Saturday's squirrel.

Anyone home?

Our furry friends are on hiatus again, and as they do, the stage is open for another campus friend to take front and center. Spotted at the Peace Plaza, here's a spider's web that has been drenched in dew, and as it is, we can truly appreciate how intricate and delicate it really is. In a way, it looks like a map of the galaxy just with some purple flowers around it. On his web being spotted, the spider, who was near by, non-verbaled, "Thanks to the dew, it's a absolute mess!"

Okay, so we couldn't resist taping! For the In the Red Room Mini podcast on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

A Float...

... to remember! The Float for OSU Weekend was one that will be remembered for years to come as not only the entire Hall was present for it but also due to the fact that there were not one but two floats. Yes, there were two floats, one at the appointed time and one at the behest of ESPN, who after seeing the first Float invited the Hall to return at a later time to be filmed for the opening of ESPN's GameDay show! let's just say the Gentlemen were more than happy to oblige. On floating and being on GameDay, Ryan Hyer shared, "Floating is the best game day tradition on campus. It's a moment that brings the dorm together and is one of many reasons why St. Eds is the best dorm at ND."

To see ESPN's GameDay featuring Steds, click HERE.

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

They're...

Hanlon and Holt: Not a law firm

... on a roll! That's right. The Steds tennis team, composed of sophomore Nathan Holt and freshman Garret Hanlon, is on a winning streak. What's behind their success? Prowess? Without a doubt. Aptitude? Clearly. Strength of will? Indubitably. But there's something else too? What is it? Forfeiture. Taking to the courts at the Loftus Center the day AFTER the OSU game, Hanlon and Holt were found to be all by themselves as their opponents were nowhere to be found. On winning by forfeit, Hanlon, New Jerseyan and Steds tennis pro, shared, "Winning by forfeit is still a win, but it definitely feels better to earn it. It’s also not a great feeling when you’re all hyped up to play and your opponents don’t show. Let the kids play!" 

Okay, so we couldn't resist taping! For the In the Red Room Mini podcast on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

All dressed up...

Thumbs up from Cline

... and he's got a place to go! The was case for Robert Cline, Steds senior and RA, this past week as he had a very important date at the Notre Dame Career Fair. Well, to be truthful, everyone on campus had an important date at the Notre Dame Career, and believe me, everyone was there, looking for internships and employment. Hopefully, with the Steds D.A.D.'s (Director of Academic Development) event with the Career Center the week before on how to stand out at the career fair, coupled with their natural, photogenic smiles, the Stedsmen found what they were looking for. On the getting ready for the career fair, Cline shared, "Here at Notre Dame, the career fair is more than just finding your future employer. It’s sweating in an overcrowded ballroom and printing too many copies of your resume.” 

In the Red Room is on hiatus but will return next week with more great stories from the oldest and most storied residence hall, St. Edward's.

A Gentleman...

Dr. Cerrone with D.A.D

... Ponders! Indeed, they do at St. Edward's. Everyone's favorite lecture series, A Gentleman Ponders, started up again as Quentin Fairchild, the Steds Director of Academic Development (D.A.D.), hosted Steds very own Dr. Albert Cerrone in the Gregorian Longe for a bit of pondering. Dr. Cerrone was more than happy to oblige, facilitating a discussion of something right up his alley, hurricanes. As an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Notre Dame, a discussion on the predicting and impact of Hurricane Ian was given by Cerrone. From the "cone of unpredictability' to how weather prediction applications can be used in life to make everyday decisions, a lively discussion was had. On the pondering, an unnamed Stedsman said, "It was great having one of our own here, but now, I am not sure if I ever want to live in Florida."

In the Red Room is on hiatus but will return next week with more great stories from the oldest and most storied residence hall, St. Edward's.

It was...

Never gets old

... a weekend. Indeed, it was. There has been a lot of energy, emotion, and now, disappointment from the weekend, so much so, that everyone is slowly easing into this new week. Let's do just that. Enjoy this view of the finished product, the newly reglided Mary and Dome. Yup, it's done. Enjoy!

