Saturday's Squirrel.

A busy bee praising the Lord

The summer is bursting forth in all of its glory. Recently, a bumble bee was encountered, taking a sip of sweet nectar of an unknown purple flower. As the summer continues, find some time to put down the cares and labors of life and soak up the beautiful majesty that surrounds us wherever we may be. As the Psalmist says, "Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord!"

What are they...

Fagan: Atop the world in Cape Town

… up to? Yes, what are the Stedsmen up to as they summer? Today, we get yet another installment of work, service, and fun away from the HomeSted. 

As part of the Hesburgh Yusko Scholarship, Conal Fagan, Steds rising sophomore and ND Leprechaun, is spending 8 weeks in Cape Town, South Africa assisting with a social justice project with Ubuntu Football. The organization seeks to develop and mentor the next generation of African leaders while also providing them with opportunities to play soccer. 

On his South African experience, Fagan said, ”I never thought I would make it to Cape Town. After some of my hikes, I literally felt on top of the world. The scenery, culture, and people are nothing like I have ever experienced before. The things I am taught in the classroom can never match the lessons I am learning in the real world, and for that I am extremely grateful. These are some of the most inspiring kids I have ever met- despite the challenging circumstances in which they were born, the smiles on their faces make me realize exactly why I love this game so much.’

He went on to say, “Although I love Cape Town, I am extremely excited to reunite with my fellow Steds Gentleman in Mid-August, and welcome the newest class into the finest hall on campus."

Enjoy your summer wherever you may be!

Fagan with friends at Ubuntu Football

Corby Update.

Corby Hall: War zone

The demolition of Corby Hall has started. The process was delayed a bit, but it's now in full swing, if you'll pardon the pun. The demolition process will start on the west side of the building and work its way to the east, where workers will continue the process by hand. Why? It appears that Corby Hall shares a wall with Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and suffice it to say, we don't want to damage the Basilica. On the demolition, Fr. Ralph said, "I am deeply touched by the concerns of many, but I want to assure everyone that I will NOT be homeless at any point during this process as I have several rooms at St. Edward's. Still, if you would like to have a summer guest, then don't hesitate to drop me a line!"

The last to leave: Mary

Your Sunday picture...

A view only Notre Dame could deliver...

... from Notre Dame. The summer time means a quieter campus but also a campus with more critters running and flying about. That's certainly the case for the ducks and swans, who because of the very cold spring, only recent reared their young. On the explosion of new wildlife, Patrick Stevens '18, friend of St. Ed, studying for the CPA exam and avid reader of the blog, said, "After a long day of intense studying, I wandered aimlessly around St Mary’s lake to clear my burdened mind of US Tax code. During my excursion, I stumbled across some baby ducklings and baby swans, and it was in that moment I realized there is a God and that US Taxation Regulation would not be the end of me.” 

Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Swans with baby cygnets....

...and mother duck with her ducklings.

On assignment...

Soaking it all in...

...in Newport Beach, California is always so difficult. Leaving campus behind, operations have moved west to a warmer, sunnier location- and with less humidity. In addition to great weather, Newport Beach and local environs are full of things to take in as well as prefect for prayer and reflection too. On moving operations, St. Ed said, “I really do wish there was a way for me to be at two places at once.”

What are they...

That's amore: Trinkl (Right) with Mom, Denise, and family

… up to? Yes, what are the Stedsmen up to as they summer? Hopefully, it’s something that’s away from Steds, and of course, fun. Today, we hear of one such story. Recent graduate, Greg Trinkl headed to Rome, Florence, and Iceland with family for the proverbial rest and relaxation. While Greg did not take up Fr. Ralph's offer to be a personal baggage handler, translator, and valet, he managed to navigate Italy just fine. On his recent travels, Trinkl said, “Immediately following graduation, as the ‘real life’ began to set in, I found myself on a plane flying to Italy. And while I may have said, in my jumbled Italian, ‘you’re welcome’ when I meant to say ‘thank you’ for 3 consecutive days to the amusement and confusion of multiple native Italians, I learned a valuable lesson. Despite all my learning at ND, there is STILL a lot to learn outside of my experience of Notre Dame.”

Enjoy your summer wherever you may be!

Best of...

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

It's just...

Looking good

another beautiful day at ND. What else can I say, but "Wish you were here."

Saturday's squirrel...

A squirrel on the move...

