It's not a...

When there are Krispy Kreme doughnuts...

... surprise that Stedsmen are loved, but it was a surprise when that love materialized in the form of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. With the usual host of Folgers at Four, Frank Spesia, the Steds 2nd floor assistant rector, away, it was up to Fr. Ralph to host the weekly event. What did our new host do? He changed it up, switching out the same old Dunkin' Doughnuts doughnuts with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. And if that wasn't enough, he also switched out the same old coffee, Folgers, with Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee. Ironic. The Krispy Kremes and Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee, Friday afternoon just got a whole lot better. But don't take my word for it, let's hear from someone else, someone who was there. On the Friday refreshments in the Greg, Henry Glunz, Steds freshman and Folgers at Four regular, said, "Krispy Kreme on a Friday is like mana that fell from heaven." Can't argue with that!

... Irish eyes are a smiling... Conal's!

Time to enjoy...

S.A.T. is in session...

... some senior time. Yes, it was Senior Afternoon Tea Time at the Steds Flounge.  Senior Afternoon Tea Time is a time for all seniors and juniors, who are twenty-one, to enjoy from their labors at a cash bar serving up an assortment of domestic and imported beers along with what college students love, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches. And take a break they did from their training, studies, band practice, classes, and more! While Chick-Fil-A forgot to supply the Stedsmen with any sauces, any and all disappointment quickly vanished as good laughs, food, and beers were shared. On being the first, and most likely the only person, to order a Coors, Andrew Bennis, Steds senior and Coloradan,said, “Coors reminds me of home. Though the mountains may be blue, I am never blue when surrounded by my fellow Stedsmen!”

STILL YET...

It was the very first Senior Afternoon Tea Time for one senior, Walker Utley. On attending his first S.A.T., Utley shared, "After missing out on S.A.T.s for so long, due to my youthfulness, it was nice to finally participate. It was great fraternizing with faces who I hadn’t seen in awhile.”

... with Dan O'Brien discussing the finer points of boxing...

 

... as former President Cole Edwards made a funny in the corner...

... while Peter Molyneaux pontificated and Murphy acted engaged.

The amazing things...

DiLella: the Michelangelo of Steds

… the Stedsmen do never fail to amaze anyone and everyone, most especially their rector. Who knew that John DiLella, resident Californian via New Jersey, was up to “making” something. Making some mac and cheese? Making his bed? Making straight As? No, none of these... well, last the one he might be, but that’s beside the point. What’s DiLella making? What every college student makes and at some point in his life… a guitar. Amazed by this, DiLella was all too happy to share with his rector and others the catalyst for this extraordinary undertaking. 

On making a guitar, DiLella said,

“I really like to play guitar, but all I have here is my acoustic. With all the noise it makes, it's difficult to practice in my room with other roommates. In addition, I really wanted to play more rock songs, which often require an electric guitar. I knew if I had an electric, I could practice almost noiselessly and play the music I wanted to play.”

He went on and said, “While figuring out how I'd bring my electric guitar from home, it hit that I am an engineering student AND I should build one. So I did. I bought the raw body and neck and all the electronics from various vendors on eBay, and then spent the following weeks sanding, staining, clear coating, and installing electronics in the AME fabrication lab until the guitar was complete. It plays fantastically and I am really happy with how it turned out.”

Simply amazing. On the feat, Fr. Ralph asked, “I wonder if DiLella will make my nephew’s Pine Wood Derby car?”

It's war!

Smith: Not worried about any split ends

The battle against malaria is drawing near, and every gentleman is expected to do his duty. And the man who has taken on the mantle of leadership, of rallying the forces, of directing the forces of Steds to victory, is Jacob Smith. An athletic powerhouse from Michigan, this sophomore is not taking his position lightly. But enough from me, let's hear from Smith himself and his plans for the fast approaching war.

St. Ed: How did you come to take command of the Hall’s campaign against malaria?

Smith: I don't want to get caught up in the details, but it was basically a 6-month long gruelling process of increasingly difficult tasks put on by last year's commanders, Swift and Herlihy. I was lucky enough to make it through the process without the dishonor of my hair being cut prematurely, so here I am.

St.Ed: As you draw up your battle plans, will you employ the “strategery” of past leaders? 

 Smith: As we all know, we have had some of the brightest strategic minds of all time lead us into battle in past years, but there is always a need for innovation. The main change from past years that is not still classified is that of the incorporation of a new haircut development process.

St.Ed: Are there any secret weapons you plan to deploy in this year’s battle?

Smith: There is a secret weapon that will be of utmost importance this year. It will take a multiple person effort to accomplish, but if it is pulled off, this just may be the most successful year of all time. This so-called "Mullet-hattan Project" cannot be overlooked.

