Have you ever...

St. Andrew's stain glass window in our Hall Chapel

... wondered what day is the "birthday" of St. Edward's Hall? Now, we all know that our beloved and storied Hall opened in its doors in 1882, but when in that momentous year did this happen? The day is actually today... November 30th... or as Fr. Sorin would have known it, St. Andrew's Day. This is the day that St. Edward's flung open opened its doors and welcomed its very first residents, and we, thanks to Archives, have a very detailed account of it... with its long speeches, student recitals that went well into the night .. all of which  culminated in a fantastic French dinner. On celebrating St. Edward's Hall birthday, Fr. Ralph said, "It is a momentous day for Steds as we celebrate not only the start of our Hall but also the birth day of our current Hall President, Josh Gambardella. And after all these years, I am happy to report that both are looking great for their age."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking better than ever…thanks to you!

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. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for. THANK YOU to all who help make the traditions and high jinxes carry on. God's blessing upon you all!

Experiencing technical difficulties…

Stand by

... of sorts as of late. No, there is no problem with the internets but rather the flu. With some Gentlemen, including St. Ed himself, coming down with it, things are just running a bit slower around Notre Dame's oldest and most storied residence hall. Still, stay tuned because we'll get ourselves "ship shape" before you know it.

Your Sunday picture...

We love you sunshine

... from Notre Dame. After a lot of cloudy days, students were able to take a break from the Permacloud, who after a hiatus has returned with a vengeance. But every now and then, it disappears, and thank God for that because every no and then, we enjoy views like this.  Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

The people have...

... have spoken! While highly unscientific, this poll conducted by room 119 clearly shows what everyone has known but was afraid to admit. Despite all the upgrades and quick clean up of biological and chemical spills, SDH just doesn't cut it. Yes, despite the obscene amount of food offering and copious amounts of Fro-Yo (frozen yogurt), SDH and its offerings just cannot compete against, well, even the expired offerings of a no-name gas station. Unscientific as it may be, the people have spoken. On the results of the first floor dry erase poll, Matt Cyrs, RA of the 1st floor, said, "People may have spoken, but the question remains, we they actually travel to the Marathon gas station up the road? I am thinking they won't."

Up and...

Josh saying good bye to a temporary friend

... and out. Our injured Gentleman, Steds senior, Josh Blossfeld is up and out of medical mobility to scooter and once again is moving about through bipedal action. But what was it like for our brave Stedsman, recovering quietly on the fourth floor? When Blossfeld wasn't scooting about, I managed to ask him about medical sojourn at Steds. 

St. Ed: Being in a mobility cart really had you in the slow lane, didn’t it?

Blossfeld: To be honest, the scooter was much faster than I expected. I’m sure I made some people jealous when I’d cut them off on the sidewalk going full speed. Although once the snow hit, it was clear the scooter wasn’t a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

St. Ed: What were some of your strategies to minimize the inconvenience of your condition? For example, did you study and eat less? 

Blossfeld: I mostly avoided the dining hall while injured, which was good for getting great meals but not good for my wallet. I certainly spent a lot more time studying and getting sleep that I typically would, so I could feel well rested once I could walk again.

St. Ed: To be honest, your liberation from your leg cast and mobility cart is a bit of a surprise. If my memory is correct, then you still had another week to go?

Blossfeld: I was able to convince my doctor to let me out a week early, which was huge. I think he recognized that I wasn’t willing to miss another Game Day regardless of what he said, so he compromised and let me out early.

St. Ed: Now that it is all over and you are whole again, if you could do it all over again, would you?

Blossfeld: The valiant side of me says I’ll do anything for hall and king, including breaking my leg on the football field. But the rational side of me definitely wishes I called for a fair catch instead of trying to return that punt.

We did it...

Steds: We have arrived... we have arrived!

