A Dinner...

Schelhorn speaks...

... to remember. Despite occurring during Fall Break, but in keeping with tradition being announced on St. Edward’s, October 13th, the Order of Gentlemen recipient was announced. Today, Brandon Ryan '18, the 2018-2019 inductee into the Order of Gentlemen, an award given for exemplary service to Hall and King, was feted at the annual Founder’s Week Dinner in Oak Room of South Dining Hall.

While Ryan was unable to be present for the dinner, Alexander “Schelly” Schelhorn ’18 spoke, imparting personal wisdom and concrete advice for current Stedsmen. 

Later, Ryan was recognized for his service to the Hall- for being who he is, embodying the essence of a gentleman- and was inducted into the Hall's Order of Gentlemen for "action faithful and honor clear to Hall and King." While he will be remembered along with other recipients by a plaque in the Hall's main lobby, Ryan also received a small plaque and a specially minted coin commemorating this high honor. 

On receiving the Order of Gentlemen, Ryan said, “Its an honor to be inducted into a group of such incredible Gentlemen of yore. For the last decade, ever since my brother titled me Stedsboy as a middle schooler, Steds has been my home. When people ask me about Notre Dame, it’s difficult to capture my experience in a single conversation or a couple of sentences, but whenever I try, my answer always circles back to my time with the most storied group of men, living in that oldest hall, on campus. Thank you all for the years, for the recognition, and for a place on campus I can always call home!”

Congratulations Brandon!

... and they listened!

Still we remember...

Remember the Founder

...the Founder, especially today, the anniversary of his death, October 31st. Buried in the Holy Cross community cemetery, located on the north side of St. Mary's Lake, Fr. Sorin's grave is front and center of all others. Even though Fr. Sorin did not want this, it is only fitting, for without him, none of this would be! Fr. Sorin, we are always in your debt. Requiescat in pace!

Rededicating the rededicated past.

Rededication Day 2018: Stedsmen showing the respect

The cornerstone of any and all Founder's Weeks starts with "Rededication Day.” Once again, Stedsmen gathered to rededicate the Rededication of the Rededication of… the Dedication of the Gregorian. Originally called the Sorin Society Room, it was forgotten and lost for a number of years. Rediscovered in the early 2000’s when a fake wall was removed, the mural was restored at great cost. Painted by Luigi Gregori- the artist who painted the University's Basilica and Main Building- the room was dedicated to his honor in 2006.

For the third year in a row, Rededication Day saw a dramatic reading from Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham by Chris Scott ’18, a phone call from America’s playground, Madison, Wisconsin, with Dan Riley ’18, past Resident Assistant, dialing in and sharing a painfully sublime poem set to “Twas the Night Before Christmas” as well as a reading of a letter by a past resident from 1893, Meriwether Snodgress.  With Vice Presidents Barrett and O’Donnell present, President Edwards cut the ceremonial ribbon, opening the room up again. 

On the Rededication service, Shane Dilbeck said, “The pagentry. The fanfare. The tradition. It was all a bit overwhelming. Still, I really enjoyed the Rededication. It was a good combination of comedy and respect for the Hall’s history and tradition… and it was all capped off by ice cream!”

Indeed, it was all of that and more.. and may the Founder continue to smile on all of you!

Moved and inspired electronically by Riley via FaceTime...

 Edwards, flanked by Barett and O'Donnell, cuts the ribbon...

...and Solorzano and Trzaska welcome the newest plaque!

Founder's Week...

Coffey: Thumbs up

…is here! Stedsmen, Happy Founder's Week! Yes, our week long celebration of the Founder of the University and first Rector of St. Edward's Hall, Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C. and the Hall that was first in his heart ( and literally the first residence hall), St. Edward’s Hall, begins today. As you can tell, the week is jammed packed with history, tradition, and FUN. Without any doubt, this is every Stedsmen favorite week of the school year. There’s much to share about this week, but in the meantime, Stedsmen everywhere, may the Founder always smile upon you! On the start of Founder’s Week, Matt Coffey, Steds sophomore, said, “In 1492 Fr. Steds founded Notre Dame, and that’s why we celebrate.”

