Let loose...

Players played for keeps...

… the shuttlecocks! And flew the shuttlecocks they did. Yes, the shuttlecocks flew as the Steds Shuttlecock Showdown got underway on North Quad. Delayed by the ND football game, the Showdown was moved to Sunday, and while it was cloudy, at least there was no rain or snow like last year. Still, like last year, the Showdown saw the rise and fall of many teams, but in the end, Patrick Campbell and Ben Silverio, Steds seniors, claimed the championship, defeating a sophomore team of Dane Storch and Louis Rauch. This team of seniors showed their seniority, battling it out before a crowd of badminton devotees, who were treated to an excellent championship game.  The spirited and lively game saw the seniors pull out a victory, one worthy of the annals of Steds sporting history. 

On the win, Campbell said, "Winning the Shuttlecock Showdown has made my senior year. The teams were in top form, and our competitors, Dane and Louis, were excellent challengers. But their best wasn't good enough. Still, with great matches all around, it was a great day to be a Stedsman on North Quad... and a great day to be a Shuttlecocker!"

Still, on the win, Silverio shared, “The three greatest days of my life were when George Bush was re-elected, when I was placed in Sted’s, and when my team won the infamous Shuttlecock Showdown!"

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... as everyone did...

... even Riley and Fr. Ralph...

... but in victory or defeat...

...all were gentlemen!

Your Sunday picture...

Wishing you were here!

... from Notre Dame. As Founder's Week draws to a close, the weather made a turn, becoming even more beautiful and perfect fall weather. Here's a view from the southeast side of Mary and the Dome, right by St. Edward's Park. Look at these wonderful fall colors, blue sky, and golden shine of Mary. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever they may be!

THERE'S MORE...

Using these links, watch the Hall's Sunday 10PM Mass... and no muting this time!

For the FaceBook link, click HERE.

For the Zoom, click HERE.

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

To listen to this week's installment of In the Red Room on:

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Founder's Week...

The best place for a dance...

... continued with round two at South Dinning's Oak Room. Themed “French “Promenade” many came as mimes, pink panthers and Inspector Clouseaus… some even came as Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI!  Dance goers enjoyed great music that was composed by not only the request of the Gentlemen themselves but also the musical stylings of President Aidan Tompkins. The playlist selection was superb with everyone on the dance floor, and it even managed to attract several uninvited dance goers who had to be shown the door. Still, it was a magical evening. On the night at the French Promenade,” Fr. Ralph said, “The evening was full of berets, brie, and baguettes, but something else that was captured was the joie de vivre of the Gentlemen!”

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... is this hidden gem...

... and Haag and Tompkins engage in some tomfoolery.

A Day...

The fun is on...

... in the Park was never been so fun, well, unless it's St. Edward's Park! It's true, but it must be reiterated. St. Edward's does not belong to North Quad or God Quad rather we belong to St. Edward's Park, the green space just south of the Hall and east of the Dome. Over time, our fountain may have disappeared, and we may have had to cede land for the building of Cavanaugh Hall and the now defunct Zahm Hall, but the fact remains, as does the actual deed, that the green space south of Hall is St. Edward's Park. Amid games of bocce and badminton and cookies, coffee and hot chocolate, and cigars, the Gentlemen of St. Edward’s renewed their claim to this small tract of land as they celebrated "A Day in the Park." On the fun in the park, David Hale, Steds RA and senior, shared, "A day in the park did not fail to exceed our expectations yet again. St. Edward's interceeded and provided exquisite fall weather and smooth stogies. I am happy to report that Nicky Haskell and myself remain the undisputed Bocce champions.”

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... when you're in St. Ed's Park!

Breakfast of Princes.

No sleeping beauties here: Princes enjoying breakfast

During Fr. Sorin’s time, the residents of the Hall, and rightfully so, were called “princes.” During President Joe Trzaska’s administration, the Breakfast of Princes become a real breakfast with eggs to order, pancakes, crisp bacon, and more. Gone were the doughnuts and small bottles of Sunny Delight. BUT due to supply chain problems, inflation and schedules, the Breakfast of Princes was curtailed and scaled backed. Now, the residents of Steds, Chick Fil A sandwiches, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, airline sized cans of orange and pineapple juice. 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 as well as the times. On participating in the Breakfast of Princes, Jack Schichtel, Steds senior, said, “I feel like a prince!” 

