Thoughts from abroad.

Molyneaux: In a good light

Thanks to ANOTHER Steds dad, Dan, we have yet another update on an Stedsman, Peter Molyneaux, who, in a sort of way like Mark Miclean, has gone down under for the Spring semester. While Miclean is in Australia, Molyneaux is in Brazil practicing his Portuguese, and amid his practicing, he has also been able to take some time off and dabble in Spanish while visiting Chile. On his son’s time down under in Brazil, Dan said, “I am glad to see that Peter made a pilgrimage to see Christ the Redeemer in Rio.  As a Domer myself, I am also quite proud that he is demonstrating the proper way Jesus arms should be lifted!  Now if he would just cut his hair and not for forget to come home someday… all will be perfect!”

The start of...

Nebraska: Somebody has to live here

... the summer has officially begun with the celebration of Memorial Day. Devoted readers would know that there should have been a posting yesterday, but what can I said except that the holiday got the better of me. And maybe it was the same for you too! Still, what better way to usher summer in than in Nebraska... the Good Life. While a state that most people fly over or drive through without stopping except to buy gas, Nebraska has its charm and is a great place to call home. Having a stop in Nebraska on his summer itinerary, Fr. Ralph, native Nebraska, said, "If you're ever here, stop, and soak up the good life!"

Thoughts from abroad...

Australia: A break from class, or is this class?

Thanks to his dad, Dave, we have an update on an Stedsman, Mark Miclean (second from the left), who has gone down under for the Spring semester. Surprisingly, during his matriculation in the sunny Western Australia city of Perth, Miclean, and fellow Stedsman, Colin Rahill, seem to have been able to take a break from their rigorous studies and head to the beach. On his son’s time at the beach, Dave said, “Apparently learning to surf is part of the curriculum.”

Best of...

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

Thoughts from abroad.

Planek (l) with Chris Masjak (r) in Budapest

Sted’s junior, John Planek, has been studying in London this past semester. When asked of his time in London, Planek had this to share.

St. Ed: Has studying abroad afforded you the opportunity to expand, as they say auf Deustch, your “Weltanschauung,” or worldview?

Planek: Traveling so much has been a great experience since I had never left the USA before. Sometimes it's strange to see so many languages spoken, but almost everyone knows English and is willing to help you. Except the French, especially in Paris.

St. Ed: What countries have yet to visit before returning Stateside?

Planek: My final trip was last weekend. From England I've travelled to Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, and the Vatican.

St. Ed: While in London, have you “mind the gap”?

Planek: I have minded quite a few gaps, and I've had enough of referring to elevators as "lifts." Makes me miss the good old Sted’s Vator.

St. Ed: Open Mic. Anything you want to say?

Planek: It's been a great semester. My favorite trip was to Rome and attending Easter Mass with Pope Francis. It was incredible. Still, I'm looking forward to coming back to ND for Finals Week and see all the Stedsmen on campus!

Exit...

Do you see it?

... everyone. With graduation ceremonies now over, and seniors and all support staff leaving campus today, St. Edward's had an eerie silence come over this afternoon. Gone is the coming and going of students, the jumping down the stairs, and slamming of doors. Gone are the watchers of TV shows in the Flounge. Gone is the smell of caramelized onions and pizza sticks wafting from Ed's. Gone are the odors emanating from the gym. Yes, gone are the laughs, yells, clicking of the door swipes, ruckus hall council meetings and so much more from St. Ed's. But it will all return in due time! Oddly enough, on the very night when everyone has departed there was a strange image in the sky; an image beckons everyone to return. Do you see it? On the image in the sky, Fr. Ralph said, “If you do, don’t rush back… just yet.”

Congratulations and good luck to our graduating Gentlemen!

Still, with graduates leaving, it means 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!

The best seat...

Graduation: the best seat on campus

... for Graduation was at St. Edward's. Strange, yes, but it's true. The best seat for Graduation was the couch in the St. Edward's rector apartment! From the comfort of the couch, Graduation ceremonies were seen on close caption TV AND there was zero percent chance of rain. On Graduation, Fr. Ralph said, "The one hour delay to avoid the rain gave everyone a much needed extra hour of sleep, but the couch gave a bit more as I experienced a nap or two." 

Congratulations to all our graduates!

Graduation on ND TV

In or...

The big question: In or out? 

... out? Yes, will Commencement 2018 be inside or outside? Preparations are being made for graduation exercises to take place outside in the stadium. Even if it rains, graduation will be held outside, but if there is lightening, then it's inside. Only if we could have the weather we're having right now for Sunday... it wouldn't be a concern! On whether graduation will be inside or outside, Jackson Howell, Steds senior and 1st floor RA, said, "The way I see it, it doesn’t particularly matter whether Commencement is inside or outside. I’ll likely be soaking wet at the end of it either way due to the Biblical level of 'graduation waterworks' from friends, family, and female graduates.”

