What else did...

Sitting behind enemy lines...

... they do during Thanksgiving Break? Yes, what else did our Gentlemen do over the extended Thanksgiving Break. Lots of things, but one of those things was, without doubt, to take in the ND vs USC football game in Los Angeles. Traveling near and far, Stedsmen joined their fellow ND football fans in cheering for Old Notre Dame in the Coliseum on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Whether you were there or watched it on TV from the comfort of a good couch, the game was an emotional rollercoaster, with too many highs and lows. But, finally finding their way in the second half, the Irish went on to defeat the Trojans by a score of 24 to 17.  On the game, Alec Lis, Steds freshman and resident Southern Californian, said, “The game was amazing, but Notre Dame does it better" while fellow Stedsman and sophomore, Felipe Segura, said, "Are you not entertained?”

Lis with his ND and USC friends...

... and Stedsmen Segura and Jake Harris with grins of victory.

  

It was time...

Spesia, O'Donnell, and Blossfeld under the watchful eye of St. Ed

... for the Hall's monthly Senior Afternoon Time in the Flounge. Starting at 5pm, all seniors and juniors, who were 21, were invited to one-of-a-kind campus event. Enjoying a selection of domestic and imported beers, along with some Chick-Fil-A nuggets and Christmas music, seniors and juniors took a much needed break from their day and that final push before Finals Week to enjoy each other's company and forget, if just for a moment, the cares and worries of the day. On participating in S.A.T., Ben Worth, Steds senior and Hall Sacristan, said, "Any other day, the RA’s would have written me up for drinking beer in the Flounge. Today, they did it with me!" Joe Corcoran, another SAT goer, said “Every SAT I go to is better than the last. It must be all the newly 21-year-old juniors coming and spicing things up for the washed-up seniors.”

They got married!

Mr. and Mrs. Schoenhut

It's official. Frederick “Fritz” Schoenhut ’11 of St. Ed’s and Gina Celemnti were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bronx, New York on a beautiful November day. With Fr. Ralph officiating and surrounded by family, friends, and his Steds family, Fritz and Gina tied the proverbial knot with much emotion and joy. Suffice it to say, there were smiles all around. On Gina and Fritz’s wedding, Stedsman Derry Herlihy ’11, former Stedsman and ND football player, said, “Any time you get the chance to add a talent and character along the likes of a Gina Schoenhut (née Clementi) to the Steds Family, you’ve got to be thrilled. Steds fans all over the world are ecstatic, and I’m sure her jersey will be sold out overnight!”

Congratulations and best wishes to Gina and Fritz!

Gina and Fritz with their ND guests

A message to all...

Register NOW!

... moms, sisters, aunts, grandmas, and all special women in the lives of our Stedsmen. Yes, we want to celebrate and fete you, and so, we have set aside a special weekend for all of you- Moms' Weekend. It’s NEVER too late to register for this special weekend. The fun filled weekend starts Friday, March 29th and ends on the 31st, and no detail has been left to chance by Patrick Magner, commissioner for this much anticipated weekend. On why a mom should attend this Moms’ Weekend, Magner said, “We are so excited for this year’s Moms’ Weekend. It is quite possibly our most important tradition- and it’s a great chance to get to spend time with our Steds family!”

If you would like to register for the weekend, click HERE and if you have questions, contact Patrick at pmagner@nd.edu. 

Steds, we have...

Thumbs up: Spesia, Frosty, and Foy

... a Christmas tree! Without the assistance of Christmas Tree Selection Committee, the Assistant Rectors of St. Ed’s, Frank “Uncle Frank” Spesia and Dillyn “Dill” Foy, formed their own selection committee and found the perfect tree for the Hall. After taking a late and leisurely breakfast, the ARs stopped by the Roseland Garden Center and hit gold, finding a true gem, a handsome tree. While last year’s tree was given the Irish name of “Fearghal“ (pronounced Fer-gal), meaning "man of valor," by Conal Fagan, Steds resident Irishman, this year’s tree has a more “American” name. On naming the tree, the ARs said, “His name is Frosty.” 

So be it! Welcome Frosty. More to come...

Your Sunday picture...

A cloudy yet beautiful day

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view from the 11th floor of Flanner Hall of Mary, the Dome, and the steeple of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart- all against a background of stratocumulus clouds. The unique cloud cover over campus all looks like a big sky quilt. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Can't we share?

