Your Sunday picture...

The Clarke War Memorial and the setting sun

While we often think of this day as the official start of summer, Memorial Day is a day for remembering those men and women who died in the defense of our country and its ideals. So, while we go about our holiday weekend, let us pause, remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and give thanks for them.

To read Fr. Ted Hesburgh's words at Notre Dame's Clarke War Memorial, click HERE. 

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Notre Dame Day...

The Brothers Rybinski remove the Dome...

... behind the scenes. ND Day is well behind us, but oddly enough, it continues to give us stories to report. One of these continuing stories is the Lego Dome. Built by a priest from Eastern Pennsylvania, Fr. Bob Simon, the Lego replica of the Main Building started on ND Day 2022 but was only finished on ND Day 2023. But building a replica of the Main Building is only half the story because what you build, you also have to deconstruct at some point. Enter Steds. When ND Day was over, a group of six Stedsmen helped in the delicate work of deconstructing the replica. Taking two hours to deconstruct, the Stedsmen took several large portions of the replica over to the Development Offices at Eddy Street Commons, where it would be stored until being reassembled somewhere on campus. On the project, an unnamed loquitur shared, "When he's not building up the Kingdom of Heaven, this priest is building what some would say is the next best thing!"

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... stored at the Eddy Street Office...

... only to be reassembled at McKenna Hall.

It's done.

A proud senior...

Earlier in the semester we heard from senior Patrick Campbell who built a bridge strong enough to support three persons, but now, he's crafted something else. It's no surprise what this Stedsman with a bent for the outdoors decided to craft for his design class, a fishing reel. With an intelligent design and made with near old world craftsmanship, Campbell's fishing reel was not only stylish but also functional, actually working. And how do we know it works? Because Campbell used it on St. Joseph's River, catching the fish below. On the success of his design and final product, Campbell stated, "This fishing reel is the culmination of a lot of thought, attention to detail, and perseverance... and it works too!"

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... and a proud fisherman!

The day after...

Move out and clean up day...

... Graduation is always a slow one for the graduates, but for everyone else, it's a busy time. Why? Clean up! Yes, that's right, clean up. After the graduates gather in the evening at the Dome on Gradation Day, there is one big mess left behind on God Quad. Empty champagne bottles, confetti, and other sundry items are left strewn about campus, and when that happens, the University too turns to First Response- the disaster restoration specialists. Indeed, they do a thorough cleaning and restoration, one that doesn't overlook the steps of the Main Building that were doused with a healthy amount of champagne. On the restoration of God Quad, Fr. Ralph, "It's great... and even the stench of cheap champagne is gone!"  

Watch this video, click HERE.

... after a fun, fun night!

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Graduation Day

It was a great day for graduation!

... from Notre Dame. Today marked the 178th Commencement ceremonies at Notre Dame. It was a perfect day to have graduation outside and that’s exactly what happened in the Notre Dame Stadium this morning. Low humidity, a cool breeze and just the right amount of sunshine made for everyone’s dream graduation day. After commence ceremonies were concluded, it was time for photos. And everywhere you looked, it was perfect for a graduation photo or two. 

       Congratulations to our Stedsmen of the Class of 2023!

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It's official...

Frs. Ehrman and Haag with Mr. & Mrs. Rish

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing, Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, of PE preaching, and with fellow Stedsmen and PE residents present, Emily Reeve ’14 of PE and Daniel Rish ’14 of Steds were married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame this past Saturday. It was a beautiful day, only made more beautiful by this beaming and radiant couple. From the smiles the couple to radiant color of the bridesmaids dresses to the vows professed, it truly was a day that the Lord had made for Emily and Dan and their family and friends.

Best wishes and congratulations Emily and Dan!

On Emily joining the Steds family, Brian Closs ’14, Stedsmen and groomsman, shared,  “I wish I could have been there. Emily is certainly a welcome addition to the Steds family. I really believe she’s going to make a positive contribution to the community, keep us entertained, and do a lot of good for the kids!”

Still, fellow Stedsmen, Miles Korth added, ““There is no greater pleasure than one of your friends finding someone to share their life with and more so when the person is as wonderful as Emily. Welcome to the Steds Family!”

Still yet, Fr. Ralph pipped in, "This wedding made Move Out Day all the more memorable!"

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Steds is...

DeNooyer: The man behind the camera...

... everywhere! Oh, we're a small hall, but don't think for a moment that we don't have presence nor reach... because we do. And that was evident on Notre Dame Day. It was evident on the leaderboard, yes, but it was also seen in the overall broadcast. How? Little did viewers know, but a Stedsman, Ryan DeNooyer, was doing operating the TV camera. Native New Jerseyan and volunteer fire fighter, DeNooyer operated the TV camera that brought everyone the ND Day broadcast, and he did it all with a steady hand! On being the man behind the camera, DeNooyer shared, "Although I wasn’t able to directly represent Steds for ND Day, I was still able to get involved with some behind the scenes camera work. I had a great time and definitely hope to stay involved with ND Day for years to come!”