Congratulations...

Riley: Pointing out his name

… to the Daniel Riley, the 2018 Citation of Merit Award recipient for St. Edward’s Hall. Amid a chocolate fountains, eclairs and cream puffs, extra large strawberries and cookies, Dan was feted along with other award recipients and Hall Spirit Award recipients on the 14th floor of Hesburgh Library. On receiving the Citation of Merit Award, Riley said, “I am honored to be the recipient of the Merit Award for St. Edward’s Hall. I really could not have asked for a better home during my four years at Notre Dame. As much as I have had a Notre Dame experience, even more so have I had a St. Edward’s Hall experience. I will cherish every memory I have of the place and the people who have made it my home. It and they will be missed.”

Riley will be immortalized on the Citation of Merit Award plaque that hangs in the Hall’s lobby. 

Congratulations to Dan Riley!

Something for...

Kill: Designed his own gift

… for the seniors. After much delay, St. Edward’s has finally produced a gift for its graduating seniors! This year the Hall gifted its graduating seniors with the first ever “senior present,” a Hall coin. Designed by several Steds generations, Neil Sielski ’15 and Jam Kill ’18, the coin commemorates the matriculation at Notre Dame as well as the time spent in its oldest and most storied residence hall, St. Edward’s. The coin was given at the last Hall Mass of the semester and will be given to ALL past residents of the Hall. On helping make the Senior gift a gift, Jack Kill, senior and 3rd floor RA, said, “It was an honor to participate in the creation of the first ever senior class gift. Medallions of this sort are a simple yet elegant token often used by the military and other fraternal groups to commemorate special events or group membership. This coin will serve as a physical reminder of the place we have called home for four years, the memories we shared, and the memories we have yet to create. Once a Stedsmen always a Stedsmen!”

Congratulations...

Ryan and Haag at the top of Hesburgh 

… to the Brandon Ryan, the 2018 Hall Spirit Award recipient for St. Edward’s Hall. Amid a chocolate fountains, eclairs and cream puffs, and other delicacies, the former president and outgoing Hall Presidents Council chairman was feted today along with other award recipients on the 14th floor of Hesburgh Library. While the afternoon sugar high was appreciated, the views from the exterior catwalk were even more appreciated… and thankfully it was a bright and sunny day. On receiving the Hall Spirit award, Ryan said, "Nine years ago, I was hanging out with my brother and a group of freshmen in their new home of St. Edward's Hall. When they started calling me “Stedsboy”, I knew my brother was part of the coolest group of men at the entire University. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of this community, serve as president, and be honored with this award. I am proud to receive this Hall Spirit Award, and could not be happier with the experience I’ve had over the last nine years as part of the Steds family. Thanks to the whole Hall, and as always, it’s all for the kids!”

Ryan will be immortalized on the Hall Spirit Award plaque that hangs in the Hall’s lobby.

Congratulations to Brandon Ryan!

Throwback to...

Sticking to their day jobs...

... some other time then now. Yes, there was a lot happening in the waning days of this semester. Sadly, it was impossible to capture all of it let alone disseminate it in a cogent and digestible manner. Still, some of highlights will be shared over the next couple of day. Here's one installment... Sketching 101. In an effort to make the Gentlemen more "gentlemanly," with a wider and more expansive "weltanschauung," the former Hall President, Joe Trzaska, convened a sketching course in the Gregorian Study Lounge with a professor from the Notre Dame School of Architecture. Following Fr. Ralph's advice that no nudes be used, the rudimentary principles of sketching were explored as the Gentlemen sketched their fellow Gentlemen. Some grasped the principles rather quicker while others grasped but came up short. Regardless of their grasp, the event was a resounding success as all Gentlemen learned to appreciate this art and its principles. On the sketching of roommates, Trzaska said, "I never had any idea what Paddy looked like until Lupo drew him. What an awakening!"

Gentlemen sketchers: Trzaska and Yerkes...

Lupo and Paddy, 

A special day...

Take me out to the ballpark, but before you do...

... it was for the Steds seniors. Senior Week got off to a fast start as they travelled to Wrigley Field to see the cross town rivalry between the White Sox and Cubs. BUT before they did, the Gentlemen were hosted by Tom and Julie Scott, parents of Chris Scott '18, to some Windy City hospitality. Arriving a couple of hours before the game, the Gentlemen enjoyed a great pre-game celebration with great food and drink and even better company. Suffice it to say, it was a memorable time and an unforgettable way to start off this most special week. On hosting the Steds seniors, Julie said, "Having the seniors with us... on Mother's Day no less... what a gift!" MANY THANKS to our gracious hosts, Julie and Tom's, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OUR MOMS WHEREVER THEY MAY BE!

