Word in the hallway is...

They're back!

… that we’re on the verge of great victory over Michigan. Yes, all ND fans, including all Stedsmen, are returning home to be a part of history on Saturday. Some Stedsmen who have return, Brennan Lanier '16, John Wetzel '16, Frank Spesia '16, and Dan Meehan '16, stopped by their old residence hall to reminisce about past times, “harass” Fr. Ralph once again, and share their prognostications for tomorrow's game. On hearing that these four returned to Steds, Tom Roman '14 JD '17, former Stedsman and Assistant Rector, said, “Some say that these Stedsmen were a sight for sore eyes. I say, instead, that these men were the greatest sight I had ever seen!" 

Phone...

Millican: The Hall Fixer

... a friend. Yes, that's exactly what Paddy Millican, Steds senior and 1st floor RA, did when trying to install the Hall's laser disc player. Thanks to a generous benefaction from Gerry and Barbara Trafficanda from California, the Hall has a laser disc player as well as an incredible collection of laser disc movies. Preparing to unveil the player and collection this Saturday, post game of course, Millican needed some help to make the appropriate connections with the TV. As on TV gameshow, Millican chose to phone a friend for help. On the getting everything to work, Millican said, "After mighty toil, Devin (Crudele) and I managed to get the laser disc player working. It turns out that we didn’t needed to unscrew the entire machine; instead, the disc chute just needed a little help opening. I look forward to whiling away hours watching classic movies in front of this magnificent, inscrutable machine."

Introducing...

Looking good in green

... Notre Dame's real Irish leprechaun... Lepreconal! After much practicing and training, Steds Sophomore, Conal Fagan, was ready to put on the green and get ND fans cheering for their ND team. Lepreconal's big moment finally came, and Fagan took to the soccer pitch and made his first appearance. On seeing this new Irish Leprechaun, Alec Lis, Steds freshman, said, "Nothing is more fitting than hearing a Leprechaun with an Irish Accent. Conal never failed to light up the crowd, and it was even more special knowing that he was a fellow Stedsman.”

It's a bird; it's a plane...

The Merricks' "deplaning" 

... it's Ben Merrick! While he was very excited to return back on campus, Ben had an exciting thrill that many would shy away from. What did Ben do before returning? Skydiving with his mom of course. YES, Ben and his mom Susan celebrated the end of the summer and the start of his sophomore year with something they have both wanted to do… a dive into the wide blue yonder. 

On taking a leap from the plane and diving into the sky, Susan said, “There is only one thing that can top jumping out of an airplane with my son....St Ed’s Mom’s Weekend 2019!” while Ben added, “Skydiving with my mom was a great way to end the summer. Maybe next time I’ll get Father Ralph to join me!”

The brave jumpers on the ground...

...and in the sky

What is that...

Build it, and they will come

... hole in the ground? Yes, what s that hole in the back yard of Steds? Great question.  Despite the word in the hallway, the hole is not a new access point to the underground network of campus tunnels nor is it a sinkhole that opened up overnight, swallowing our old, yet beloved, basketball hoop. It is none of these things, rather, it is where the new Steds basketball hoop will go. 

The hoop would have gone up over the summer for the kids to immediately enjoy when they returned from summer, but its installation was delayed out of fear that someone would hit it during move in. And that was a good idea because some one did hit it. Again, the hoop would have gone up sooner, but its installation had to be delayed because of an unknown, underground power cable running right where the hoop was going up. But finally, ground has be broken today, and soon, a new hoop will be had. 

On having a new hoop, Steds sophomore, Matt Coffey, said, “I couldn’t dunk before, but with the new hoop, I still won’t be able to dunk,” while fellow Steds sophomore, Chris Meissner, said, "We are all very excited for the opportunity to practice our basketball skills on this new hoop. Our intramural teams sure could use it!"

FYI... the basketball hoop was purchased with ND Day funds. Please remember St. Ed's on ND Day! Do it for the kids!

Your Sunday picture...

Looking better than ever

...from Notre Dame. Here is a picture of Mary and Main Building taken from God Quad. The Dome was golden that sunglasses were needed to take the sight in to its fullest. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

Saturday's Squirrel

Going natural

It's true. We are not alone here at Notre Dame. We share campus with many furry friends, who run about here and there, darting in and out of bushes and up and down trees.  Their antics, begging, playfulness, and much more is always an appreciated diversion from academic pursuits. Despite handouts from generous students of muffin tops and banana breads, this furry friend preferred an acorn. On choosing an acorn, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Yes, I chose an acorn because I am getting back to my roots."

They did it!