BUT THERE'S MORE...

... and Haag missed his big breakout.

Running into our Steds cameraman, a surprised Fr. Ralph Haag, CSC, lamented not knowing sooner that DeNooyer was the TV cameraman for the ND Day broadcast. On learning of DeNooyer's participation, Haag exclaimed, "If I had know the cameraman was a Stedsman, then I would have certainly got myself on the broadcast as DeNooyer would have taken advantage of my two good sides!" 

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Graduation...

No lie: Eerily quiet

… is on the horizon, but before it happens, there is Move Out. Occurring at the same time as Finals Week, it all culminated on Saturday at Noon as all undergraduates not cleared to stay for graduation had to vacate their room. With the majority of residents now gone, a quiet has descended upon the hallways. Devoid of the usual noises of laughter, conversation, and high jinks, an eery silence now reigns. Rest assured all of this and more will return next fall, but in the meantime, it's summertime!  On move out day, Fr. Ralph said, "You all done good, but don't rush back now, ya hear?! Enjoy your summer... because I will!"

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Your Sunday picture...

Summer is here!

...from Notre Dame. Here's my favorite spring view of campus... a view of God Quad. Everything is so green and colorful that you can't help but think that you have a little slice of heaven! Enjoy your Sunday whenever you are!

Still, it's Mother's Day. How could we not remember our moms on this special day? Steds moms, make sure to collect your free hugs and kisses from your Gentlemen today!

Still yet, with Finals Week and Move Out now over, it means that summer has begun, and so, the Gentlemen's Monthly enters into summer mode, bringing you all the happenings at Steds but at the same time enjoying summer time!

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Saturday Squirrel.

What are you doing?

Even as we go about campus doing this or that, we are not alone. Yes, we may be in our own world, looking at our phone, listening to that song, or sipping on some beverage from Starbuck, but we are far from being alone. Indeed, we are surrounded watching eyes, the watching eyes of our furry friends. Oh, they may be scurrying about, but as they do, they are watching us. Why? Well, let's ask. On being spotted watching passer-bys, this squirrel non-verbaled, "No. I am not!"

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A big smile...

Sasso: Smiles and ready for summer

... can mean only one thing on the last day of Finals Week. He's a free man! And that's certainly the case for this freshman and resident New Jerseyan, Andrew Sasso, who finished ALL of his finals on the final day for all exams. Finishing in late afternoon, a quiet, but exuberant, Sasso returned to Steds with a big smile, sending a clear signal to all that the strife was over, and now, it was time for summer. Indeed, Sasso left the Hall as a freshman, but after that last final, he returned as a sophomore... the grades are just a formality. On completing his Finals Week, Sasso said, "It feels great to be a free man. This is the culmination of all the hard work and effort we all put in during the year, so it definitely feels like an accomplishment and a relief, and I’m exited to head back to the Jersey Shore for the summer. It is a bittersweet moment though. The end of finals means the end of my freshman year, so I have to say goodbye to many of my brothers here at Steds. But this goodbye is only temporary, I can’t wait to be back for an even bigger and better year at Steds in the fall."

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It's Finals Week...

Ed and Ryan: Two Americans ambassadors...

... but some Stedsmen are already enjoying their summer vacation. Yes, some Stedsmen got a head start on their vacation in January by doing studying abroad. One such gentleman is Ryan Johnson. A native Georgian, Johnson, like his older brother, Eddie, went to London this spring for study abroad. And what fun he has had, why just look HERE. But Ryan isn't the only one getting in on the study abroad vacation junket... so is Ryan's dad, Ed! Along with his son, Ed took in what London had to offer- but at same time blending all the learning with fun. And like study abroaders, Ed enjoyed much fun along with some learning. On enrolling in his own special study abroad program, Ed stated, "Great to be representing the Gentlemen in the country where (St.) Edward made it all happen."

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... taking in the sights of London...

... and still more sights...

... and the pubs...

... as well as the spirits...

... but still paying homage to their king, St. Edward*!

*This is the grave of St. Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey.

A little D&D.

He's back!

We're are half way through Finals Week, and nothing would be better than a little D&D. Dungeons and dragons? Perish the thought! No. D&D, doughnuts and dogs! At the direction of the Hall President, Dane Storch, Krispy Kreme doughnuts were served up in the morning as final takers exited the Hall, and in the evening, Stedsmen were treated to a visit by a well known dog, everyone's favorite King Charles Cavalier, Mr. Carson. It's true. This cute pooch cannot get enough of St. Ed's, and we're glad he's here. He's a nice and healthy distraction from studying! And that's exactly what Nathan Holt and Matthew Thorn did this evening- take a break from their studies with Mr. Carson. On helping others take a break, Mr. Carson non-verbaled, "I do what I can. I just I could do more!"