St. Ed: How would you respond to nay sayers that this fight is not winnable? 

Smith: To even let such a thought creep in your brain, just shows that you're weak-willed, and that is not the type of soldier we need for this fight. Luckily enough, we have this multitude of gentlemen that could not possibly think that way. If you tried to win this same battle with men from Zahm or Sorin, well, better luck next year.

St. Ed: If you had to create a stirring, yet pithy, slogan for the war effort, something that you could slap on a poster or the back of a shirt, what would that be?

Smith: "A Hairstyle That Never Fails: Grow More Mullets"

You too can join the fight! More information coming soon.

Back to school...

Enjoying a day in another park

... but still reminiscing about Christmas Break. It has been a fast start to the new academic semester, and it's tough getting back in the swing of things, with new schedules and figuring out routines. So, it is no surprise then why minds drift back to the recent past and linger on sunnier days, literally and figuratively. And here's such a story. During Christmas Break, a trio of Stedsmen freshmen gathered in the Big Apple. In conjunction with a a family trip to New Jersey to see grandma, Nick Sansone was able to catch up with Peter Ferraro and Gavin Shust. On their gathering in New York City, Nick's mother, Tina Sansone, said, "The smiles on these Gentlemen's faces tell it all!"

Your Sunday picture...

Wish you were here...

... from Notre Dame. With a break in the clouds, people took to quads to enjoy the sunshine, blue skys, and a little vitamin D. Here's Sorin of God Quad with Mary and the Dome in the background all covered in snow. Enjoy your Sunday where ever you may be!

There's always...

A witty wordsmith: Frank Spesia

... a comedian in the crowd, and at St. Ed's that axiom holds true. On the white board of the Steds Lobby, a witty message was written. With subtle overtones of the Gettysburg Address, the message was encouraging residents to attend the weekly Folgers at Four in the 2nd floor Gregorian Lounge. Devised a few years ago by a former assistant rector, Jimmy White, Folgers at Four is an opportunity for anyone to come the Greg for some coffee and doughnuts... and of course conversation about anything and everything. On being asked why he did it, writing this witty message, the 2nd floor assistant rector, Frank Spesia, said, "I wrote it because of my life of coffee and doughnuts. Yes, the coffee and doughnuts made me do it. Are you happy now?" 

Steds hockey...

The good guys: Steds Hockey

... is back!  Yes, the Steds hockey team, entirely composed of Steds residents, is giving it the old college go out on the ice. Knowing how to skate or having played hockey before are not prerequisites to play for this squad. All that's needed is a healthy dose of courage and desire to score a goal. It was no surprise then that courage and spirits were running high for the Gentlemen as they took on Grace Coop, a combined team of O'Neill and Keough Halls. But there was a surprise in this season opener. On the surprise, Johnny Welsch, Steds junior and team captain, said, "The Gentlemen fought valiantly, had fun, and most importantly scored a goal!"

What's up Doc...

Walsh: smells like yummy!

... what's cooking? Yes, what's cooking at Ed's these days? All the regular goodness that has made Ed's number one in the hearts and stomachs of its patrons, but, believe it or not, there's something new. Is that even possible? Yes! Just when you thought that greatness couldn't be made any more great, it has thanks to the creative and innovative minds in the kitchen of Ed's. This January, Ed's is expanding its offerings, serving up Chinese and Korean dumplings and spring rolls. Why? Because not only are they tasty but also, as steamed, they help those who are watching their Spring Break figures. In the change to the Ed's line up, culinary service representative, Jared Walsh, said, "In honor of the new decade, we’ve decided to bring out some new Ed’s items. We now have dumplings and spring rolls to go along with our time tested classics. It's all good and good for you!"

It's snowing...

Not going out today...

... it's snowing... it's snowing! Yes, not having a shovelable snow since early November, it finally snowed... and I mean snowed. Having five to six inches dumped on campus, snow and cold temps once again returned to campus, causing students to don winter coats, hats, and gloves. Temperatures finally dropped below zero at night, and if that wasn't enough, then the freezing rain afterwards made everyone feel as if it was winter return with fury. While many did not venture out during the inclement weather and the rawest of elements, one brave soul, Frank Spesia, did. On his trekking to LaFortune for "bare necessities," he said, "The day a man cannot get a quarter dog in a blizzard is the day that this University lets me down... in a really big way."

A Changing of...