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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A Dining Hall dinner

Welter addresses the crowd...

... to remember! Despite occurring during Fall Break, but in keeping with tradition and being announced on St. Edward’s Day, October 13th, the Order of Gentlemen recipients were announced. But today, they, Henry Bergstrom ’22 and Jacob Smith ’22, were publicly inducted into the Order of Gentlemen and feted at the annual Founder’s Week Dinner in Oak Room of South Dining Hall.

Sadly, Bergstrom and Smith were unable to be present for the dinner, but Robert “Bobby” Weltner, C.S.C. ’14 stepped in and up and spoke to the Stedsmen gathered, imparting personal wisdom and concrete advice for the current Stedsmen in becoming virtuous men and true gentlemen.

Following Weltner, Bergstrom and Smith were recognized for their service to King and Hall- for being who they are, embodying the essence of a gentleman- and were inducted into the Hall's Order of Gentlemen for "action faithful and honor clear to King and Hall.” While they will be remembered along with other recipients by a plaque in the Hall's main lobby, Bergstrom and Smith also received a small plaque and a specially minted coin commemorating this high honor. 

In their absence, President Aidan Tompkins received the ceremonial handshakes and applause.

On speaking at the Founder's Week Dinner for the award recipients, Bergstrom and Smith, Weltner said, “I am speechless!” 

Congratulations Henry and Jacob!

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... and when he finished...

... the President received the ceremonial applause and handshake!

Rededication Day!

The Rededication starts....

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, its mural was forgotten and lost for a number of years. Rediscovered, 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 former Hall President, Brandon Ryan. Still, a special haiku was commissioned by the current Hall President, Aidan Tompkins, written and recited by senior Nick Haggestad.

If that wasn’t enough, Chris Scott ’18 was thanked and honored by the President Tompkins for giving the gift to make the renovation of the Gregorian Lounge possible. Indeed, we are all thankful for Chris’ generosity, making not only the renovation possible but also allowing the studying, conversations, and camaraderie to carry on and continue.

On why he gifted his Hall with a renovated Gregorian Lounge, Scott succinctly said, “For the kids!”

Watch this video, click HERE.

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... Scott and Tompkins make it official...

... everyone wanted a good seat...

... late comers had to stand in the back...

... former President Brandon Ryan phoned in...

... but there was room for everyone in the newly renovated Gregorian...

... Presidents Lynch and Tompkins are all smiles...

... and Chris Scott found another Gregori at the Morris Inn.

Founder's Week!

Founder's Week: A Week of Gentlemenly pursuits and fun!

Stedsmen, Happy Founder's Week! Yes, our week long celebration of the Founder of the University and the oldest and most storied residence hall, Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., and St. Edward's begins today!!! As you can tell, the week is jammed packed with history, tradition, and FUN. More to report as the week unfolds, but in the meantime, Stedsmen and friends of St. Ed's everywhere... may the Founder smile upon you always! 

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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Your Sunday picture...

Take it all in!

... Notre Dame. Here's an earlier morning view of St. Mary's Lake by the butterfly garden. As fall continues to fall and temperatures continue to drop, the lakes at ND begin to lose their heat, and so, early morning views like this are common. Yes, everything from the trees to the lakes change during the season of fall. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

THERE'S MORE...

Using these links, watch the Hall's Sunday 10PM Mass... and no muting this time!

For the FaceBook link, click HERE.

For the Zoom, click HERE.

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

To listen to this week's installment of In the Red Room on:

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Saturday squirrel.

Diatom fragillaria...

Our squirrels are on hiatus once again so that they can attend to their winter provisioning. In their absence, we turn to the lakes? What's living in there besides what we already know fish, turtles, and the like? Well, during a recent visit to St. Mary's Lake, Fr. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C., theologian and botanist, took a sample of the water, about one meter down. Placing the sample under a microscope at 200x magnification, this what Fr. Terry saw... diatom fragillaria. Commonly called, algae, it was no surprise to find diatom fragillaria floating around, but there was more! See below and see what else was spotted. On the various specimens found the small sample of water, Fr. Terry said, "The lakes are teeming with life!"

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... more unidentified algae...

... and this unknown critter.

He was a visitor...