... take to me to Julie and Tom's!

Move out...

All's quiet at homeSteds

... Saturday. Today was the day for all undergraduates to move out of the Hall by 2pm. As you can imagine, the hallways were full of activity, moving this or that thing out, throwing out a year's worth of trash, donating items to Old to Gold. And as the witching hour drew near, the Hall became quieter and quieter as the Stedsmen dispersed across the country and globe for the summer. Eventually, it became dead quiet as they all left. Unfortunately, on the departure, there was no one to quote!

History was...

Congratulations!

... made today at St. Edward's! In the early afternoon, the 100K threshold was broken to great excitement and jubilation. Yesterday, a passionate plea was put out asking all Gentlemen to rally for to this cause and milestone for not only the water fountain / bubbler / hydration station but also the entire Hall. Making it their only source of filtered water, the threshold was easily broken and being present to see it happen only made the moment sweeter. On the historical milestone, Fr. Ralph said, "Congratulations to all, especially to then fountain of the hour. Next year? 200K!"

Later this summer, a private ceremony will be had feting the water fountain / bubbler / hydration station, and the word in the hallway is that a sparkling grape juice will be pour down its drain.

VIDEO: SEE IT HAPPEN

We did it!

Making history..

Witnessing history: Chapple and Casper

... yet again! Once again, St. Edward's is adding to its storied history as its water fountain, as known in the Hall as the "bubbler" by those from Milwaukee, is about to hit 100,000 plastic disposable bottles saved from the landfill. Technically speaking, the fountain isn't actually a fountain or even a bubbler. It's actually a "hydration station" where residents can refill their water bottles with filtered water. As you can imagine, the atmosphere is electric with the fountain/bubbler/hydration station becoming the talk of the Hall and the place to be. Even a passionate plea went out via email to the Hall, asking everyone to only use that fountain for all water needs.

On this historic moment, Joshua Chapple, Steds freshman, said, “This has been the highlight of my time at Notre Dame and possibly the highlight of my life. I’ve never been more bubbly in my life than when I saw that machine about to tick 10,000.” 

Still, fellow freshman, Cole Casper, said, “It’s more than a number, it’s about a community coming together. Even if I am not there for the big moment, don’t worry. I’ll be there for every 10,000 fills from there on.”

But can 100K be reached BEFORE the end of the school year?

Wednesday of Finals Week...

Jack Kill and Nick Olmanson 

... marks the midpoint of a demanding and trying week. Long hours of reviewing copious amounts of notes, "wordsmithing" final papers, and so much more makes this week a most grueling one. But as the Gentlemen continue to labor away in study lounges, library cubicles, and grassy spots on various quadrangles, let's pause and see what they were up to during Study Days, the days right before Finals Week. 

Well, some Gentlemen decided to engage in pursuits other than studying, and that was the case for Jack Kill, Steds senior and 3rd floor RA. Joining other St. Ed's Gentlemen, Kill made the trek to Churchill Downs for the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby. Did Kill place $2 on the old nag to win? Unknown. Did he enjoy a mint julep? Probably. Did he have a memorable time? Yes. 

On attending the Derby, Kill said, "Stedsmen love to take part in history, and that’s what we did at this year’s Kentucky Derby, soaking in the record rain and and watching a horse win the Derby that was never raced as a 2-yr old for the first time since 1882. I guess you could say our trip was Justify-ed!”

Taking finals...

Restic: Thumbs and spirits up

... is tough. So, what better way to keep the spirits of the Gentlemen afloat than having a study break with root beer floats? Genius! Pausing from their studying, cramming, and making up for lost time, the Gentlemen piled into the Flounge at 10pm for a late night respite where 10 gallons of vanilla ice cream and TWO types of root beer were standing by. Indeed, the spirits of many were kept a afloat that night. On having root beer floats, Eric Restic, Steds sophomore and ND Men's Lacrosse player, said, "It was much needed and provided for a good laugh too as JP (another Steds resident) walked in the Flounge and asked, 'How do I make one of these?'"

It's official...