Our furry friends might seem to be a little "nuts" from time to time, but don't be fooled. They're sharper than you think. Oh, their antics and behaviors may give the impression we're dealing with friends who are missing a few "nuts" and bolts, but if anything, they are keenly aware of their surroundings, including us- their friendly neighbors. On snapping a picture of this furry friend outside of LaFortune, the squirrel non-verbaled, "Hey, are you going to eat all of that muffin?"

Best of...

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

Your Sunday...

Snow: What's it good for?

...picture from Notre Dame. Here's a picture of North Quad, looking at Stone Hedge, just after the snow stopped. Enjoy.

Happy Thanksgivings.

St. Edward's 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!

Word in the hallway...

The start of Thanksgiving Day Break

... is that it's time for break. With no classes today, the Thanksgiving Day Break officially starts, and the hallways of St. Edward's are rather empty. Whether residents are headed home or traveling with other fellow residents to their homes for Thanksgiving, everyone is taking a much needed break. With  Finals on the horizon, this break is perfectly timed to rest, relax, and sleep. Indeed, that's the order of the day, er, I mean break!

Gentlemen of...

Molyneaux: Steds LOVES you

... gentlemen this man is. Peter Molyneaux, Steds junior and culinary service representative, serves up quality, late night snack food that powers the minds and much more of his fellow Gentlemen. But yet, Peter does more than simply serve up paninis, milkshakes, and pizza sticks. What he and his other culinary service representatives serve up is love... some times on a plate, some times in a cup, some times, well, let's hear from Peter himself about this. On serving up love at Ed's, Molyneaux said, "Love is some times cleaning up the ranch dressing bottle that everyone has made a complete mess of in the course of the night. Nothing says love than a clean Ed's!"

Your Sunday picture...

Let's take a walk

... from Notre Dame. The walkway between the Stinson Remmick Engineering Building and Hesburgh Center International Studies is a walkway that many people don't take in the course of their day; however, with this fall foliage, a slight detour may be in store for students. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday’s Squirrel.

Can you see our friend?

Often times, our furry friends are engaged in a world unto their own. We have absolutely no idea what they’re thinking or doing. Whatever it is, it means the world to our furry friends. On spotting one of our furry friends in the sea of leaves in St. Edward’s Park, this squirrel non-verbaled, “What? I am in sea of leaves?”

Something blue...

Blue and gold in NYC!

... something gold... ah, that must the Empire State Building. YES! For the upcoming game against Syracuse in the Shamrock series, the iconic NYC landmark has been  flooded in blue and gold. A rare treat indeed. On the Empire State Building’s colors, Joe Meares ‘10, former Stedsman and New Yorker, said, “You mean to tell me that those aren’t the usual colors?”

***Thank Frank McCarthy for the picture***

It really snowed...

It's getting worse...

... this time. Yes, the first major snow storm hit campus today. Dropping one to two inches, with some sleet and ice mixed in, made for the Thursday morning commute to class just a bit more hectic than usual. There was also a dash of confusion as Keenan Lofton, Steds freshman and resident Hawaiian, upon experiencing snow thought that classes were cancelled. No. Classes were not cancelled, but whether or not your professor showed up for class, well, that's another story. On seeing the snow, an unnamed assistant rector (AR) said, "When will someone will be scraping the snow off of my car? It's part of our AR package, correct?

More football...

ND vs Navy: A great tradition

... traveling has been done by Stedsmen. It's not only current but also former Stedsmen who have been traveling here and yonder to cheer on their undefeated ND football team. Traveling to San Diego, PJ Moran '13 traveled from Baltimore while Dan Rish '14 and James Yurkovich '13 both traveled from Seattle to soak up the southern Californian sun and see their Irish square off against the Midshipmen of Navy. But for Moran it was a bit more than that. Teaching at the Naval Academy, Moran came to see some players that he might have in class! The Steds trio were not disappointed as the Irish defeated Navy by 22 points, keeping national championship hopes alive. On Navy's loss, Yurkovich and Moran commented: “They did, they did… But they’re good kids.”

A Gentlemen Ponders...

All ears...

... many things, but tonight the Gentlemen pondered something rather specific. With the help of Professor Gabriel Reynolds of the University's Theology Department a discussion was had concerning Christianity and Islam. Giving a brief talk entitled "Islam and Catholicism: Compatibility or Incongruity?" Professor Reynolds then guiding a discussion and debate amongst the Gentlemen in the Gregorian lounge. On the talk and discussion that ensued, Logan Arnold, Steds senior and organizer of this lecture series as in-Hall Academic and Arts Coordinator (iHAAC), said, ""Dr. Reynolds provided historical context about the development of Islam and related Islam's origins to the current dialogue between Catholics and Muslims. And there was pizza." Indeed there was Logan... indeed there was.