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and Holt and Thorn are the first to welcome him!

Derby Day

The Steds soccer teams...

The Steds Derby, a match that has Steds two soccer teams, Steds A and Big Cats (Steds B), face off against each other is the highpoint of the collegiate soccer season. This year's Derby was filled with much anticipation and, sadly, delays. First, the pitch was free, and then, it was conflict with a Big Cats' tourney schedule. But in the end, it was all for the best as the weather for the Derby couldn't have been better. The Derby got off to a fast start with Steds A scoring the first goal. But it didn't knock the wind out of the Big Cats sails as they respond in kind. Surprisingly, the match became much like a teeter totter, with the lead going back and forth with beautiful goals scored by Curtis Donovan, Rafa D'Souza, and others. It was an entertaining match to say the least. Finally, with stoppage time being played, the match ended in a draw, four to four. Next, it was time for penalty kicks with each side getting five different players to face off against the goalie. In the end, Big Cats came out on top with a final score of seven to six. On the historic win, Curtis Donovan, freshman and Big Cats MVP, shared, "The litter introduced within the pride this year is not one to be messed with. Losing the seniors is heartbreaking, but their legacy with the big cats will certainly never be forgotten. Some of my favorite days of the year have been on the field with the cats and I am extremely happy we got to run toe to toe with the talented players on the “ A team” (big cat rejects). Being part of The Big Cats team was a great experience this year, especially as a freshmen getting to know some of the older guys better. I can’t wait to continue to make history next year."

On scoring the winning penalty kick, freshmen and Texan, Jake Laufenberg, said, "I’m glad that I was able to finish the season in the most big cats way possible- getting the job done when the pressure is at its highest. We definitely wouldn’t have been in that position without an offensive masterclass from Curtis “Messi” Donovan."  

Still, let's not forget the bravest Stedsman out on there the pitch, the referee, Quentin Fairchild. A referee for RecSports and graciously lending his refereeing skills for the Derby, Fairchild shared, "I thought I called it pretty fair today. I was totally impartial to who won, as long as my pockets were heavier by the end of the game."

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... the two captains, Will Dieterich (L) and Michael Lynch (R)...

... Big Cats (Steds B)... 

... Steds A team.

... and one fair ref, Quentin!

The other...

Two dollars on the old nag: Stedsmen at the Derby

... Derby Day that Stedsmen love is, of course, the Kentucky Derby. While many St. Ed's Gentlemen take their Study Days at a beach on Lake Michigan or in Toledo, America's Playground, many Steds seniors take a jaunt downstate and head to Churchill Downs. Yes, to find motivation for their Finals Week, Steds seniors take in all the pageantry and the Southern hospitality that is the Kentucky Derby which, not doubt, eases them into their final Finals Week. On attending the Kentucky Derby, St. Ed said, "The Kentucky Derby is no match for the Steds Derby!" 

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Your Sunday picture...

Happy Spring!

... from Notre Dame. Spring continues to spring. Here is the a picture of the flowering Dogwood outside the Hall in the Park. It's bright pink and white are delicate and eye catching as well as a clear sign that despite all the rain and slight chill in the air that spring is here. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

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Saturday squirrel.

Spotted!

With our furry friends out and about, we some times forget that there are others out and about too. Who might that be? Well, for one of them, this critter. Yes, there are plenty of raccoons out and about campus. Some times you'll see in them forests, even the lake itself, or up in a tree. This raccoon was spotted in the wooded area in between the two lakes. Hiding by a tree, he was watching intently everyone going up and down St. Mary's Road. On being spotted, this raccoon non-verbaled, "You didn't see me. I was never here."

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Saying goodbye...

Happy Seniors... having fun

... can be fun, and only Steds can do that. Of course, our seniors don't want to think how the end coming quickly, but nevertheless, they need to be feted and honored. And they were at Plaza St. Edward, the Steds patio, on Friday afternoon. Immediately following the hall photo on the south side of the hall, the Gentlemen moved to the north side where, at the Steds basketball court, a food truck was waiting for them. No fighting long lines at the NDH tonight! And don't worry. With games of basketball and corn hole, a musical musings of someone playing in the background, our seniors were treated to a special Finals Week meal. 

But there's more! Hall President Dane Storch gave our seniors one of their "senior gifts" from the Hall, the Steds graduation cords. The Steds cords, golden yellow and green, will be worn at Graduation, distinguishing our Gentlemen who have graduated from Steds, "Gentlemen U." On the Senior Send Off, Luke Bell, Steds senior and New Jerseyan, shared, “It was so great to share this special day together and see how far we’ve come as friends and a class. Even though we all started in different places, just some unfamiliar faces on the bulletin board, we’ve all come together and formed an unbreakable bond. I’m so lucky to have spent the past four years with these Gentlemen and know that this St. Ed’s family will last forever.” 

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