With the campus offerings being quite lean as the students are away, our furry friends have to be less choosy in what they dine on as well as less forgetful. Yes, you read that right... less forgetful. The squirrels have to remember where they buried all of their nuts from this past fall. Unfortunately, as this furry friend found out, not every thought proves to be right. On not finding a nut, this squirrel non-verbaled, "I know it's here somewhere. I am sure of it!"

VIDEO: On the search for fall nuts.

It's official...

Fr. Ralph with Mr. and Mrs. Ryan

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Ellie Peck ’13 of Farley Hall and Connor Ryan ’13 of St. Ed’s were married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It was a cloudy day that only got cloudier, and after the center of low pressure passed directly over campus, there was a sustained, torrential downpour- one that made you think that an ark was needed. BUT that didn’t put a damper on the day nor the celebration of Ellie and Connor. Soon, the sun was back out, and coupled with the beaming and bright couple, sunglasses were needed. On becoming a part of the Steds family, Brandon Ryan, Stedsman and Connor’s brother, said, “After NINE years of preparation, Ellie has finally joined our honorary ranks. It takes guile and grit to keep up with the most generous Stedmen in the lot: Mr. Turner and Sullivan, Ferruolo and Chuang. But alas, she has successfully navigated the gauntlet of a Steds induction to finally join this celebrated community… and we’re all better for it!”

Best wishes and congratulations Ellie and Connor... and enjoy your tour of Southeast Asia!

VIDEO: Connor's post-wedding celebration (in slow motion)

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan with the Steds Family

Please help...

Who are you?

... solve this mystery. Who is the driver with this most unique vanity license plate? Like the tabloid of old, The Inquirer, would say, "Inquiring minds want to know." Yes, the readership wants and needs to know! If you know the driver of this black Toyota 4Runner with Illinois plates that say "STEDS," please let us know!

Your Sunday picture...

A pretty picture 

... from Notre Dame. Here's a past spring view of Mary and the Main building from the Jesus statue of God Quad. The combination of gold from the Dome, the blue of the sky, and the light purple from the Magnolia tree paints a beautiful "Notre Dame springscape." Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Farewell...

Corby Hall: 1879-2018

... to Corby Hall. Yes, it's time to say good bye. Built in 1879, Corby Hall has been many things over the years, but for the past couple of decades, it has been home to the Priest and Bothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Corby Hall was in need of renovation, and after initial studies were completed, it was determined that any renovation plan would require the complete demolition of the existing building. Demolition will start next week, and the entire project will not be completed, fingers crossed, until 2020. On the demolition, Fr. Ralph said, "Of course, I am excited for a bigger, better Corby Hall... but I hope I won't hear any construction noise at Steds!"

The new Corby Hall...

What are they...

Yankees: Gambardella, Youssef, and Kelly 

… up to? Yes, what are the Stedsmen up to as they summer? Hopefully, it’s something that’s away from Steds, and of course, fun. Over the summer we’ll occasionally hear what they are up to, and today, we have one such story. Recently, Josh Gambardella, Paul Youssef, and Will Kelly all engaged in America’s pastime as they took in a Yankee’s baseball game. While their choice of teams is questionable, they nevertheless enjoyed the game. On the game, Gambardella said, “The Yankee win was absolutely glorious but not quite as glorious as the uniting of these three Gentlemen in the Bronx. Also, ‘Hi Mom!’” I can’t question that.

Enjoy your summer wherever you may be!

Best of...

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

A Non-Sanctioned Event.

Like the State Department, the Rector disavows any knowledge of this event.

Not to be outdone by Sted’s moms, Sted’s dads convened the second annual “Non-Sanctioned St. Ed's Dads’ Weekend.” Taking place on the weekend following Moms’ Weekend,” dads assembled on campus and took part in various activities, including but not limited to, touring the Hall, taking in the Blue & Gold Game, parting with money at the Bookstore (buying 'The Shirt'), a “Dads’ Night” out on the town, golf, Mass, and Sunday Brunch with sons.  When asked about the weekend, Mike McGee, a Sted’s dad, said, “We heard from a number of dads that they had conflicts this year. We hope they will join us next year. We even have graduating dads that want to be invited next year!”

Saturday Squirrel.

White squirrel: the "glitterati" of campus wildlife

Forget the elephant, let's talk about the white squirrel on campus! Reports had been circulating about campus that a white squirrel had been spotted "squirreling" about the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, but only when he was spotted as I walked to Eddy Street Commons were these reports actually believed. There, by the sidewalk, he was, foraging with his other furry friends. On being captured with a cell phone camera, this squirrel non-verbaled, "I am special."