Taking the show...

Taking a breather at base camp: Merrick House

... on the road. Amid the masses that trekked to Northwestern, a small contingent Steds sophomores was present. Being so close to campus and the home of one of them, Ben Merrick, how could they not have gone and cheered on their undefeated football team? Despite game day traffic that at point caused a ten mile backup and a substantial smaller stadium that was not prepared for larger than normal game crowd, our brave and zealous Stedsmen made it and helped in cheering our team on to victory over the Wildcats of Northwestern. On the road game, Ben Merrick said, "Listening to Michael Brannan’s singing in the car for two and a half hours there and back was completely worth the incredible trip with my closest friends to Chicago to watch the Irish crush Northwestern!”

Picture above are (standing, left to right): Peter Haley, Eli Travis, Kevin Michael, Noah Viner, Ben Merrick, and Mr. Merrick (seated, left to right) Sean Leyden, Michael Brannan, and Charlie Donnelly. Not pictured, Jack Olmanson, who probably was taking the picture. Also, the man in the Northwestern top is Ben's dad. Even though he works at Northwestern...we all know, despite the fleece, he was pulling for Notre Dame! 

Your Sunday picture...

The Tabernacle with the Lady Chapel in background

... from Notre Dame. Since the weather has taken a real turn to snow and cold temps, here's a view from inside a warm and beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart. With the Lady Chapel in the back, added to mark Fr. Sorin's 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, the Basilica is always a place worthing spending some time. Stay warm. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

A moment of silence

Something all we need from time to time is a little peace and quiet. And it is no different for our furry friends. They too need a moment of silence. Finding no one around, this squirrel decided to take advantage of a deserted St. Joseph's Beach and enjoy a walnut. On enjoying a quite moment at St. Joseph's Lake, the squirrel non-verbaled, "I think we're alone now... there seems to be nobody around."  

It had to...

Snow in the Park

... happen. Yes, it had to happen, but did it have to happen so soon? Yes, this morning as the Gentlemen woke up and headed off to matriculate, a dusting of snow greeted them. But before you lose all respect for them, know that more snow is on the way. If the predictions hold, there should be one to two inches of snow for game time. On the prospect of more snow, Joe Trzaska, Steds senior, said, "I love snow."

What a surprise...

Meet you at the lighthouse...

... it was to see the finishing top to the "lighthouse of learning" at the new architecture school. Yes, sometime after the Pitt game, the final touches were placed to the lighthouse, and suddenly, there was a new campus landmark. Even though it is on the very south side of campus, the lighthouse will become a meeting point for many as it stands out for so many reasons. Still, what do architecture students think of their new home's pièce de résistance? On the lighthouse, Austin Proehl, Sted's senior and 4th year architectural student, said, "It’s a beacon of learning marking a center of learning at Notre Dame.”  

Embracing the...

Miller: A triumph of shape and color

... artist within. That is exactly what the Gentlemen did this evening in the Gregorian Lounge with Hector Silva, a research associate in Industrial Design department. Through an invite extended by the Hall's in-Hall Academic and Arts Coordinator- iHAAC for short-  Logan Arnold, Silva gave a quick tutorial of the basic elements of sketching. Afterwards, a challenge was given in which the elements were to be expressed in geometric shapes. All present gave it the old college go, and everyone was a winner because Chick-Fil-A was served after the dabble in the arts. On his work, Chase Miller, Steds sophomore and budding artist, said, "The theme of my piece was the cyclical nature of student life encapsulated within the sharp 90 degree edges of a cube meant to represent the oppression of true learning. Furthermore, looking closer, the dots symbolize a smattering of chance seeing as life is a gamble. All of this done in the colors of the American flag to represent the unboxing of the Hall's most talented and humble artist, myself." 

The master...

Spesia: A master DJ at work

... at work. None would have imagined him as a master. No one would have thought that he possessed the talent. Without doubt, one would be hard pressed to find someone who believe that this man had the wherewithal to step up and assume this mantel of responsibility. Yes, who in their right mind would have thought that Frank “Uncle Frank” Spesia, Steds AR, could be a DJ for the Hall’s Founder’s Week Dance? Answer: No one. Yet, Uncle Frank WAS just that- the Hall DJ. Styling himself as DJ Decimal, Spesia turned the tables for the Gentlemen and their dates at the Founder’s Week Dance whose theme was “derby.” 

While open to interpretation as to what “derby” meant, most dance goers went as Kentucky Derby spectators. Suffice it to say, fun was had by all. On being DJ for the dance, Spesia said, “Being the man behind the curtain (turn tables) showed me that all a DJ needs to achieve moderate success is an iPhone 6 and some excellent, high quality Bluetooth speakers owned in full by the Hall.”

