past Steds shirts. WOW! Now, that's a birthday gift! On receiving this bespoke quilt, Williams said, "I loved Steds so much, I decided to wrap myself in it for the holidays." And we love you Dr. Williams... indeed, we love you! 

On the third day of...

Making merry: Riley, Wentzel, and Miller

...Christmas, my Gentlemen gave to me... this photo of the three of them. Looking for a unique campus photo, Steds juniors, Dan Riley, Andrew Wentzel, and Jacob Miller, trekked all the way to the Main Building for photo in front of the University's Christmas tree. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

On the second day of...

A serene winter view...

... Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me... two statues covered in snow. Yes, these rarely seen statues of Blessed Basil Moreau, CSC, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross- the religious order that founded Notre Dame in 1842- and St. Andre, the Congregation's first saint, are located by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Next time you're on campus, try to find these two statues. Merry Christmas!

It's the first day of...

Merry Christmas

...Christmas. Perhaps, it's not a partridge in a pear tree, but here's a view of the Main Building's ceiling and its Christmas tree. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas tree in Main Building

To all Gentlemen, St. Ed's families, and friends of St. Edward's Hall, Merry Christmas! May the Christ child fill your hearts with joy this Christmastide and his blessings throughout the NewYear! 

It's Christmas Eve...

...and all through the Hall, not a creature was stirring, net even a... well, the picture says the rest. Make sure to get that last minute shopping done and those much needed groceries... so that you, like our mouse, might be able to have a relaxing sip of a holiday drink!

A blast...

More to come...

...from the past. Thanks to Neil Sielski '15, we have an insight into Notre Dame’s past. Through a patient, Sielski came into possession of Notre Dame Student Manual from 1941.

This week’s installment from the 1941 Notre Dame Student Manual, page 25:

AIRPLANES: No student is to use an airplane or to take instructions in piloting without an explicit permission from his parents."

He's back.

We love you Rancher Larry!

Yes, everyone's favorite rancher is back, Rancher Larry. Recently, I received a Western Union telegram from him. Rancher Larry says, "Good evenin’ folks! I hope this message finds y’all well. It seems bitter winter is setting in here on the ranch. Me and my hound have been busy rounding up the livestock. You’d be surprised how strong a cold wind can throw a sheep wayward. Still, it is time to settle in to my humble cabin, with a crackling fire and tall glass of whiskey, and get back to studying medicine. Merry Christmas to the Gents and extended St. Ed's family..."

A view from Rancher Larry country...

Santa's Helpers.

Hansen and Kaspar smiling, but who's driving?

With finals over and packing ALMOST done, there was one last thing to do... deliver Christmas gifts! Yes, it was time to help Santa and deliver the Christmas gifts that the Stedsmen had purchased for the eight children they had sponsored for Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of the Gentlemen past and present, all the kids' wishes were met with even some left over to get something for parents too. To Jack Kaspar, Christmas Kids Commissioner, and all who helped make Christmas a reality for our kids and parents, THANK YOU!

The word in the hallway...

It's eerily quiet...

...well, you have to come back in a couple of weeks since it's Christmas Break! Yes, with Finals' Week over and a winter storm never materializing, the Gentlemen have scattered to all parts of the country and world for a bit a of down time. On Christmas Break, Fr. Ralph said, "We all needed a break, and this year, break is longer than usual. And I shall enjoy that extra bit of break, and so, to all Stedsmen, don't rush back!"

Saturday's Squirrel.

Is he going to pounce or just say 'hello?'

Where is this furry friend now? Good question. With all the recent snow and bitterly cold temps, this furry friend, who I befriended this fall on the porch of Corby Hall, is probably huddling in his leaf hut in some tree on campus. Hopefully, this furry friend has enjoyed the benevolence of students this fall and gorged on muffin tops, assorted chips, fruit, and other gently consumed food items. And so, to all our furry friends, "Stay warm and well fed!"

Farewell.

Maem: We love you!

As the Fall Semester comes to a close today, it is only fitting that we pay tribute to a beloved fixture of St. Edward's Hall, Maem Detaksone. In November, after nine years at St. Edward's, Maem departed the Hall and University and headed out west, to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to her family. Suffice it to say, her departure was sad news and a tremendous loss for the Hall. Maem was a second mom for many as well as someone who never settled for the minimum, especially when it came to her work. She wanted us to have the best and cleanest Hall on campus, and we did. Without doubt, she was always for the kids... and for that, the kids loved her!

Maem, you are and will continue to be missed. Good luck, and come back for a visit!

Better late...

Rutowski adding to Perpetua's beauty

...than never. That was certainly the case for Steds senior, John Rutowski, who was the last Stedsmen to decorate the Hall's Christmas Giving Tree. The tree, Pertpetua, who was already beautiful to begin with, was even more resplendent with this and all the others decorations hung by the Gentlemen. On decorating the tree, Rutowski said, "It's what the great Stedsman Daniel Wrapp would have wanted." Indeed, he would have John... indeed he would have.