Mr. Carson: Enjoying a Red Room...

... that won't soon be forgotten. Yes, Steds hosted a visitor that everyone wishes could stay forever. Who was this admired and captivating wayfarer? It was none other than the celebrated King Charles Spaniel named after the dutiful, discreet, and trusted butler Fromm Downton Abbey, Mr. Carson. It so happened that Mr. Carson's owner was out of town, and desiring not be kenneled, Mr. Carson sought a brief spell at Steds with Fr. Ralph. Not able to have pets of his own, Fr. Ralph could dog sit, and dog sit Fr. Ralph did! Mr. Carson was delighted to stay the weekend, and while at Steds, Mr. Carson was no slouch.   Living an active lifestyle, Mr. Carson engaged students wherever he found them, participating in Folgers at Four, taking long walks about campus quadrangles, even making rounds with Hall staff. It was a busy weekend, one that left Fr. Ralph completely exhausted but Mr. Carson flush with new found friends. On hosting this admired visitor, Fr. Ralph said, "A lot of kids 80's wanted Charles, played by Scott Baio, in charge of them, but here, the kids want Mr. Carson in charge of them!"

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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... and then a respite...

... and yet another one...

... but he did take in the sights...

... and got all dressed up...

... to make an appearance at Folgers...

... but returned to the Red Room...

... to do what he liked most, to respite. 

Steds was...

Classing up the lots: Steds Class of 2021

... there its part for King and Hall... and football team. Yes, seeing a chance to capitalize on great weather and the excitement of a night game, the Steds Class of 2021 hosted a tailgate for the recent Stanford game. The day started slowly, but the traffic picked up as the excitement for the game grew. Throughout the day, members of the Class of 2021 stopped by as well as those of other Steds classes, sharing stories, renewing friendships, and of course, predictions about the game as they did. Suffice it to say, the day was full of conviviality and revelry, and but sadly, all of slowly disappeared as the night game against the Cardinal got underway. Suddenly, it became clear that the unthinkable was happening, and then, well, let's just leave it at that. On tailgating, Ben Merrick '21, former Vice President and tailgate instigator, said, "It was fun while it lasted. I mention the game."

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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Two lawyers run...

Who's counseling who???: Esquires Roman and Barnard

... into each other on a street in NYC. Sounds like the start of a joke, but it's not. It's true. Two Stedsmen as well as fellow Steds assistant rectors, Tom Roman '15, NDLS '18 and Dougie Barnard '15, NDLS '18, ran into each other in lower Manhattan. A chance encounter? Maybe. But what's a fact is that  Barnard, who was passing through the Big Apple, ran into Tom Roman, who was in between court appearances... as counsel of course! Again, was this a chance encounter? On the encounter, Barnard declared, "It was a quick encounter but meaningful. No better way to feel at home in New York City than by running into a fellow Stedsman.” 

Still, on the chance encounter, Fr. Ralph offered an opposing thought and said, "Now, I believe we would all think these two are sharing legal opinions on this or that case, but if we were there on the street, we would discover they were just sharing their opinions on the recent Stanford game!"

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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Starting off...

Jordan (L) and Nichols (R) and "that guy"

... in L.A. is never easy. Oh, the weather is fantastic, but the traffic is a completely different story. And that's something former Hall President Peter Nichols '22 and Lorenzo Jordan '22 will soon discover. Spreading their wings in L.A. at EY, Nichols and Jordan are completing their training and are all smiles. But will their smiles continue, or will the smog, traffic, earthquakes, and the grind of life transform them into something else? Maybe like man behind them? Perish the thought... smiles forever! On starting off in L.A., Jordan shared, "Some of my first paycheck will be used to purchase some spirits, preferably brown, so that I don't end up like that guy. No Stedsmen wants to be 'that guy.'"

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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Happy...

Time for a break

... Fall Break. With the trees changing colors, it means we're half way through the Fall Semester. Indeed we are, and you know what? It's time for a break, and what better way to celebrate this milestone than with Fall Break! So, put down the books, shut down the laptops, and stop your academic and non-academic procrastinations and take a break! As Fr. Sorin said to the residents of St. Edward's in his day, and as Fr. Ralph Haag continues to say today, "Gentlemen, break well!"

BUT THERE'S STILL MORE...

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