The speakers above were purchased using ND Day funds. Speakers from Student Activities were unavailable, putting our dance in jeopardy. But thanks to YOUR generosity on Notre Dame Day, the Hall purchased the above speaker system, securing our dances, welcome week festivities, Battle for the Shadow and outdoor cookouts have music. THANK YOU!

Out into the...

Steds Outdoorsmen: Taking a mini break from campus

... woods. Under the direction Joe Trzaska, Stedsmen went off into the wilds of Northern Indiana to commune with nature. Despite cloudy skies and the threat of rain, maybe even snow, the group traveled to Boot Lake, and once there, they hiked about, taking in fall colors, the fresh air, and vistas of the lake. Of course, communing with nature can take it out of you, and so, a late lunch was had on the return to campus. On the outdoor expedition,  Patrick Sansone, Steds sophomore, said, "The nature excursion was a wonderful way to yet again verify that the state of Indiana is indeed flat."

Don't get lost: Sansone (in green) with Corey Gayheart

 

Your Sunday picture...

Beautiful

...  from Notre Dame. As Founder's Week draws to a close, the weather made a turn, becoming perfect fall weather. Here's a view from the east end of St. Edward's Park with Mary, the Dome, the Hall, and wonderful fall colors. Enjoy your Sunday wherever they may be!

It was a...

Shuttlecock Showdown 2018

… perfect day for playing badminton! The Gentlemen had great weather as they took to North Quad for the Shuttlecock Showdown. This cherished event was a showcase for the Gentlemen to show their skill with racquet and shuttlecock. While the original residents of St. Edward’s didn’t play badminton, they would if they could. Still, what skill the present day Gentlemen had... well some of them. The Showdown saw the rise and fall of many teams. Some teams were deposed of quickly while others had an exit that was glacier pace exit. Yes, it was a day full of aces, missed aces, faults, and even some double faults, but in the end, team "Your Dads," composed of Sam Schaeffer (won last year too) and Christian Kirby, won the tourney. On the Shuttlecock Showdown win, Schaeffer and Kirby said, "just like all dads, we were doing it for the kids.”

On overseeing the Shuttlecock Showdown, John Swift, Steds sophomore, said, "Being put in charge of such a noble and prestigious event may have been the most gratifying experience of my life.  Most people have to work at lesser lawn events such as Wimbledon, but to be able to be put in charge of the Shuttlecock Showdown- to be given this position so early in my lawn sport administration career- was truly humbling."

John Swift (seated) assigning team play...

... and the face of defeat: "Uncle" Frank Spesia. 

A Day in the Park...

Partaking in a diversions or two…

...has never been so fun, well, unless it's St. Edward's Park! It's true. St. Edward's does not belong to North Quad or God Quad rather we belong to St. Edward's Park, that green area just east of the Dome. Over time, our fountain may have disappeared, and we had to cede land for the building of Cavanaugh and Zahm Halls, but the fact remains, as does the deed, that the green space south of Hall is St. Edward's Park. Amid games of badminton and croquet, Oreo cookies, Mexican hot coco, eclairs and cream puffs, and cigars- not to mention rain and cold temps- the Gentlemen of St. Ed's renewed their claim to this small tract of land as they celebrated "A Day in the Park." 

On the day, Bailey Hennes, Steds junior, said, “Even if it rained, which it did, it was a great day in the Park!”

Happy Founder's Week, and may the Founder smile on you always!

O'Donnell, Edwards, Restic and Lamb smile, but who won?

Who cares because there was an S.A.T. following the putting in the Park!

Time for breakfast?

Jake Smith, President Edwards and Balsara

Last year, in a change from years past, the Breakfast of Princes become a real breakfast. Gone were the Krispy Kreme doughnuts and small bottles of Sunny Delight as then Hall President Trzaska and Vice Presidents Kimlinger and Lupo treated residents to pancakes and bacon made by Hall Government. BUT in yet another change from last years and years past, the Breakfast of Princes become something as President Edwards and Vice Presidents Barrett and O’Donnell offered up Einstein bagels, various flavored yogurts, assorted breakfast treats from cherry danishes to pop tarts, and airline sized cans of orange and pineapple. Some believe that the breakfast shakeup was made to reflect the changes in food pyramid; however, talking with well placed sources, the change was made simply for the sake of change. On participating in the breakfast, Daraius Balsara, Steds freshman, said, “Breakfast, bagels, and brothers, what more could man ask for!”