At the helm: Shust 

... the guard. As a new semester started last week, there was also a new start for music at the Steds Chapel of Sts. Edward and John. Patrick Sansone, chapel pianist for the past two and half years, made an exit from the Hall to study abroad in Perth, Australia. But before he left on his three month vacation, knowing his time was coming to an end, Patrick sought to continue his tradition of providing superb musical accompaniment for the Steds weekly Sunday Mass. So, he found his replacement, Gavin Shust, and what a replacement he found! But let's hear from our new "piano man," and hear how things are really going. Here's what Shust had to say when I caught up with him.

St.Ed: How did you start playing the piano?

Shust: Like many other children, I was forced at a young age to take piano lessons by my parents. Unlike my siblings who mostly despised practicing piano, I never stopped and enjoyed doing it. I continued to play, eventually picking up the guitar as well. 

St.Ed: Well, lucky us, piano and guitar! Say, I heard your big debut was this past Sunday. How did it go?

Shust: As Patrick Sansone prepares to study abroad, I have officially taken over as the sole pianist for Steds. After some intense hours practicing in the chapel, I was as prepared as I would ever be for my first solo Mass. When I chose the songs for this week, I only picked songs that were my personal favorites. I believe that mass should be upbeat and a fun time for everyone involved, and based on the amount of singing (or yelling) during We Are Called and Wade in the Water, I think they had a good time.

St.Ed: What is the most challenging aspect of being the Steds Mass pianist? 

Shust: I would say that the hardest part is definitely filling the shoes of Patrick Sansone. Not literally filling his shoes because I have small feet, but he has proven to be an exceptional talent that the Steds chapel will miss dearly. But he's gone and I'm here now. Until he comes back next year, but that's a later problem.

St.Ed: How do you deal with all the fame and fans?

Shust: The fan mail has begun to become a little excessive, but I have loved the warm welcome from the Steds community.

Good luck Gavin... play well, play well!

Your Sunday picture...

A January treat

... from Notre Dame. It's true. January and February are least favorite months to be on campus, but there are moments that really buck the drear and gloominess of these trying times. Here is a sunrise taken right before the recent snow storm. Sadly, most students did see this as they were still slumbering, but for those who did, what a treat! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be.

Saturday's Squirrel.

Good to see you too

As the students get back into their routines, so do our furry friends. Having run of the place for several weeks without anyone else around, the squirrels are slowly warming up to having us around. Yes, it is a bit of adjustment for them, but they will bounce back, especially when student hand outs of baked goods from Starbucks and Au Bon Pan are doled out once again. But only after a week of having us around, the squirrels are very skiddish. On being spotted in St. Edward's Park, this furry friend non-verbaled, "Oh, it's you. Do you have anything for me?" 

The Steds family...

A special day for the Robinsons and Fr. Ralph...

... is growing! Arriving in time for Christmas with time to spare, Drs. Matt and Katie Robinson were delighted to welcome their first child, Luke Matthew. Gathering family and friends during the waning days of Christmas Break, the Doctors Robinson had Luke baptized at Notre Dame. Playing his part wonderfully with no crying or fussing, Luke took a victory lap and made his first visit to St. Edward's- his dad's residence hall. On his son's big day, Robinson '11 said, "Baby Luke was welcomed into the Church on the weekend of the Baptism of Our Lord and very much enjoyed his first trip to see Our Lady’s University and her greatest and oldest dorm- Steds!"

Welcome Luke to the Steds Family!

... and Steds!

Forgotten, but not...

Fagan and Lis: We're in good hands!

... completely forgotten. Here's a story from this past summer. Conal Fagan, Steds junior, visited America's playground, Southern California, and was the guest of Steds sophomore, Alec Lis, native Californian. While many know Lis as the recent Welcome Week Assistant Captain, they only know half of this standout Stedsman. What most Stedsmen don't know is Lis is also a lifeguard... like Bay Watch lifeguard. If you're at a beach in Southern California, then there's a good chance Lis could is watching out for you. Taking Fagan to his beach post, Lis showed Steds resident Irishman life guarding  Southern Californian style. On their beach watch, Lis said, "Lake yachts to oceans and ocean to beaches, Stedsmen always have you covered.”

Is anyone...

Fay: the next Casey Kasem of the classic music world?

... listening? That's the question those working at the SETI Institute are asking every day as they search for extraterrestrial intelligence out there in the great beyond. But it is also a question that a terrestrial Stedsman asks himself every time he gets into the chair to host DayBreak, his weekly three hour show, at WSND 88.9, the Sound of Notre Dame. 

Yes, Eoghan Fay, Steds freshman, has been in the "hot seat" every week hosting DayBreak at, well, you guessed it, day break... 7am. And a question that has been on Eoghan's mind has been, "Is anyone listening to my show?" With call-in complaints not counting... who knows? Still, he believes somewhere, somewhere out there in the great expanse of the broadcast area, someone is listening. On this belief, Fay said, "It was a great first semester on the radio. I especially enjoyed Fr. Ralph joining me for the special Christmas broadcast, and I look forward to him joining me again in future. I know the listenership has increased greatly, and I may soon hit a whopping twenty listeners!"