O'Donnell: An Olympian in the making

They said that it couldn't be done, but lo and behold, it has been done... and it is a marvel in our sight. What I am speaking of is the new gym power rack for weightlifting in the Steds Hall gym. The previous rack, which happened to be the original rack when the gym was first opened in 2008, had to go. Saying goodbye to the old rack wasn't difficult, but saying hello to the new rack was. Why? Because who is going to assemble it? Enter Steds President and Vice President, Cole Edwards and Brendan O'Donnell. Thanks to their knowledge and careful reading of directions, the power rack was assembled today in record time AND correctly no less. On the new power rack for weightlifting, Edwards said, "With the completion of our gym upgrade project we are proud to announce the founding of the st Ed's powerlifting team. Brendan set the bar high with an astonishing first bench press of 405 pounds-- a new record!"

FYI... the gym power rack was purchased with ND Day funds. Please remember St. Ed's on ND Day! Do it for the kids!

One small step...

Trzaska and Spesia watch Millican test the new rack

...for the shower caddy... one huge step for shower time! A perennial problems at Steds was where to store one's shower caddy when not in use. A popular place for shower caddy storage was the hallway but that was unsightly. President Cole Edwards asked for a solution as his constituents demanded action, but what to do? Enter Joe Trzaska, former Hall President and current 4th floor RA. Measuring available space and surfing the internets, Trzaska found a solution. After much waiting and some skepticism, the first shower caddy rack was assembled and installed in the 4th floor bathroom- wonder why there- to the surprise and delight of all. Still, another, smaller shower caddy rack was installed under the sink, providing even more storage space for the residents of the 4th floor. Soon, all Steds bathrooms will enjoy these small upgrades. On the installation of the first shower caddy rack, Trzaska said, "I didn't think my showering experience could get any better, but it has!" 

FYI... the shower caddy racks were purchased with ND Day funds. Please remember St. Ed's on ND Day! Do it for the kids!

It's official...

A most happy day!

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Jessica Gubanich ’16 of Farley Hall and Patrick Krauss ’16 of Steds were married at St. John the Evangelist Church in Philadelphia. It was a beautiful day with a bit rain, but nothing could wash out the radiance of the bride or the beaming pride of the groom. 

On Jes becoming a part of the Steds Family, Dan Meehan ’16 said, “Celebrating Jess and Pat was a special moment for all of us. Jess has always been a part of the Steds Family, but if feels great to things official. The ceremony was emotional in the best way. By my count, Steds had Farley beat in the “tears per second” category. The reception was specular as well with no detail overlooked or expense spared. This was NOT the SYRs and late night Taco Bell runs at LaFun that most Stedsmen were accustomed to. Still, much celebrating of the new couple was had, and no one wanted the night to end. Thank you Jes and Pat for such an amazing weekend!”

Best wishes and congratulations Jess and Pat!

First dance...

...then taking five with fellow Stedsmen.

Let the...

Open the doors and window to learning!

...matriculation begin! Yes, today was the first day of classes, and despite the on and off again rain, it was a great day to start learning again or for the very first time. It's hard to believe, but we're at it again... another year of learning, high jinks, and much more. Stay tuned to this daily blog that once again becomes a daily, reporting the life and times of St. Edward's Hall. 

On starting classes as a sophomore, John Swift said, "Father Hesburgh once said, 'A decade after an average athlete graduates, everyone will have forgotten when and where he played. But every time he speaks, everyone will know whether he was educated.'  As an admittedly average member of Steds Big Cats soccer team this quote has stuck with me.  While my contributions on the soccer field may seem to be the most important thing in my life right now it is really my education that I need to focus on. So while others may feel bitter about classes starting again, I for one was enthusiastic about getting back to class today."

Your Sunday picture...

Main Circle Mary

...from Notre Dame. As Move-In Weekend draws to close, the sun and humidity were out in force, making upperclassmen's move-in and freshmen parents' goodbyes today just a bit hotter and sweatier. Still, how many can say that they're moving back to Notre Dame OR that they have a son or daughter at Notre Dame! Indeed, heat and humidity are a small price to pay for such an opportunity. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

They're...

Welcome Week Staff 2018

... here! Yes, today was Move-In Day for new students at Notre Dame, and the Stedsmen, with the help and direction of Steds junior Will Connolly, were ready to receive their new Stedsmen. While day was gloomy and grey, with a touch of dizzle, the spirits of the Welcome Week Staff were not dampened in the least. If anything, their spirits were stronger than ever! Jared Walsh, first new Stedsmen to arrive, experienced those spirits and more as he arrived with his family this morning. 

VIDEO: CLICK HERE

Still, for some, the day proved to be a bit too much, prompting them to take the proverbial "load off." On Fr. Ralph taking a seat during move in, Alex Schelhorn '18 said, "Sometimes moving freshmen in is difficult for even the strongest of Stedsmen."

Indeed, it is Alex... indeed it is!

Fr. Ralph: needing to take five

An Irishman in...

