What's cooking...

Sticha: A Michelangelo in his own right

...at Ed's? Many things. We often focus on the faces and stories of Culinary Service Representatives, but it is important to note that behind every dedicated and beloved Ed’s Culinary Service Representative there is an even more dedicated and beloved “sandwich artist”. Being trained in the “ways of the sandwich,” the sandwich artist revels in his art to craft the proverbial piece de resistance of Ed’s… the panino. Ed’s has been blessed to have a sandwich artist who has not only years of training and expertise but also a good deal of creativity and vision to push Ed’s paninis to higher realms- realms that others said that could not be attained- of taste and satisfaction. Ed’s is blessed indeed to have John Sticha, Steds senior, as its sandwich artist. On what make his paninis better than those of on the campus Au Bon Pan, Sticha said, “While Au Bon Pain's sandwiches are certainly flavorful, each and every one of my hand-crafted paninis contains something ABP's don't: love. Loyal Ed's customers know I pour my heart and soul into each week's batches of Tegers and Herb Brooks. That's why they keep coming back.”

Who's counting?

Room 224's festive countdown

Someone at Steds is! Yes, some Stedsmen are counting down the number of days until Christmas, and all around the Hall there are various reminders of that. Here's one such reminder. Still, I wonder if any of the Stedsmen are counting down the days to Finals? On counting the number of days until the start of Final's Week, Matt Turk, Steds sophomore and resident of room 224, said, "I'd like to not think about that number."

A Reunion in 411.

Room 411 Reunion: Kimlinger, Rashid, Corbett, and Xu 

Richard "Dick" Corbett '60 recently gave a most generous gift of 35 million dollars to the University's capital campaign "Boldly." This gift enabled the endowing of the Notre Dame football head coach's position and the construction of the building on the east side of football stadium, Corbett Family Hall. Without any doubt, this gift by Corbett reveals a deep commitment and abiding love for Notre Dame, and the Notre Dame Family is most appreciative for this generosity. To learn more about Dick Corbett and his transformative gift, click HERE. 

BUT THERE'S MORE...

As an undergraduate, Corbett lived in St. Ed's... room 411 to be exact. On the day Corbett Family Hall was dedicated, Corbett, with his family and friends, paid a visit to Notre Dame's oldest and most storied residence hall, St. Edward's. Received by the Hall President, Joe Trzaska, and a delegation of other St. Edward's Hall Government notables, Corbett was escorted to his old room where he was hosted by its current occupants, Joe Kimlinger, Daniel Rashid, and Jonny Xu. Suffice it to say, it was a most enjoyable "St. Ed's Homecoming." 

On hosting Corbett, Kimlinger said, "Meeting Dick Corbett was like meeting Oprah.  I had the sense that he could have convinced me to do absolutely anything because he was so energetic and charismatic that I felt like I would really enjoy just being around this guy no matter what I was doing.  It's interesting living in the same room he lived in because I begin to realize that Dick and I might not be so different after all.  For starters, we both lived in 411 at some point during our undergraduate careers.  He helped with the Kennedy presidential campaign; I helped with the Trzaska presidential campaign.  He donated $25 million to build a new hall and help further the education of Notre Dame students; I donated $8.99 for a new power strip to further the comfort of me and my roommates.  I could go on, but I feel I'm straying from my main point, which is to say that Dick Corbett is a pretty cool dude."

It is said...

Navy Tailgating: Not for the fair weather fan

… that neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds. It may not be any surprise, but the very same could be said of the Notre Dame football fan. Yes, neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the Notre Dame football fan from tailgating and attending the game. That was certainly the case for Stedsmen Patrick Krauss ’16 and Christian Verhamme ’16 who took up a tailgating position in the Library Lot on Navy weekend. The cold temps, rain, and driving north wind could not prevent these Stedsmen from their appointed pregame rituals. On keeping faithful to his duty, Krauss said, “It was a cold and rainy day in South Bend, and the tent provided the much needed cover and warmth for us to properly enjoy the prescribed pregame festivities. But what really kept us warm that day was our love for Notre Dame. It was great win and great way to close out the home season. Go Irish!”

Your Sunday picture...

A golden view of the Golden Dome and more

...from Notre Dame. A view of Mary atop the Main Building, the steeple of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, AND the Hesburgh Library from St. Mary's Lake. It is the perfect Notre Dame trifecta. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

AND

One hundred and seventy-five years ago TODAY, November 26, 1842, five members of the Congregation of Holy Cross: Father Edward Sorin and Brothers Francis Xavier Patois, Gatien Monsimer, Basil O'Neil and Patrick Conley set foot for the first time on this property and named it "Notre Dame du Lac."