On his joining the DayBreak show as a reoccurring guest, Fr. Ralph said, "When Eoghan extended the offer, I was utterly gobsmacked. I gladly accepted, and now, I feel like a reoccurring guest on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Dreams do come true!"

It's back...

Nichols: a ray of indoor sunshine 

... to go for our Stedsmen as classes resume today, but it's also back to go for the one who has been declared by some as the second most important man in the Hall- the mailman. It's true! People say those who control the mail, control lives, and if that's the case, then Peter Nichols, Hall mailman, controls Steds! Still, Nichols hasn't let it all go to his head as he delivers love in the form of letters, post cards and packages to his fellow residents. Sorting and delivering the mail before Noon, residents enjoy dependable and timely service while Nichols enjoys a high satisfaction rate. But what does the mailman think? When he was delivering the mail, I was able to ask him about getting back to his daily routine. On delivering the mail, Nichols said, "It may be a new year, but it means more school work and 3 months of no sun in South Bend. My job as mailman is to be the "Steds sunshine" as I deliver those unexpected care packages from family members. It’s an honor to deliver during these dark times. Death, taxes, USPS delivery!"

Your Sunday picture...

... from Notre Dame. There are many, many doors at Notre Dame. Some we know very well, while others live in obscurity. That is certainly the case for this door at St. Edward's as it is never opened. Displaying the ancient coat of arms of St. Edward, King of England, this chapel door is never opened because is the emergency fire exit! If opened, everyone will know. Thankfully, the door has never needed to be used, but still, we enjoy the door's beauty with the mark of our patron, adding beauty to an already beautiful chapel. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

What are they...

Sayles (second on the right): Not rushing back

... doing? Yes, what are our Stedsmen up during their Christmas Break? Whatever it is, hopefully it is so enjoyable that they won't rush back to Steds as the Hall opens for the Spring Semester this Sunday. Still, what are they doing during their break from studies, books, tests and papers? One Stedsman, Steve Sayles, from New York is spending some time north of the border in Canada. Joined by his friends, Sayles trekked up to Canada's uniquest province, Quebec, to take in the slopes and snow. Atop a Quebec slope, amid the frost, chill, and snow, the new semester that is about to start must be the furthest thing on Sayles' mind. On her son's skiing, Angie Sayles, said, “On top of the world on Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada, I am sure he has frozen nostrils. Hopefully, they’ll defrost before his return to South Bend on Sunday.” 

What has happened...

After Christmas Break...

... over on the east of Steds? It looks like an explosion of some sort occurred... something more than a popcorn microwave accident, an accident that happens on a fairly regular basis at Steds. No, something else is going on here. What's going on is the demolition of Brownson Hall. A hall, constructed during Fr. Sorin's time, with a number of poorly constructed additions, housing a potpourri of University offices, succumb to its poor design, age, and neglect. In its place, a new extension of the Institute of Educational Initiatives will soon go up. On the new construction site, Fr. Ralph said, "It's really sad to see what we lovingly called 'Sorinville' go, but sadly, it was time. Really, it was. Matter of fact, Brownson's second floor was condemned for a number of years. On the bright side, they're saving all the old bricks... but what will they do with them?"

... before Christmas Break.

Your Sunday picture...

Nebraska: It's not for everyone

... from Christmas Break.  Some places are more desirable when it comes to calling them home. Sun and warm temperatures, especially in winter time, would make Florida a great place to call home, but not everyone is so fortunate. Yes, some call other places, like Nebraska home, where beauty, beautiful vistas, and much more are not found in great quantity. Still, if you search, you might something.  Here's some of that Nebraskan beauty- a January sunset. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Soaking it up, literally

We take a break from our furry friends and shine the limelight on our fowl friends- Canada geese. Yes, Canada... not Canadian... geese. They periodically pack up and fly away, looking for corn in the surrounding farm fields, but they always come back to campus. Why? Because, thanks to the power plant, they always have access to open water. Still, even now and then this gaggle of geese like to change things up and make St. Mary's their watering hole. Here's a view of our Canada geese enjoying both the open and frozen water of St. Mary's. On enjoying St. Mary's Lake, an unnamed goose said, "The water is just fresher, but it's so hard to get some privacy here."

Happy New Year...

... to you, all Stedsmen, and their families! While we all know the best decade ever was the 80's, may the new year and decade- the 20's, be filled with everything that past one did not have. So, for Steds, fireworks like this! Happy New Year!