... and now, we're minted. Yes, thanks to Fred Schoenhut, father of Fritz Schoenhut '11, Steds is represented on the Jersey Shore! A gift for his stay and hospitality shown during his stay at Avon-by-the-Sea this the past summer, Fr. Ralph gave a coveted Steds A vs. Steds Big Cats Derby scarf to Fred, who in turn gifted it to his favorite establishment, D'Arcy. Known as the place to watch English Premier League soccer games and with a number of other soccer scarfs adorning the ceiling and walls of the restaurant, the Steds scarf has a “jumped the queue” and landed in a place of recognition and pride. On seeing the scarf, Kevin Thompson, former AR and ND MBA grad, said, "They have scarves all over the walls and ceiling. Did you have anything to do with this over the summer." Oh, Kevin... a Gentleman doesn't tell everything, but many thanks to Fred!

Keeping the...

Kilted Steds: a motley crew

... tradition alive. Yes, at the start of Founder's Week, the Stedsmen kept an old Steds tradition alive; a tradition that even predates the current rector. What is it? Yes, you guessed it- the tradition of "kilting." Along with some non-washable paint and a healthy measure of spirit, the Gentlemen fashioned for themselves kilts with fabric purchased from the local Hobby Lobby, and then, properly outfitted, they promptly headed off to the football prep rally. On the continuation of this beloved and cherished Steds tradition, Matt Coffey, resident Nebraska and Steds A Team goalie, shared, "Some people say the tradition of Kilting is older then Steds itself, dating back to Pottawatomie days- the native people of this region. All I know is nothing builds up hall spirit and unity like plaid skirts and body paint."

Good morning...

Eoghan: "The man behind the curtain"...

... Notre Dame! One of the newest voices to "Sounds of the Notre Dame" is none other than Steds very own, Eoghan (pronounced Owen) Fay. If you're not in Steds to see Eoghan, then you can hear him on 88.9FM as he hosts his weekly radio show broadcasting to northwest Indiana and beyond. When Eoghan wasn't playing music and taking calls, I managed to ask him a few questions about being the "Voice of the Fighting Irish."

St. Ed: How did you learn of ND’s radio station moreover that you, a student, could be a radio host?

Fay: In September,  on Activities Night, I signed up for ND TV, and I went to the student media information night. Somehow I ended up with a radio show on WSND FM. I guess I have a face for radio… and a voice for silent film.

St. Ed: Okay, so you sign up and go to a meeting. What radio show do you host? Does it focus on any particular musical genre?  

Fay: My radio show is Daybreak from 7-9AM. It's a light listening and classical music breakfast show. All the music is classical but sometimes I play more modern pieces, like John Williams' "The Imperial March" to celebrate the release of Disney's "The Mandalorian." 

St. Ed: The glamorous world of radio can all go to one’s head, so how do you keep it down to earth?

Fay: Yes, the glitz and glamour of radio certainly can go to your head. I keep myself grounded by checking the number of listeners - one day I hope to hit double digits.

St. Ed: What do you hope your listeners walk away with when they tune in and start their mornings with you?

Fay: I hope my listeners walk away with the knowledge that I'm doing my best to bring them good music in the mornings. I can't promise great conversation but I can guarantee brilliant music. In Ireland people sometimes talk about "craic agus ceol"  or “fun and music.” On Daybreak there is ceol (music) but not much craic (fun).

St. Ed: Let’s get real. How do you keep it fresh on the radio?

Fay: To be honest, it's difficult to keep things fresh when none of the artists have not dropped fresh music since before the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I like to try though, by mixing in some different stuff, for example having Fr. Ralph on to play Bach's "Coffee Cantata" and provide an insightful commentary with it. 

On hearing that Eoghan has a weekly radio station show and that Fr. Ralph joined him on the air, Frank Spesia, Steds AR and musical troubadour, said, "Sadly, it really is as the song says, 'Video killed the radio star.'"

... with "the man who should never have an open mic", Fr. Ralph.

Your Sunday picture...

And it's cold...

... from Notre Dame. Earlier this week saw campus receive its first substantial snow. This happened to the horror of many but for others, namely students, it was received with great joy. Why? Because of the campus wide snowball fight on South Quad. However you like to enjoy the snow, enjoy this snowy ND picture, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!  

Saturday Squirrel.

Meal time...