In a Dec 5, 1842 letter, Father Sorin writes:

“Everything was frozen, and yet it all appeared so beautiful.  The lake, particularly, with its mantle of snow, resplendent in its whiteness, was to us a symbol of the stainless purity of Our Lady whose name it bears; and also of the purity of soul which should characterize the new inhabitants of these beautiful shores. …  Yes, like little children, in spite of the cold, we went from one extremity to the other, perfectly enchanted with the marvelous beauties of our new abode.  Oh! may this new Eden be ever the home of innocence and virtue!  There, I could willingly exclaim with the prophet: Dominus regit me … super aquam refectionis educavit me! [“The Lord guides me … beside still waters”; Psalm 23]  Once again in our life we felt then that Providence had been good to us, and we blessed God with all our hearts.”

The great dreamer continued,

“While on this subject, you will permit me, dear Father, to express a feeling which leaves me no rest.  It is simply this: Notre Dame du Lac has been given to us by the Bishop only on condition that we build here a college.  As there is no other within five hundred miles, this undertaking cannot fail of success, provided it receive assistance from our good friends in France.  Soon it will be greatly developed, being evidently the most favorably located in the United States.  This college will be one of the most powerful means of doing good in this country, and, at the same time, will offer every year a most useful resource to the Brothers’ Novitiate; and once the Sisters come – whose presence is so much desired here they must be prepared, not merely for domestic work, but also for teaching; and perhaps, too, the establishment of an academy. … Finally, dear Father, you may well believe that this branch of your family is destined to grow and extend itself under the protection of Our Lady of the Lake and St. Joseph.  At least such is my firm conviction; time will tell whether I am deceived or not.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOTRE DAME!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Working

It's time to bulk up. With snow and a winter chill already in the air, our furry friends can waste no time in adding a few extra pounds for the approaching winter season. Gone are the likes, preferences, and selective tastes of our friends. So long as it adds a pound or two, it doesn't matter what it is... it'll do! On enjoying an afternoon snack, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Enjoying an afternoon snack? This is work! Working to stay warm for winter."

On assignment.

Edwards: The Birthday Boy

The debriefing of what Stedsmen did for their Fall Break is coming to an end. With their return, we have learned about their travels... where they went, what they did and didn't do, and more, much more. For group of Steds sophomores, Fall Break meant going to America’s Heartland, South Dakota. Brendan O’Donnell and Paul Youseff they made their way to Cole Edwards’ home in Sioux Falls, and in the process, they celebrated Edwards’ 20th birthday. AND the birthday celebration happened not once but twice! First it was with Edwards in South Dakota then it was with the O’Donnells in Illinois. On this double birthday celebration and wanton grab for attention by Edwards, O’Donnell said, “Cole was so excited about turning 20 that he insisted we spend a day to celebrate each of his decades on earth. I'm probably paraphrasing, but that doesn't matter.”

Edwards: The Birthday Boy again...

O'Donnell (left):Is this party over yet?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Fr. Sorin is thankful too

The Gentlemen, as I am, are thankful for all the laughs, Yacht Dances, and memorable times associated with this special place, St. Edward's Hall. Thank you to all who help make the traditions and high jinxes carry on. God's blessing upon you all!

We took you...

Steds Treadmill

2008-2017

...for granted because you were always there. We walked all over you, and you never complained. We asked you to go a mile with us, and you always did… AND you would probably gone another mile if we but asked you to. You helped us keep off the Freshman 15. You trained us for our marathons and our half marathons too. You even allowed us to go on a simple Sunday stroll if we wanted to. You gave us a scare back in 2013, but you bounced back to life. Never again did we think this day would come, but the day is here- the day that you can longer function. You had a good run, and we wish you old friend goodbye and Godspeed. On the treadmill's passing, Steds sophomore and avid gym goer, Danny Felton (pictured above), said, “It lived a great life. Helped my freshman 15 not become a freshman 50. The Hall will not be the same without it.”

Exit the stadium...

Rho: Marching until the end

...for the both the football team and the marching band from the Notre Dame Stadium. Final home football game against Navy, marked by cold temp and rain, brought a close to the careers of senior football players AND senior marching band members. Indeed, thanks should be given to all our seniors, but a special thanks needs to be extended to our band. Admittedly, we take the band for granted. They're always there. In the end, we forget their dedication, constant practicing, and drive for perfection is no less than those playing on the field. Without any doubt, they have my respect and admiration... and thanks! On his last performance, Chris Rho, Steds senior and ND Marching Band saxophonist, said, "It's been an honor being in the band for the past four years. Although the cold weather washed away any sentimental feelings I had during the game, going through the tunnel one last time and playing in front of the fans at Notre Dame Stadium is a memory that I will keep for the rest of my life. Walking away with a win was very fitting as well for my last home football game as a Marching Band member."