The "favoritest" of all favorite weeks

Your Sunday picture...

Happy Fall

... from Notre Dame. Here's my favorite view of Mary and the Main Building. Taken from the south side of St. Edward's Park, the various trees frame the subject perfectly to capture it and the season in way that is simply, well, like no other. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Don't bother it...

What is this insect found in a bush outside of Steds? Thanks to assistance of Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, theologian and botanist, it has been identified none other than the Blue-Winged Wasp. This wasp may not have the brightest or even most iridescent blue wings, but if light hits it at the right angle, you can see the blue. Still, the most telling feature of this wasp is not its blue color but rather the yellow spots on its abdomen. Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, says that the Blue-Winged Wasp can sting, but it is not aggressive. On spotting this winged insect, Fr. Ehrman said, “It would be best to just admire for afar.”

Good Friday...

LIVE: Howell delivering the good news to Zhong

... news. With bad news constantly dominating the headlines, we really do need some good news. And there is plenty of good news to had... especially in the world of Steds. Recently, Wen Zhong ’18 received news that he had been accepted to the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine. That’s great news, and congratulations Wen! BUT how Zhong received the news  is most interesting. Zhong received a phone call from the University and the caller was none other than Zhong’s Steds roommate and now first year medical student at University of Cincinnati, Jackson Howell ’18. On making the call, Howell said, “It was my honor and privilege today to call Wen and tell him that he got accepted into medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I was not on the admission committee, but, since he was my roommate for 3 years in Steds, I jumped at the opportunity to be the courier with the great news on behalf of the school! I FaceTimed him on my phone, and I took a picture of his reaction (see above)!”

They got married!

Ryan and Amanda Kim with Fr. Ralph

It's official. Amanda Leon ’12 of Welsh Family and Ryan Kim ’12 of Steds  were married at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Charlottesville, Virginia on a beautiful October day. With Fr. Ralph officiating and surrounded by family, friends, and their Steds family, Amanda and Ryan tied the proverbial knot with much emotion and joy. Suffice it to say, there were smiles all around. On Amanda and Ryan’s wedding, Stedsman Nick Grasbeger ’12 said, “Amanda was jealous of St. Ed's since day one at Frosh-O. I'm happy to see that all of her years of scheming to get into the Steds family  have finally paid off. Thrilled to have her!" 

Still, fellow Stedsman Jay Mathes ’12 added, “It’s about damn time. Amanda has been a linchpin in Steds family for so long that Game Day Foating was NOT yet Saturday morning tradition. Instead we just ate breakfast and listened to Hans Zimmer soundtracks. That said I couldn’t be happier for her and Ry, the wedding perfectly expressed their love, and why all Stedsmen love them dearly. Amanda, you’re stuck with us for all of time, I hope you’re excited about that as we are!”

Fr. Ralph said, "This wedding once again proves... Virginia is for lovers!"

The Steds Family...

...Amanda and Ryan calling the Steds Family out.

Thoughts from abroad.

World trekkers at Giza: Kelly, Rahill, Cook, and Bennis

No. This is not a desert mirage! Stedsmen, Will Kelly, Dan Rahill, Ben Cook, and Andrew Bennis, took a leave from their studies in London and Rome and made the trek to North Africa to take in the sights of ancient Egypt. Of course, a stop in Egypt wouldn't be complete without a visit to Giza with its pyramids and a camel ride in the desert. With sunglasses and sun screen, these Stedsmen saw one of the six wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza, as well as other antiquities from the land of the pharaohs. On the journey to Egypt, Cook said, "We Gentlemen of St. Ed's know we are descended from a great king, King (St.) Edward, so naturally we wanted to pay homage to the pharaohs, the first kings known to mankind" while his fellow trekker Kelly said, "Still not as hot as St. Ed’s in August." 

Rahill: Look mom, no hands...