Fagan and Gambardella

...America. After a stint in South Africa and a drop in visit by his rector in Ireland, what does a Steds Irishman do? One thing of course... head back to the United States and go directly to the Hamptons! Yes, that's exactly how Conal Fagan, Steds resident Irishman, sophomore, and ND leprechaun, did to close out his summer. Staying with fellow Steds sophomore, Josh Gambardella, the sand, surf, and sun were soaked up by all on the eastern tip of Long Island. On hosting his fellow Stedsman, Gambardella said, “Hanging with Fagan is always fun, especially on the rare chance that you can actually understand what he’s saying. As the waves come and go, does Conal’s comprehensibility. In all seriousness it’s a blessing to be able to host a brother like Conal. ” 

Still, Fagan added, “Going from ocean to ocean this summer has been fun, but there’s nothing like sharing the Atlantic with my Steds brethren.”

And it's a good thing they had so much fun because on returning to campus both Fagan and Gambardella will be back to proverbial grind as they are serving as Welcome Week assistant captains for Steds.

On that, serving as assistant captains, they said, "We couldn’t be happier to be graced with the distinct pleasure of being Welcome Weekend assistant captains and are blissfully looking forward to it!”

Best of...

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

(Northern) Ireland Calling.

Looking for puffins in all the wrong places.

Ben Fouch, Sted's sophomore, was recently in (Northern) Ireland. During his visit, Ben went to see the "puffins" of Rathlin Island. On his quest to capture pictures of puffins, Fouch said, "The whole point of the visit was to find some absolutely top notch puffins, but in bad weather, the puffins keep to themselves. Yes, we had bad weather that day." Better luck next time Ben... better luck next time.

Saturday's Squirrel.

Hear something?

There's noise about campus. Yes, it's most likely made by some construction project, but still, there is a noise even after the construction workers have left. The noise that our furry friends notice at night is made none other than by returning students. Yes, some of them are back. On the return of students, this furry friend non-verbaled, "It's about time! We need some good handouts."

It's official.

Kate and Luke

...they're married! With Fr. Ray Acuna S.J. presiding, Fr. Ralph concelebrating, and with fellow Stedsmen present, Luke Stavole ’11 and Kate Kelly ’10 of McGlinn were married at Christ the King Parish in South Bend, IN. It was a beautiful and sunny day… not to mention very warm! Still, this cool couple made everyone forget the heat and humidity of the day. A lively reception was held at the Dahnke Ballroom of the Duncan Student Center. On Kate’s marring into the storied and distinguished Steds family, Michael Eardley, Steds and best man said, “Luke made the sage decision to transfer into St. Ed’s as a sophomore, and an even wiser choice in marrying Kate. She’s a welcome addition to the Steds clan and a far lovelier roommate for Luke than any of us ever was.”

Best wishes and congratulations to Kate and Luke!

Kate: Welcome to the Steds family!

It's started...

Is it all down hill from here?

...with a blast at the Notre Dame Stadium. Yes, hall staff training started with a dinner at the stadium which included free time on the football field. Among the hall staffs on the field was the St. Edward's staff. Composed of seniors Paddy Millican, Matt Lupo, Jack Ryan Williams, Joe Trzaska, and Brooks Meadowcraft and graduate students, Frank Spesia and Dillyn Foy, the Steds staff will keep Fr. Ralph in line as well as direct the hall to another great year. On the opportunity to be on the field, Paddy Millican, 1st floor RA, said, "It was one thing to stand on our football field with my fellow RAs, but it was quite another to witness the expression of giddy excitement come over Father Ralph’s face as he realized his lifelong dream of standing at the fifty-yard line of the Fighting Irish’s home turf."

Your Sunday picture...

Summer is over

...from Notre Dame. Here's a view of Mary and the Main Building. With summer campers and students now gone, there is a silence about campus, but that's about to change. Today, residence hall staffs return to start their training. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

On Assignment: Continued

Derry: Worth a visit and then some

Taking a break from his parish duties, Fr. Ralph took the train up north to Derry and visit the town's one and only Steds sophomore and ND leprechaun, Conal Fagan. While the sky in picture looks a bit gloomy, Derry and its environs are beautiful, and surprisingly, there is a lot of history for this small city, the third largest in Ireland. From  Derry's Viking times to the Troubles of the 80's and everything in-between, Fr. Ralph saw and heard all about it. On his visit, Fr. Ralph said, "It's hard to believe that I am here AND visiting a Stedman! My only wish in the random assigning of students this year is that Steds receives someone from the Tropics!"

Best of...

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

Thank you...

Damaged not done by the USPS

...Counselor! Back in April, I recounted how Jon Heintz, Sted's AR and now graduate of the NDLS, defended Arthur Jackson in a mock trial where Jackson was charged with arson. Recently, Arthur Jackson sent Heintz a thank you, and I think that the card speaks for itself. On receiving a charred thank you card in the mail, Heintz said, "I can't comment. You know, attorney-client privilege."