Our furry friends are really racking up the pounds as winter is fast approaching. With the recent snowfall and cold temps, our friends have received a reminder to put on some winter weight with earnest. So, whenever and wherever a meal can be found, our squirrels will stop and have a bite. And that's exactly what this squirrel did. Finding a meal in a tree, this squirrel didn't waste anytime devouring it. But there's more. This squirrel ate his meal in a various precarious place... a tree limb over St. Joseph's Lake! Be careful, or you'll be in the proverbial drink. On eating a meal in such a dangerous place, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Dare devil? Absolutely not. Just having a meal and enjoying the view!"

...and more

More...

All smiles and cocktails for the Molyneauxs

... Fall Break memories. After spending some time with the Crudeles in Nashville and hearing all about the Newseum from fellow senior Eric Restic, Peter Molyneaux joined his siblings and his eighty-six years young grandfather, Dan Molyneaux Sr., in Florida for a cruise. Yes, for the remainder of Fall Break, Peter, his grandfather, and siblings stopped at various port of calls in Caribbean and Mexico, enjoying the weather, the locals, and the all specialities and delicacies of both ship and port. On Peter joining his grandfather for a sun and fun filled time, Jenny Molyneaux, Peter's Mom, said, "I am sure Peter was sad to miss the hospitality of the Blossfelds and the Michigan game, but I imagine his basking in the Mexican sunshine while watching the rainy game in Michigan wasn't too bad." 

Oh, the things...

Sage of 203: Speak oh wise one...

...that the Gentlemen write on their whiteboards! Recently, there was a message for the residents of the Hall from “the Sage of Room 203. Not a peripatetic, this sage is here to stay and share his knowledge, nay, his wisdom, with all who are willing to stop, pause, and take in what is being served up. On the Sage of Room 203 sharing his wisdom filled musing, Frank Spesia, Steds AR, said, "Whatever it may be, it's one to grow on for sure. I just wish he had shared the current message sooner!"

A Fall Break...

Eric and Joe Restic enjoying D.C...

... flashback. Eric Restic, Steds senior and ND Men's LaCrosse player, with his parents Joe and Susan, went to Washington D.C. before he rendezvoused with his fellow Stedsmen in Nashville. What did Eric and his parents do while in our nation's capitol? Oh, things that one ought to do... the usual... seeing the sights and visiting the museums. BUT while doing the D.C. usual, the Restics encountered something unusual at the Newseum, a museum tracing the history of the First Amendment. While perusing the exhibits at the Newseum, Restics discovered that what Eric was breaking from had actually followed him all the way to D.C.!  There, at the Newseum, was an exhibit celebrating student journalism which featured the Notre Dame Observer, AND in a coincidence of coincidences, on front page of that celebrated Observer was an article about the Steds Float! On the discovery, Susan said,  "Look what we found at the Newseum in Washington D.C.! We're not surprised in the least...  it's Steds after all!

... Susan notices something familiar...

... and Joe confirms...

... it's Steds!

It's official...

Fr. Ralph with Colleen and Christian...

..they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Colleen Turner ’16 of St. Mary's and Christian Verhamme ’16 of Steds were married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame on the day of Notre Dame Michigan game. Even though it was rainy, the couple made it a beautiful day by their beaming and radiance. Suffice it to say, there were smiles all around at the Mass and the reception. On Colleen becoming a part of the Steds family, Patrick Krauss '16, fellow Stedsman and Best Man, said, "We will forever be thankful for late night Taco Bell at LaFortune, both for bringing these two together six years ago AND for making an appearance at the wedding reception. A wonderful day all around., and we so excited to finally and officially, have Colleen as a part of the St. Ed's family!"

Best wishes and congratulations Colleen and Christian!

... and the Steds Family.

Let it...

A snowy Sorin and...

… snow! With Founder’s Week over, it can now snow all it wants. No longer will Stedsmen worry whether or not it will snow for their Day in the Park, for the dance in Oak Room dance, or on their cherish Shuttlecock Showdown. Again, let it snow… and believe me it is! Snowing all day Monday, it is predicted to snow all evening, throughout the night, and morning next, and when it’s done, it will leave anywhere from 7 inches to 1 foot of snow. Of course, the kids don’t care because they don’t have to shovel it, but they are busy. Yes, busy planning the first snow ball fight of the year which will most likely commence around 10pm this evening. On the first substantial snow fall, Luca Marini, Steds freshman and resident Brazilian, said, “Despite the weather being colder than I ever experienced, watching the snow fall gently around campus is a calming scene."