Interrupted...

Foley: Gentlemen's Quarterly? No, Gentlemen's Monthly

... genius. While studying in the fourth floor Sky Lounge, Chris Foley, Steds junior, was interrupted from his studies so that a brief interview might be had concerning his satisfaction with the Barber of Steds. Yes, it was Foley's head and follicles that were under Andrade's razor in a bathroom at Steds last week (see story here). But was this genius, who was recently hired by Amazon, pleased with the final product? Did his finished coiffure past muster? Are the acclaimed and celebrated skills of the Barber of Steds really that and more? On his sporting his haircut, Foley said, "The haircut is clean and crisp. I feel like a schooner on her maiden sail across the bay." Yes, with a haircut like that, it's smoothing sailing for this gentleman. Congratulations Barber of Steds!

There was a...

Friends all around- in both high and low places

...football game on the front end of Fall Break, and on the back end, there was a concert. Yes, at the Notre Dame Stadium there was a concert- a Garth Brook's concert! With some 84,000 persons in attendance and a mix of snow and sleet in the air, Brooks put on a concert like none other. Singing a new song as well as his tried and true fan favorites, Brooks gave a memorable performance and made history being the very first concert in the newly remodel and expanded stadium. More concerts are planned, and Brooks plans to return to ND to finish his current tour. While many students did not attend the concert, some did, like Steds senior and country music lover, Joe Trzaska. On seeing Garth Brooks at ND, Trzaska said, "The concert was the perfect cap to an amazing Fall Break. Neither snow nor rain nor cold nor gloom could keep me from traveling back early to be there for this occasion."

Your Sunday picture...

Happy Fall, really!

... from Notre Dame. While the leaves may not show the season of fall, the groundkeepers at ND are helping Mother Nature along with the planting of fall mums on God Quad. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

What?

Yes, during Fall Break, I may forget to do a posting, and I sincere apologize to you, the faithful readership of this daily blog. But something else that may happen during Fall Break is for more people to be around campus than one- or a squirrel- would think. That's exactly what's happening on campus now thanks to the Garth Brooks concert at the football stadium  Just when you think that it would be a quiet Saturday with no football going on- a great time to burying some extra nuts for winter- there's a slew of people around singing about dead dogs, broken down cars, and lost loves. On the new arrivals to campus, this squirrel non-verbaled, "What are you doing here?  It’s a bye weekend!"

Best of...

... Fall Break. Four years ago, here's what the today's posting was. Enjoy!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Bury this brownie? Are you nuts?

After a hiatus, Saturday's squirrel makes a return with a flurry friend who has found a treasure. Odd? Not really since Notre Dame squirrels are not picky, accepting anything that is offered, even a brownie. Of this flurry friend, Andrew Borchert, Sted's senior and RA, said, "The accounting majors' tailgate was full of great food and even better people. Unfortunately, we lost a good brownie that day, but at least someone was happy." 

The barber of...

Andrade: Master barber in action

... Steds. J.P. Andrade, the Barber of Steds, is practicing his craft in any and all Steds bathrooms. Yes, this Steds sophomore, who is studying mechanical engineering, has picked up the arts and sciences of modern barbery. That's right. No medieval barbery here... just good, clean modern barbery... and all at a price that no one can complain about... free. Well, it was free until a better pair of clippers were needed, and so, a $2 fee was finally charged. Still, it's the best haircut on campus, making his Steds clients looking sharper than sharp. On practicing his newly acquired art, Andrade said, "A compliment to my clients is a compliment to me; and I love getting compliments.”

Keeping hope...