Mr. and Mrs. AJ Tablada

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Melissa Guarino and AJ Tablada ’14 were married at Gesu Catholic Church in Miami, FL. It was beautiful and sunny in South Florida that day, and it was only made more so by this couple. After a thoughtful and carefully planned Wedding Mass, it was time to celebrate the new married couple. What better way to do that than with Miami’s official drink… mojitos! On Melissa becoming a part of the Steds family, Fr. Ralph said, “If the mojitos can be used as any indicator of the future, then Melissa and AJ will always fill the Steds Family with great spirits!” 

Best wishes and congratulations Melissa and AJ!

AJ and Melissa with the Steds Family 

Your Sunday picture...

Hamming it up: Olmanson, Viner, and Merrick

... from Notre Dame. A couple of weeks ago, Steds freshmen, Jack Olmanson, Noah Viner, and Ben Merrick were literally hanging around in St. Edward's Park. Taking advantage of a break in the weather, these Stedsmen took to their park to soak up some sun, warm temps, AND to do some studying. With Finals starting tomorrow, the studying in the park on that sunny day will hopefully pay off! On studying in St. Edward's Park, Olmanson said, "There’s no better place than the great outdoors. Hammocks give me the opportunity to hang around outside while also getting my homework done."

Saturday Storage.

Bon Voyage!

The end is nigh. If the last day of class wasn't signal enough that end was fast approaching than the appearance of the Steds storage truck hopefully was. In preparation of the upcoming exodus, a storage truck appeared bright and early this morning taking any and all chairs, couches, futons, boxes, and much more that the Gentlemen wanted to store. Stored at an unknown location over the summer, the truck will return in August right to back yard of Steds. How convenient. 

On overseeing the storing process, Will Connolly, Steds sophomore and the 2018 Welcome Week Leader, said, "The great Cole Edwards said, 'Wow Will! The storing of items could’ve been done in a much better fashion.' I wholeheartedly agree, but fashion is not in my repertoire. However, it is in Cole’s and in Kohl’s. Come August ‘18, there will be a great unpacking of this grand truck as a new season of football, cigars, and freshmen fall upon us. I am looking forward to that great day!"

The day after...

But did they catch anything?!

... the Yacht Dance was a day for studying but also for a little rest and recovery. Arriving back to campus at 5 a.m., dance goers climbed into bed for some sleep that was much needed and well deserved. But ultimately, this sleep made Thursday afternoon become the morning. So, after crawling out of bed at 2 p.m., many called the day a wash and engaged in other non-academic pursuits. Two such persons were Steds juniors of room 304, Danny Szydlowski and Elijah Burns, who took the day off and went fishing at St. Mary's Lake. On fishing, Szydlowski said, "They wouldn't let us fish off the yacht, so this was the next-best thing."

The day after...

Stand by...

... Yacht Dance has everyone running on auxiliary power. Returning to campus in the early hours of the morning, everyone is currently recharging their batteries. Stay tuned. We'll return after this short break...

Today is...

Crudele really out did himself with this design

... the last day of classes, and that means only one thing? Preparing for Finals? Heavens no... it means Yacht Dance! Yes, the long awaited dance of the year has finally arrived. Preparing for Finals will happen in good time, but now, the order of the day is to celebrate the end of classes, and whether it's your final year of matriculation or your first, the brotherhood of St. Edward's Hall! To mark this special, magical event, the Gentlemen donned a specially made Yacht Dance t-shirt, designed by Steds sophomore Devin Crudele, and headed off to classes. Chumming the waters of envy? Perish the thought. The Gentlemen like looking sharp! On the wearing of his Yacht Dance t-shirt design, Crudele said, “It’s a shame we will look nicer today wearing our t-shirt’s than tonight on the boat in suits. guess I did too good of a job.” Yes, you did Devin... yes you did indeed!

The best ever?

We have...

Conal with his fellow Stedsmen at the finals

... a Notre Dame leprechaun at St. Ed's! Who would have thought that when the University admitted Conal Fagan, they would be getting not only a Irishman from Derry but also a leprechaun. Passing the final test, Fagan will be leading the Irish in cheering at for the Women's Basketball and Volleyball teams. It goes without saying, Notre Dame sports will never be the same.

On becoming a ND leprechaun, Fagan said, "I honestly never thought I would be in this position 12 months ago. I think it is incredible that I have now joined such a select group of people throughout the history of Notre Dame, and to my knowledge, I am the FIRST native Irishman to take the position- so it is an honor. I cannot thank my Steds family enough for their support on the night. Their commitment to all things Steds is impeccable. Their voices were ringing loud and clear on the night, and they truly inspired me to achieve glory. Waving that glorious flag at the end of the night was the best way to unite with my peers. This weekend was only topped by Steds once again reclaiming the #1 residence hall spot on ND Day. A perfect weekend? I think so!”

Indeed it was Conal… indeed it was!