We have...

Painfully sublime.

...another gift from our budding Hall dry erase artist. Yes, Bensky has gifted the Hall with yet another dry erase creation... a depiction of, a tribute to really, Ben Cote, 4th floor resident assistant. On the gift, Fr. Ralph said, "Bensky's intention was to create a work of art which would transcend the visible, which cannot be perceived except in stages, with the understanding that it is a partial revelation and the perpetuation of the existing. Yes, his aim was to show what can be seen within the limits of possibility, which exists in the midst of coming into being."

Throwback Tuesday.

But are those smiles real?

It was the football game of all football games. It was a game that pitted 4th floor residents against those of the 3rd floor. Brother against brother. Friend against friend... even resident assistant (RA) against resident assistant. Yes, it was the mother of all football games as it pitted Ben Cote, RA of the 4th floor, against Brandon Ruggles, RA of the 3rd floor. While a good time was had by all, with many athletic feats of strength and brawn shown, one side had to lose, and for those of the third floor, it was them. On the fourth floor victory, Cote said, "It's not often that the neglected fourth floor main section has a chance to stand up for itself. Putting an end to Ruggles' tyrannical rule over the Hall is nothing short of a divine gift from St. Edward himself." 

A most peculiar...

Farewell snowy friends...

...sight it was. Yes, before the recent snowfall that blanked everything once again in an inch or two of "fresh powder," North Quad was dotted with these little mounds of snow. It was a perplexing sight. All of the previous snow had melted away except these this mounds, but why? Simple. The mounds were the remains of student made snowmen. Speaking on the condition of anonymity a Stedsman said, "Yes, I made a snowman. I did it with my friends, and I would do it again. The snow was perfect, and it brought back so many childhood memories. Don't worry. I still threw a few snowballs Zahm's way."    

Your Sunday picture...

A view that only Steds can enjoy!

...from Notre Dame. Here's a picture of snowy Mary and Main Building taken from the third floor of Steds. Watching it snow on the Main Building is always delightful, but it's even more delightful when  you can do it from the comfort of your residence hall. So, to all other residence halls at Notre Dame, eat your hearts! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's squirrel.

Furry friend: I see you

We just never know when and how they are watching us, but they are. Make no mistake about it! They ARE watching us, and I was reminded of this fact when walking by the DPAC. Having a feeling that I wasn't alone, I looked around and seeing nothing I then looked up. Suddenly, I found this furry friend looking down on me.  But why? Was he following me? Was he going to drop a nut on my head? Who knows. On the experience, Fr. Ralph said, "Hearing about this reminds me of the song 'Somebody's watching me'... but who knew it would be a squirrel."

Having fun before...

Gayheart (right): Taking the glory of the Halftime show for Steds

...the start of Finals. Yes, that and taking a break from overseeing Moms' Weekend responsibilities is exactly what Corey Gayheart, Steds sophomore and Moms' Weekend Commissioner, was doing this week as he attended the ND Women's basketball game against UCONN. While the ND Women may not have taken the glory of a victory from the court that day, Irish fans were not completely shut out as Gayheart won the Halftime show. On his victory, Gayheart said, "South Bend residents truly do love ND Women's Basketball. I'm now known around town as 'That Dancing Simon Says Guy'... I guess the next step is to either go out for the Notre Dame Pom Squad or run for South Bend mayor. Either way, the future looks bright!"

Mission Accomplished.

For the kids!

When all seemed lost and Christmas going to be a lot less merry and bright, the Gentlemen rallied raising a staggering $1,065 for the Hall's Christmas kids in one week's time. So much was donated from current and past Gentlemen that there were not enough ornaments and light strands for those who donated to decorate with! Under the direction of Jack Kaspar, the Gentlemen will go shopping later today with the wrapping of gifts happening next week. On the success, Dan Delfico, Steds freshman and Jersey native, said, "Hitting our giving goal was very important for us because we really do make Christmas a reality for the eight kids we adopted as a Hall. We may have started a little slow, but a strong rally on the final night to actually exceed our goal showed the generosity and community strength of St. Edward's Hall."  Still yet, fellow Jersite and Steds junior, Joe Sierotko, said, "At St. Ed's, the spirit of Christmas is visible in our halls and manifested in our hearts. In true St. Ed's fashion, we achieved beyond expectation and collectively contributed to provide children in need with joy. It's all about giving the kids the best Christmas possible!" Indeed, Joe... indeed!

Oh, the things...

Perplexing...what does he want?!