Rallying for a cause: Quinlan, Turk, and O'Donnell

... alive! Though the Cuyahoga River may have caught fire not once but twice and the Indians an perennial disappointment, the people of Cleveland have not walked away. Instead, they hunkered down, doubled down, and kept hope alive. Native Clevelander, Matt Turk, Steds Junior, has recently been able to come out of his "bunker of hope" as his NFL football team, the Cleveland Browns, won a game, breaking a six hundred and thirty-five day losing streak. Yes, things seem to be turning around for city on the lake, and so, Turk decided to enlist the support of his fellow Stedsmen, John Quinlan and Brendan O'Donnell, by taking them to the recent Browns vs. L.A. Chargers game. How did it go? On keeping hope alive for Cleveland at the Browns Chargers' game, O'Donnell said, "This was my first NFL game, and after witnessing the Browns play, I'm sure any game I'll see after can only get better!"

It's that time again...

A dreary Fall Break day

... time for a break! Yes, thanks to the tall sugar maple tree in St. Edward's Park and the changing color of it's leaves, Stedsmen know when it is time evacuate from campus for Fall Break. Yes, Fall Break started today in earnest with Stedsmen going here, there, and wherever for a break from their matriculation. On Fall Break, Fr. Ralph said, “Stedsmen, enjoy your break, and don’t rush back!”

Your Sunday photo...

Enjoy

... from Notre Dame. It was a lazy fall Sunday at Notre Dame with leaves changing colors, a bright blue skies, and high clouds. It was a great day to walk around the lakes, a nap in one of quads, or feed the squirrels. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

Saturday Squirrel.

Just hanging out

With the days growing shorter, the leaves and flowers of summer are slowing disappearing. So, we must take the time to make the most of all that is around us. One day walking from the Main Building  to St. Edward's, this bee, a bumble bee of sorts, was spotted in the hibiscus plant- large bush really- outside the hall. Was it attracted by the three different color of flowers of the plant, or was it simply a convenient place to take the proverbial five and warm up in the sunlight? Who knows, but thing is for certain. This bee wasn't in a hurry, staying on a white flower, soaking up all it could of Steds.

The days are...

In the background: What are Frs. Ted and Ned thinking?

... growing shorter, and soon, very soon, the water of the Hesburgh Memorial Library will be drained for the winter. But that day is not today nor was it during Stanford Weekend. Once again, in keeping with their practice, the Gentlemen took to the reflecting pool and floated. Surely, the Steds floating activities helped the team trounce the Cardinal that day.  But what will keeping the Gentlemen from floating? Will the absence of abnormally blue water stop them? Will below freezing temperatures keep them shuttered in their rooms? Will a loss on the football field- perish the thought- sideline them? Nay! None of these things will keep the Gentlemen from discharging their duty and commitment to King, Hall, and the Float. On participating in the game day Float, Chris Meissner, Steds sophomore and faithful floater, said, "The Stanford Float this year was one of the best yet. With dozens of family members and onlookers, including a dog who decided to join the fun and jump in, it was clear that the energy of the first top ten matchup in 13 years at the ND football stadium could only take us one place: the reflecting pool. Stanford was a nice day so it was an easy one, but even when it gets cold and you’d rather get some extra sleep than jump into that blue water, the Gentlemen of St. Edward’s Hall will continue to put on their most ridiculous outfits and make the run to the Library because tradition matters, and this is one that we refuse to let die.”

A picture is...

The Hall Photo 2018 (bottom left)

... is worth a million words, but at Steds, the Hall photo is worth that and more. And what is the more? It's the chance to be immortalized in the hallway of Notre Dame's oldest and most storied residence hall. Yes, the Hall photo, taken the day after the Yacht Dance Day, has now been printed, framed, and professionally hung in the first floor hallway, joining the many other Hall photos. While Fr. Ralph and the Hall Staff may no longer be able to stand on the portico (for alleged safety concerns), the Hall photo still captures the uniqueness of the Hall and its residents- the Gentlemen. On being immortalized, Dan Riley '18, former Stedsmen and captured it this most recent Hall photo, said, “One of the few things that would get me out of bed early over the years. Seriously, given the impressive nature of the men in this photo, I am sure that somewhere down the line this picture will make it onto the news or a documentary to regale his college years. Then, at last, I will be able to say, ‘Look Mom! I’m on TV!’”

The waiting is over...