In the Red Room is on hiatus but will return next week with more great stories from the oldest and most storied residence hall, St. Edward's.

Your Sunday picture...

A finger nail moon!

... from Notre Dame. Here is a view of the waxing crescent over South Dining Hall. The waxing crescent will continue to wax until the 29th of September when it become a full moon. And by the way, this month's full moon is known as the harvest moon. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Saturday Squirrel.

They're at it again

Our furry friends return with all their zaniness and antics. This squirrel was spotted on God Quad with what looked like a rock, but was it a rock? Whatever it was, this squirrel appeared to be protecting, even guarding, it from God only know what. But then, well, something bizarre happened. It's hard to accurately describe, and so, you'll just have to watch the video. On being spotted on God Quad, this squirrel non-verballed, "

To see what he's up to, click HERE.

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Word...

No fickleness with Frick

... in the hallway. Yes, what is the word about this weekend's game against Ohio State? Yes, what exactly is being said in these hallowed hallways? Lucky for us, a Stedsman, Gavin Frick, sophomore and resident Indianan, was in the hallway and was more happy to share what he had heard and thought about the game of the season.  On the game, Frick declared, “I don’t think anyone in the Hall has any doubt about who will win. Go Irish!”

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Setting the bar...

A win and smiles all around

... high. The Steds Junior Flag Football team is setting the bar high not just for themselves and their flag football season but also for football team and their showdown against Ohio State. But, first things first! Yes, the bar is set high as the Steds Junior Flag Football team secured their first win against Pangborn Indeed, Steds had not only youth but also skill and talent on their side as took down the Pangborn seniors. Still, it wasn't a stroll in the park as the Gentlemen found themselves trailing early on. But after Tucker Limon threw a great downfield catch to Sam Jenkins, momentum swung back to the good guys and cemented their comeback. In the end, it was a decisive win with a score 38 to 18. On the win, Jake Buckendorf, Steds Junior and resident Coloradan said, “Great team win. Coming back down two touchdowns in the second half shows how we can play. And we'll do until we’re the champs in the Stadium at the end of the year.” 

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

It's back!

Yes, the Float is back on with wading in the bluest of blue waters, the water of the library reflecting pool. On hiatus for the home opener, the Float is once again a staple of home football weekends. What better way to start one's Game Day than a dip in unnaturally blue water? Indubitably! For the cold water wakes the body AND soul... and we need everything awake to cheer on the team. On the Float's return to the library reflecting pool, PJ Carroll, Steds junior, Michigander, and Hall photographer (yes, he's the one taking these photos), shared, "Back and better than ever, the Gentlemen took to the reflecting pool with the fury of a thousand suns.”

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Mornings just...

Maas: It's the real deal!

... got a lot better. Why? Because the Gentlemen have the real deal, real froth powder! After having to put up with something else that was being pass off as froth powder, the Stedsmen finally have the real deal- premium froth powder. Yes, after much patient waiting, the Gentlemen can now latte to their hearts' content. Mornings have not just become more doable but the studying coefficient of the Gregorian Study Lounge and the entire Hall have increased by a, well, really big factor. On having real premium froth powder, Davin Maas, Steds sophomore and resident Californian, declared, “Premium froth powder: a marvel to the eye... an olfactory treat... and a delight to the tongue.”

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

It's official.

Mr. & Mrs. Robinson with Fr. Ralph...

They got married! Bailey Oppman ’17 and Dawson Robinson ’17 were married at Assumption Church in Chicago, Illinois, making an overcast day, bright and glorious. With Fr. Ralph officiating and surrounded by their families and friends, Bailey and Dawson exchanged theirs vows with great emotion and happiness. But it almost didn’t happen, as Dawson was so struck by the radiance of Bailey walking down the aisle that he had to be reminded by Fr. Ralph to leave the altar and meet his bride. It really was an entrance! On the marriage of his cousin and Bailey joining the Steds Family, Dougie Barnard ’16, ND Men’s Tennis player and former Steds AR, shared, “I’m very proud of my cousin Dawson. He married a good one in St. Mary’s very own Bailey Oppman. Not only is Bailey great, more importantly she’s a former college tennis player!  It doesn’t get any cooler than that. Welcome to the family!”