It's official...

Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Breanna Jenson and Brendan McCarthy ’09 were married at St. Joseph’s in Pensacola, FL. It was a beautiful and sunny day, and it was only made more so by the beaming and bright couple. So beaming and bright were they that sunglasses were needed. On becoming a part of the Steds family, Brenna said, “It’s an honor to join such an elite and distinguished group of Gentlemen who make the Brendan and the rest of McCarthys seem civilized!”

Best wishes and congratulations Breanna and Brendan!

Brendan and his fellow Stedsmen 

Your Sunday picture...

Wish you were here, really

...from Notre Dame. Thanks to an unexpected delay, a walk around the lakes was postponed. And thank God for that because this amazing sunset over St. Mary's Lake was then captured. Who would have thought that an unexpected delay could be redeemed, leading to such beauty? Okay, God did. Enjoy your sunset wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Deep in thought

Our of furry friends are always up to something. Running here... dashing off over there. Yes, they are zany, amusingly unconventional, and always hungry. Still, there are some furry friends who buck the trend. They are stoic, pensive, and contemplative. The allure of food, a fresh muffin top or lightly salted walnut, won't phase this type of furry friend. No, they won't because this furry friend is deep in thought, pondering weighty matters, even musing on the trivial. On his ruminations, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Where did I bury that walnut?"

A crash...

 On the mend: Usher and his bicycle

...may have put a damper on his day, but it didn't keep him down. Yes, Jack Usher, Steds freshman, was involved in a two bicycle crash. Jack was stopped, waiting for someone else to pass in front of him, when another bicyclist, who saw Jack stopped, kept peddling like a rider in the last stage of the Tour de France... and bang. The other bicyclist crashed into Jack. Thankfully, Jack was not injured though his front wheel was completely demolished  Still yet, both Jack and his bike will make full recoveries. On the accident, Usher said, "Fixing a bicycle is expensive, but having a few extra minutes of sleeping in the morning is well worth it."

It's official...

One sweet couple!

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Meghan O’Connor ’09 of Pangborn and Greg Kelley ’09 of Steds were married at St. Mary’s in Charleston, SC. It was a beautiful day, and it was only made more beautiful by this beaming and radiant couple. Indeed, in local parlance, they were sweeter than sweet tea. On becoming a part of the Steds family, Meghan, said, "I was welcomed with open arms into the Steds Family. It was my second home at ND, but there was a price. I did had to learn to LOVE sports. From going to ALL the ND basketball games to watching the Gentlemen play their floor hockey… and video games too, I really had to make sports a hobby-or at least pretend to. Still, it’s well worth the price!”

Best wishes and congratulations Meghan and Greg!

The big day...

Kilting...

Stedsmen staging for the pep rally

...is a Steds tradition that continues. What is Kilting? Kilting is something that St. Ed's has done for over a decade (so it must be a tradition) where the Gentlemen fashion kilts and don body paint for the football pep rally. This year, President Trzaska set kilting for the Wake Forest game weekend, and thank God that he did because it's going to be terribly cold for Navy! Without any doubt, the sight of the Gentlemen in their kilts, coupled with their antics and irrational exuberance, lifted the spirits of many at the pep rally. Okay, they were the pep rally!

On Kilting for the very first time...

freshman Patrick Magner said, "I was surprised to find that not only does paint keep you aerodynamic, and, shockingly, warm, but it's also edible."

Fellow freshman, Peter Haley, added, "While kilting was overall an amazing experience, I would like to file an official complaint against Steve Max- the leader of the stadium-wide 'Simon Says' game. I've never before lost in 'Simon Says', so there must have been a conspiracy to prevent me from winning. I'll be back next year with a vengeance!"

Frank Khoi, a freshman and Californian, chirped in and shared, "Kilting? More like Floating 2.0 . . . with much more cardio."

Not to be left out, freshman, Jack Olmanson said, "There are only two options in life: kilt, or be kilted. I chose to kilt, and that made all the difference."

What's cooking...

Herlihy: smiling or is there a fire?

...at Ed's? Many things. While the items being served up are the same night after night, what distinguishes one panino, milkshake, smoothie or whatever from another is the customer service rendered by the C.S.R.- the Culinary Service Representative. C.S.R.s are a dedicated group of Stedsmen, who have been thoroughly trained in the sandwich and milkshake arts, providing sustenance to extinguish any late night cravings. They do that and more... because they do it all with a smile! On what make his customer service distinctive, Joe Herlihy, Steds freshman, Hall baseball player, and C.S.R., said, ""A smile is a curve that sets things straight!"