Luneburg: The sharp looking sharper

... because fall apparel has arrived... and just in time too. While Monday and Tuesday saw temps in the low 80's, Thursday's high will only be 49F. So, forget those shorts and t-shirts and put on your Steds fall apparel! This couture line of sweatshirts, fleeces, long sleeve t-shirts and more, all designed by Junior Devin Crudele, is inspired by the Hall's storied past yet informed by the present to capture the spirit and essence of Hall in functional but eye catching way. As always, Crudele has poured himself into his craft and has out done himself once again. On collecting his apparel order, Steds freshman Matt Luneburg said, "The best wear the best." Indeed they do Matt... indeed they do!

Running, running, and...

Steds XC: Trzaska, Moriarty, Worth, Millican, Arnold, Peterson, and Kimlinger 

... and more running. Yes, that's what the Steds Cross Country team did a lot of this season. Competing against sixteen teams at a make shift course at the on campus golf course, the Burke, Steds XC ran with passion, emotion, and probably much pain, but they did it all with big smiles and much grace. While this year's team was laden with seniors, it was anchored by youth... with one freshman, Brendan Moriarty, and one junior, Kendrick Peterson. And out of fifteen teams, Steds finished eighth with strong performances from Arnold, Moriarty and Peterson. Still, the team enjoyed solid week-to-week improvements by Millican and Worth while Kimlinger and Trzaska demonstrated how to have fun while running long distances. On the season, Logan Arnold, Senior and CC Coach, said, “I regret that I have but one senior year to run for Steds,” while Brendan Moriarty, “Even though I ran XC in high school, that third mile still gets me every time. We made Steds proud out there, and I’m glad I could be a part of the team.”

Congratulations to our Gentlemen XC runners!

Moving on up...

Meadowcroft on the mound

... to the ND Baseball Stadium! Saying good bye to the diamond at Boehm Park, the Boys in Green and Gold defeated O'Neill Hall's packed team of ND Club Baseball players to advance to the semi-finals to square off with Alumni Hall. Playing under the lights of Jack Kline Field at Frank Eck Stadium, the Stedsmen took an early lead with Steds junior Ryan Corcoran scoring a run. But Alumni answered back with a run of their own. The game continued with some Steds errors at 1st base, but thanks to the pitching of Coach Brooks Meadowcroft, disaster was averted. The game was tied up to very last inning until Alumni had walk off, edging out a 4 to 3 victory and dashing Steds dreams of championship glory in process. On the season, Fr. Ralph said, "It really was fun watching the Boys in Green and Gold this season so much so that Coach Meadowcroft and boys almost made me a baseball fan. Congratulations for a great season."

Senior Joe Trzaska, the lone fan at Jack Kline Field at Frank Eck Stadium, said, "We root-root-rooted for the away team, but they didn't win, and it was a shame."

Trzaska: The one and only fan

Your Sunday picture...

A beautiful view

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of Sorin with Mary and the Main Building in the background. With the days growing shorter, the leaves are beginning to change into brilliant fall colors. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be.

Saturday's Squirrel.

No photos please...

While many would like to have their mug on the Steds blog and have their fifteen minutes of Warholian fame, this desire isn't shared by all on campus. Oh, every Gentlemen wants to be in some post or even quoted, but oddly enough, the same cannot be said of our furry friends. While many do, with some even posing for the camera, some do not want to be blasted in cyberspace and plastered wherever the internets may reach. On wanting to avoid the attention, this squirrel, spotted outside the Main Building, non-verbaled, "I may be a celebrity around here, but like Greta Garbo said, 'Leave me alone.'" 

Continuing to...

Living it up in Lithuania 

... study abroad. Steds Junior, Will Kelly, continues to study abroad, and as he does, he continues to travel about the continent. Yes, when he and his other Stedsmen are not in class at Notre Dame's Global Gateway in London, they take a break from their matriculation by going hither and yonder. One such yonder took Kelly to Lithuania. Without question, visiting Lithuania was off the beaten path for Notre Dame student travel, but for Kelly, it was more than just that. Visiting this small Baltic country was an opportunity to connect with his Lithuanian roots. On Kelly's Lithuanian odyssey, Fr. Ralph said, "With a name like Kelly, who would have known he was Lithuanian too?"