WATCH THE SNOW FALL: CLICK HERE.

WATCH EVEN MORE SNOW FALL: CLICK HERE.

... and a snowy Mary and Dome.

Let the shuttlecocks...

Shuttlecock Showdown: A day full of great badminton...

… fly! Without any doubt, the Gentlemen had great weather as they took to North Quad for the annual Shuttlecock Showdown. This cherished event was a showcase for the Gentlemen to demonstrate their skill and prowess with racquet and shuttlecock. The Showdown saw the rise and fall of many teams. Shuttlecock One, the team of Fr. Ralph and Steds grad student Charles Rioux, was sent packing by the Assistant Rector team of Frank Spesia and Pete McKeon. Yes, it was a day full of aces, missed aces, faults, and even some double faults, and yes... even bad call by the self appointed line judges. 

In the end, the defending championships, Sam Schaeffer and Christian Kirby, Steds seniors and RAs, faced off against an upstart junior duo of Josh Gambardella and Dan O'Brien, Steds juniors and Hall President and V.P. The two teams battled it out before a crowd of badminton diehards with each team taking a game a piece, forcing a third and final game. It was a spirited and close match right up until the end, but there could only be one winner. And the junior team bested the defending seniors 2 games to 1. Congratulations to our 2019 Shuttlecock Showdown champions... Josh Gambardella and Dan O'Brien!

On the day, Ryan Dahnke, Steds freshman and Shuttlecock Showdown participant, said, "The Shuttlecock Showdown is truly an event unlike any other. The courts compete with Wimbledon as the best venue for racket sports. The sportsmanship is top notch, and the competition is unrivaled. Hall President Josh Gambardella shocked us all with a close victory in the Finals in what was without a doubt the most competitive sports-related event on campus this weekend. MVP honors go to Father Ralph, whose racket-play was among the best all morning. Unnamed sources say they 'were scared to play him' and 'knew he was too good for them.'And whoever beat Greg and I were likely on PEDs. Taking into account the future (very) likely NCAA intervention, our squad won the whole showdown."

To see some championship game play: click HERE.

... and McKeon and Spesia enjoy the taste of victory.

The fun...

Clubbing it construction style

...continues with round two at South Dinning's Oak Room. Earlier this week, the Gentlemen gathered for dinner and the feting of Logan Arnold, but on Friday, they gathered for the Founder's Week Dance. Themed "construction,” many came as, well you guessed it, construction workers with helmets, high vis vests, tools and even tool boxes. Dance goers enjoyed great music that was composed by not only the request of the Gentlemen themselves but also the the musical stylings of Frank Spesia, Steds AR, known for the evening as DJ Decimal, because the fun repeats. Get it? In short, it was a magical evening with a lot of construction going on out on the dance food. On the night at the Oak Room, DJ Decimal said, “Union rules brought the evening to an end… rules are rules… but I want everyone to know that this DJ is available for dorm parties.”

Breakfast of...

The early princes...

... Princes. Like the change experienced by the room which hosted the breakfast, there was a change in today’s breakfast offering to the Princes of St. Edward’s. Yes, princes… that’s what Fr. Sorin called the residents of St. Edward’s… princes. What was the change and why? Well, last year, 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 believed this breakfast offering, which itself was a shakeup from previous years, was made to reflect recent changes in food pyramid. In truth, talking with well placed sources, the change was made simply for the sake of change. 

And so, it was the same this year… change for the sake of change. At the direction of President Gambardella and Vice Presidents Merrick and O’Brien, an assortment of Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and chicken nuggets as well as juices and milk were served for the hungry masses at Steds before they headed off to class. On the breakfast offering, David Hale, Steds freshman and resident Michigander, said, “The Breakfast of Princes was the greatest way to wake up and get ready for class. Rather than eating in the quiet and boredom of my room, I shared a delicious feast with my fellow princes.”

... get the chicken and sausage biscuits! 

A Day...

The Founder would have had fun today...