Update: What's happening at...

Almost done

...Notre Dame during the summer? Again, the answer... a lot. Yes, a lot of new construction projects started this past spring and summer, and update on one of them- the new school of architecture building. The Walsh School of Architecture, located south of the stadium and Legend's, will be the new home for the school of architecture. Hopefully, construction has continued to be ahead of schedule, and as it continues you can see two of the unique aspects of this building... the tower on the right and the "hall of casts" on the left. If you want to jump ahead and see the finished project and learn more about the tower of hall of casts, take a gander by clicking HERE. On the new home for the school of architecture, St. Edward said, "A tower? Really? 'Archies' always have to be different!"

Your Sunday picture...

A God Quad sunset 

...from Notre Dame. Here's the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with a beautiful and peaceful sunset. Unfortunately, the phone camera cannot capture this sight in all of its glory, but still, you can enjoy it, taking some of it in. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

A campus oddity

Okay, it’s not a furry friend this Saturday but rather an “autumn friend.” Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the “giant puffball”, is a puffball mushroom commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests usually in late summer and autumn. This one was found around St. Joseph’s Lake and is the size of a basketball. Are they edible? Well, all “true” puffballs are considered edible when immature, but can cause digestive upset if the spores have begun to form. This is indicated by the color of the puffball turning to an off white. On eating this giant puffball, Fr. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C., said, "I'll pass. I would rather enjoy it from afar. Who knows? Maybe a squirrel might want to a nibble or two."

Look...

Steds Reunion: Connaughton and Haag

who's back... Pat Connaughton ’15! Connaughton, former Stedsman and Notre Dame Men’s basketball small forward, returned returned his old residence hall and campus. And how could he not? Connaughton was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2015, but he then was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. At the same time, Connaughton was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles to play baseball! Most recently, on October 18th, when the Trail Blazers were playing the Phoenix Suns, Connaughton scored a career high 24 points! On his recent visit to the Hall, Fr. Ralph said, “Connaughton never really left the Hall. Why I see him all the time…on TV.”

Good luck #5!

In case you...

NDH: Now open!

...didn't know... North Dining Hall is now open. Oh, it's been open since August, but in November, it's still being advertised to students and all who happen to come across NDH from the east. If the streams of students coming in and out of the building didn't tell you that this building was open for business, then this sign plastered in the windows will. On being shown the "NDH Now Open!" picture, a Steds freshman passing through the lobby said, "It's open? I am going right now!"

Lime biking...

Gambardella: All about the bells

...is not for all. For some, lime biking is like Seinfeld's George Costanza dressing completely in velvet... a giving up in life... and in bright and awkward colors no less! Yet, for others, it is a "way of life." And if you are the latter, then you can expect to see more, many more lime bikes, on campus. Pick one up wherever, and drop it wherever. Prior to the start of school a shipment of lime bikes was dropped off especially for campus, and on the word of someone in the know, students can expect to see another campus delivery in the near future. On using lime bikes, Josh Gambardella said, “I believe it was Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, who said, ‘Always be the guy on the limebike’. I live by this quote. I mean come on! They even have bells!”

What's going on

Badin Hall: A work in progress

…with Badin Hall? Great question. Last summer, Badin Hall moved to Pangborn Hall, a.k.a. “Swing Hall.” Swing Hall is no longer functioning as a residence hall and is the place where a functioning residence hall moves to when their hall undergoes a complete, one year renovation. As Badin Hall undergoes its renovation, something new will be the addition of chapel. Surprisingly, Badin was the only residence hall without a “real” chapel. Well, when the lady bullfrogs return to Badin, they’ll find a completely renovated hall as well as a new and spacious chapel. On the addition of a chapel, Fr. Ralph said, “I would love to be invited over for Mass, but I am already booked. Sorry!"

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 the Notre Dame Student Manual from 1941.

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

"CHAPEL: Students who regularly fail to attend morning and night prayers in their chapel are subject to the undesirability list."

Your Sunday picture...

An early morning sight

...from Notre Dame. Here is an early morning view of Mary and the Main Building. Call me crazy, but depending on the time of day and the color of the sky, the Dome appears to be different shades of gold! Given that this photo was taken at the crack of dawn, here's a unique hue of gold we usually never see. Still, always a sight to behold... regardless of the sky or time of day! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Hello there neighbor...