...the Gentlemen write on their dry erase boards. Witty and insightful, but in this case a bit perplexing. Does the sage of room 311 want us to correct his spelling of "Thesarous," or is he really looking for another word for "Thesaurus." Maybe the question isn't one of "either, or" but rather one of "both, and?" Still, will we ever know? 

Moms' Weekend!

Foley and Schelble: Won't be alone on Moms' Weekend

It's happening again... Moms' Weekend! Moms' Weekend Commissioner, Corey Gayheart, sent email invitations this week, and if you didn't get one, email Corey (cgayhear@nd.edu) or Fr. Ralph (haag.6@nd.edu). Today, the first responses were received with freshman Chris Foley and sophomore Peter Schelble's moms being the first to respond. On their moms' quick response and attending the star studded and magical weekend, Schelble said, "I thought my mom was going to Vegas," with Foley adding, "My mom told me she wasn't coming, but now, she is. Love you mom!"

There be a...

Kaspar: For the kids!

...Christmas tree in the St. Ed's Chapel. Here's what I found out when I caught up with Jack Kaspar, St. Ed's sophomore, who is tending, both literally and figuratively, the Steds Christmas tree.

St. Ed: Last time I checked, it was still Advent. So, why is there a Christmas tree in my chapel? Having one is like having the Easter bunny show up, and it’s only Flag Day. Talk about out of place.

Kaspar: Yes, you are not wrong -- but it's for the kids, as always! This Christmas, Steds will be providing gifts for 8 children through the St. Vincent de Paul society. To promote this event, we will be decorating this Christmas tree with each donation students make.

St. Ed: Okay, makes sense. What's your goal, moreover, what are the kids asking Santa for?   

Kaspar: Indeed, Santa will be partnering with none other than the Gentlemen of St. Ed's this year, as he has done years before. The kids are hoping for a wide range of gifts including: legos, a bike, winter clothing, toy cars, and even a baby jumper for the littlest one. 

St. Ed: Say, are you wrapping those gifts? Do the Gentlemen know how to wrap gifts, or will there be a lot of tissue paper and gift bags used?

Kaspar: Yes,  we will attempt to wrap the gifts as a study break during the Tuesday of finals week. It will be a valiant effort, but I believe in our Stedsmen. But yes, in all likelihood, you may see plenty of gift bags.

St. Ed: Curious, will it be a "white Christmas” this year? 

Kaspar: Well, I'll be back home in North Carolina... so probably not for me. And my roommates Harry and Francois will be heading back to Ethiopia and Zimbabwe for the first time since arriving at school... so probably not for them either. But here in South Bend, I would not be too surprised if a sheet of "New England clam powder" or, as we say down south, flakes of "Devils Dandruff" fall this Christmas. To see video, click HERE.

St. Ed: Do you have any last words to share with us?

Kaspar: I'm happy to give to this great cause, and I'm looking forward to buying, wrapping, and delivering the gifts in person. As always, it's for the kids!

Your Sunday picture...

Carroll Hall: so lonely...

... from Notre Dame. It's a dreary day here at Notre Dame, but that's going to change. Why? Because it's going to snow! Whether or not it collects on the ground, it will buoy and raise the spirits of students everywhere on campus! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Every bird watcher's dream of spotting...

With our furry friends taking a break from the blog this Saturday, our feathered friends have filled the void. Spotted by Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, on God Quad, this American Gold Finch was enjoying some sunshine and a terrific view of Mary and the Main Building. On the spotting this "flashy" bird on campus, Fr. Terry said, "This bird caught my attention just like a car did when I was in San Diego. But who's imitating who?"

...especially the owner of this car.

All we're missing...

Always looking classy...

...is snow. With the Hall's exterior Christmas decorations up, all we need now is snow to make it feel more like the season. Still, the St. Ed's Christmas tree (in white lights) with two Christmas wreaths have classed up St. Edward's Park, including Zahm and Cavanaugh Halls so much so that they have copied our Christmas decoration motif. On the St. Ed's Christmas decorations, Fr. Matt Hovde, C.S.C., Rector of Zahm Hall, said, "The St. Ed's decorations are really classy... fitting for a Hall full of history and tradition."

A blast from...

This is gold...

...from the past. Thanks to Neil Sielski '15, we have a new "regular fixture" for the Gentlemen's Monthly.  Neil was going through some things, and he came across an item that a patient gave to his dad, Dr. Edward Sielski '77. What did Neil come across? It was none other than the Notre Dame Student Manual from 1941! On the find, Sielski, the younger, said, "My Dad and I got a kick out of it last year, and I must have forgotten to send a scan of it to share with the Stedsmen. Some highlights that my Dad and I had post-its on...well, you'll just have to read the blog." Such a tease that Sielski is...indeed.

From the 1941 Notre Dame Student Manual, page 8, number 21:

Final exams for the fall semester will be administered after Christmas Break