...in the Park, St. Edward's Park that is. It's true! St. Edward's does not belong to North Quad, God Quad or any quad rather we belong to St. Edward's Park, the green space just east of the Dome and ending at Zahm Cavanaugh. Over time, our fountain and promenade 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! And if you argue the contrary, we'll see you in court! So, today, amid games of bocce and croquet and badminton cups of cider and coffee, carrot cake and red velvet cupcakes, and cigars, the Gentlemen of St. Edward's renewed their claim to this small, but cherished, tract of land as they celebrated "A Day in the Park." Of the day, an unnamed freshman said, "If only every hall had a park like us... they too could enjoy the outdoors and have fun. But they don't." 

... watching the gentlemanly diversions played in the Park...

... with much spirit...

... and some skill...

... but there was more for our 21 year olds... 

...with a Senior Afternoon Tea and Chipotle in the Flounge.

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

Dinner with a...

Vogel: A Gentleman for all seasons... 

...helping of some wisdom was served up by none other than Stedsman Peter Vogel ’12, legal counselor and former Steds SUB freshman representative. As the keynote speaker at tonight’s Order of the Gentlemen dinner in the Oak Room of South Dining Hall, Vogel imparted not only words of wisdom but also pearls of knowledge…an added bonus for sure. 

Later, Logan Arnold ’19 was recognized for his service to the Hall- the creating and directing of the position of iHAAC, the in-Hall Academic and Arts Commissioner. Promoting academic discussions with faculty, cultivating an appreciation of the arts, and encouraging peer mentoring among the Stedsmen, this position is the proverbial “game changer” so much that the University is using it as a model and template for other halls to emulate. Once again, Steds is leading the way. 

Stepping out of his grad school class and after phoning in some brief remarks from Seattle, Arnold 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, Arnold was given a small plaque and a specially minted coin commemorating this high honor. On his induction, Arnold said, “I was disappointed I couldn’t be there in person, but I was more than happy to call-in! It truly is an honor!”

... and the Gentlemen learned a thing or two... or maybe even three.

Rededication Day.

Rededication Day starts Founder's Week...

Founder's Week commenced 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 when a fake wall was removed and restored in the early 2000’s, the mural once again regained its place of honor. Painted by Luigi Gregori- the artist who painted the University's Basilica and Main Building- the room was dedicated to his memory in 2006.

At this year’s Rededication, there was a reading of a modern adaptation of the Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham by Chris Scott ’18 and “a reflection” on the Gregorian lounge via a phone call from Paddy Millican’ 19. Still, there was the reading from a letter written in 1882 by Meriwether Snodgrass, former resident, on seeing the Gregorian Mural for the first time. Oh, yes. There would have been, thanks to Sam Campanaro, Steds sophomore and member of the ND Marching Band, a trumpet fanfare at the ceremonial ribbon cutting… but sadly in the excitement it was forgotten! 

On the Rededication, Ashton Bieri, Steds sophomore and Hall photographer (enjoy his photos below), stated, "It is always great to witness the rededication of the rededication of the rededication of the rededication of the- you get it- dedication of the Greg!"

Still, freshman Nicky Haskell, resident Floridian and Red Soxs fan, on his participating in his first Rededication Day, shared, "As the Steds community gathered around the Greg, we listened to a letter read by Fralph and the Alumni stories were a delight too. I am happy to say Founder’s Week started off right!"

... Fr. Ralph waxes on...

... the Gentlemen fain interest...

... V.P. Merrick and Pres. Gambardella make it official...

... and there you have it... another plaque...

... and a celebration!

Your Sunday picture...

Only at Notre Dame!

... from Notre Dame. Here is a one of a kind sunrise over Notre Dame. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold, and what is even more unbelievable is that this scene was gone in two minutes. Yes all the color you see above disappeared into a gloomy grey.  Thankful, a camera was able to catch it before it was lost forever! Enjoy, and enjoy you Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Can you find me?

While the our furry friends are busy burying nuts for winter, there are others who are about campus doing one thing or another. One of those others is this woodpecker who was spotted outside of La Fortune Student Center. Pecking about in a tree, this woodpecker is making the most of the waning days of warmth. On seeing this woodpecker, a passing squirrel non-verbaled, "He's nuts!"

Watch this video: click HERE.