Oh, they're around... our furry friends. Maybe our attention was elsewhere, but rest assured, their attention was always focused on us. Yes, they were watching us all the time, looking for a hand out here or a dropped food item there. Greedy? Probably, but can you blame them? Winter is coming, and they need the extra pounds to keep warm. And our furry friends desire to keep warm so much so that they are not afraid to approach us as we ambulate about campus. On seeing Fr. Ralph, this furry friend scurried across God Quad to non-verbal, "Can you spare a muffin top?"

On assignment: Fall Break.

Honestly, Bennis, Rahill, Schaeffer, Kelly and Foley pointing to Honest Ed's

The debriefing of what Stedsmen did for their Fall Break continues. With their return, we are beginning to learn about their travels... where they went, what they did and didn't do, and more, much more. For group of Steds sophomores, Fall Break meant going to America’s 51st state… Canada! As they made their way to Toronto, our Stedsmen took the sights and smells, including taking in the local cuisine. While the locals looked like Americans, they spoke a particular English and were overly nice, almost annoyingly so. Still, it was a most enjoyable adventure.

On the trek north, Will Kelly, said, "I was disappointed by the severe lack of "eh." I suppose we will have to venture deeper into the Great White North to pursue the true Canadian accent next Fall,"

and Dan Rahill added, "Canada is a nice town."

On the food of this foreign land, Andrew Bennis noted, "The poutine probably took a few years off of my life, but is life really worth living without poutine?"

Not to be left out, Sam Schaeffer voiced his opinion saying, "When I had poutine two days in a row, I was worried it was bad for my health. But in the name of science, I had to be sure... so I had it another two days.”

Ben Cook went on the record stating, "While I enjoyed my brief time in the "Great White North," I must admit I missed the crisp, sweet, familiar aroma of freedom, liberty, and pride which permeates the atmosphere here in U.S. of A." 

Finally, Chris Foley concluded, "O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

Rahill, Foley, Cook, Bennis, Schaeffer, and Kelly at Niagara Falls

What's cooking...

Girgis: The Godfather of Ed's

...at Ed's? Many things. While the items being served up are the same night after night, what distinguishes one panino, milkshake, smoothie or whatever from another is the customer service rendered by the C.S.R.- the Culinary Service Representative. C.S.R.s are a dedicated group of Stedsmen, who have been thoroughly trained in the sandwich and milkshake arts, providing sustenance to extinguish any late night cravings. They do that and more... because they do it all with a smile! On what make his customer service distinctive, Shady Girgis, Steds sophomore and C.S.R., said, "Even if the person off the street said that a bad panino was a good, I wouldn’t serve it to the family… Steds is my family, and you don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family.”

Spotlight RA.

Charlie Rutherford: Less on the go than you thought

A good rector will tell you the real secret to a great Notre Dame residence hall is its staff- the resident assistants (RAs). And for St. Edward's, it is no different. These dedicated, undergraduate seniors are to the Hall as caffeine is to a Monday morning… indispensable. Who are these seniors? Let's put the spotlight on one of them... the 2nd floor resident assistant, recreational volleyball player, avid Star Wars Battlefront II player, aspiring doctor, and Washington State native, Charles “Charlie” Rutherford.

St.Ed: Why did you become an resident assistant (RA) for your senior year?  As a senior, you should be kicking it into neutral, coasting across the graduation line in your pjs.

Rutherford: I thought how well my previous RAs knew their residents was awesome, and I wanted to stay involved in the Hall as much as I could. 

St. Ed: Many times those who live on the second floor feel like they have lost out in the lottery called life… and in a certain way, yes, they have. How can you not feel that way? You can’t legitimately use the elevator, and so, it’s always the steps? Still, how do you make your residents feel that they and the floor aren’t room lottery losers?

Rutherford: I think that our section is really tightly knit, and also since everyone uses the Greg, it is really easy to just go in there and chat with everyone. It almost has the feeling of a group of rooms with a massive common room where people can go to be social. Okay, I’ll say it… the Greg belongs to the second floor, literally and figuratively. 

St.Ed: Rumor has it that you are an the you are a medic. Is that true? Do you have a prescription pad?

Rutherford: I am an EMT, and have been since my freshman year. Unfortunately, haven't earned the prescription pad rights yet, but am working on it!

St.Ed: Being an RA for over a two weeks now, what’s something that you learned about the Hall?

Rutherford: I've learned that being Hall Staff in St. Eds is really fun and that everyone intregrates into the community within a week or so. It was really interesting to see both of our new ARs and all of the new freshmen in for the Hall within the first few weeks... it was like the first day of school... everything was new for them.

St.Ed: What would you want your legacy to be at Steds?

Rutherford: I want to be remembered as always an available RA, willing to chat about anything at any time… and could tell you if you had broken a bone.