They are...

Magner, Leyden, and Michael: Champions! 

... the champions! For the first time ever, Steds claimed the RecSports inter-hall golf scramble! With all attention focused on football and baseball, it's easy to overlook the other Steds teams playing for glory and the win. So, not to be overlooked nor forgotten, we place the proverbial spotlight on Steds freshman "sports wunderkind", Jacob Smith (not pictured), and sophomores, Patrick Magner and Kevin Michael, and Sean Leyden, who won glory and the win for themselves and for King and Hall. Congratulations all round to our Gentlemen golfers for bringing down long time champions Siegfried Hall, and on the winning the championship, 

Smith said, "A new tradition in Steds athletics starts with this golf championship,” while Leyden added, “The win was a total team effort as all 4 members contributed, and we were glad to be able to win the gentleman’s game for STEDS. We hope to retain the title next year as all four players will be returning and hungry to repeat.”

Michael said, ”It really was a great team effort. Being a scramble, we were using the best shot hit between the four of us, and it seemed like everyone stepped up with some big shots at the right moments. We had all underclassmen- and some fresh talent too- out there, so hopefully we can bring home a few more championships for Steds in the next few years too!"

Still yet, Sports Commissioner, Ben Merrick, said, “This is not a fluke. It is not a surprise. What is it? It’s just another step in the complete and utter domination of hall sports by Steds.”

A friendly pick up...

Gentlemen Friendly Football Players

... game before the real thing. Before last weekend's showdown against Stanford, the Gentlemen and the residents of Knott Hall gathered on Ricci Fields for a football friendly. Of course, there is no such thing as a "friendly," especially with sports, as everyone is uber competitive. While it was friendly on the surface, underneath each side was playing to win, and in the end, there was one winner- Steds. It was no surprise as the Gentlemen players poured everything they had and then some onto that field to secure a victory for King and Hall... and the Hall Sports Commissioner, Ben Merrick. On the win, the game's MVP, Steds Junior Matt Turk, said, "Step aside Rudy, there is a new underdog football legend in town. Just wait until the movie 'Turk' hits the box office." 

Turk: Browns fan and game MVP 

Books, books, and...

Herlihy: Getting ready for a nap

... more books! Steds is awash in text books of all sorts. How? The Millican Initiative. This initiative, made by Paddy Millican, was to collect any and all sorts of text books at the close of the last semester all in an attempt to save residents from price gouging of the ND Bookstore. So, at the close of the Spring Semester, text books were dropped off at the Staff Office, catalogued, and then carted and taken to the Gregorian Study Lounge, where any and all residents could access them. The Edwards' Administration has reiterated its commitment to continue the Millican Initiative and help Stedsmen save a buck or two... probably more! On having free text books, Joe Herlihy, Steds sophomore, said, "My dad always use to sleep on his textbook the night before a test, I figured it couldn't hurt."

Advancing...

Mulqueen, Cattanach, Simone, and Schaeffer

... to the playoffs the Steds tennis team is! Like Steds baseball, Steds tennis is advancing to the playoffs, but unlike the baseball team, we know why the tennis team is advancing. Why? Because Steds beat the Sorin 2-1, and with that win, Steds was propelled forward to the upper echelons of tennisdom... FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW! Say, let's stop now, save a lot time and others disappointment and the bitterness of defeat and give Steds the championship trophy today! If only... On the win over Notre Dame's second oldest residence hall, Steds junior, Sam Schaeffer, said, “With our comeback win over that other hall last night, well, that’s the smell you like to hear," while fellow Steds junior, Seth Cattanach, said, “I think this finally settles the debate between Sorin and St. Ed’s - a hall with the experience to play from behind and leave with the victory must clearly be older.”