Congratulations and best wishes Mr. & Mrs. Robinson!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... and then it was to a reception...

... that went well into the night!

Your Sunday picture...

Fall is slowly falling

... from Notre Dame. Here is a view of St. Mary's Lake. With meteorological fall starting on the first of the month, we are speeding now to the astronomical start of autumn, the autumnal equinox. And you probably guessed, the trees and their leaves are beginning to turn. Enjoy the view, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Saturday's Squirrel.

A snooze at Steds

Once again, our furry friends are taking a break so that another campus neighbor can be the center of attention. Today, a campus chipmunk takes center stage. Spotted in a pine tree by the Steds porticos, this chipmunk was perched as if he was a bird, with his eyes shut. Was he snoozing? To the passerby, he was unnoticeable, perfectly still and blending right into the background, but to the passerby with a trained eye, he stuck out like a sore thumb. On being spotted, this chipmunk non-verbaled, "Great. You spotted me. What do you want, a medal?"

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Word...

Hallway Oracle: Avelar

... in the hallway. Yes, what is the word about this weekend's game against the Chippawas of Central Michigan ? Yes, what exactly is the vibe? Lucky for us, a Stedsman, Leandro Avelar, sophomore and resident El Salvadoran, was in the hallway and was more happy to share what he thought about this weekend’s game.  On the game, Avelar declared, "Winning isn't everything, it is the only thing! Go Irish!"

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Absolute...

Scootering to the red carpet: Larson

... ConFISHion! And at the heart of all the conFISHion is aspiring FTT (Film, Television, and Theater) major, Thomas Larson. This native of L.A. and Steds junior recently completed a “short” for a class at ND. Capturing not only the zeitgeist but also the je ne sais quoi of the day, Larson delivers a memorable and laughable short video that is reminiscent of an episode of Seinfeld. A guaranteed crowd pleaser, ConFISHion will not be in theaters any time soon, but fear not. You can watch it right NOW in the comfort of wherever you may be. See below. On all the confishion, Larson shared,  "Will you hear my ConFISHion, I mean, my confession?" ConFISHion is a quirky, absurdist comedy about an unimaginable admission of guilt and the hilarious events leading up to it! Co-written and directed by Film, Television, and Theatre majors Alexx Johnson and myself, Thomas Larson, Confishion was made for FTT's intro to Film Production class taught by Professor Ted Mandel and will be featured in the 35th Annual Notre Dame Student Film Festival this winter. It was a lot of fun to make and I hope you have just as much fun watching!”

To see ConFISHion, written and directed by Thomas Larson and Alexxx Simone Johnson, starring Olivia Seymour and Joshua Vo, click HERE.

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

He's on...

Dressed for the job: Rauch

... the market. That's right. Stedsman Louis Rauch is looking for an internship and eventually a job. And all of that looking, searching, and interviewing is starting right now as all sophomores and juniors prepare for the Notre Dame Career Fair. Lasting for three days, the ND Career Fair enables students of any and all majors as well as those who have recently graduated to meet employers, who are all looking to hire ND students. On attending the ND Career Fair, Rauch, Steds junior and Hall Vice President, said, "To get the job, you‘ve not only got to BE sharp but LOOK sharp too.”

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

There in...

Will there be enough...

... spirit. While the ND Football team was on the road in Raleigh Durham taking on the Wolf Pack of North Carolina State, the Gentlemen were at home. But without any doubt, they were with the team in spirit.... and more than just spirit but also in food. Watching the game from Plaza St. Edward (Steds patio), the Gentlemen took in not only the game but also Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. Opting to pass on Fr. Ralph's paella, the Stedsmen had the best setup for a game watch, and everything was great until technical difficulties with the internet and then the weather delay interrupted the watch. Still, these problems couldn't bring down these Irish fans. On the game watch, Jacob Klug, Steds sophomore and game watcher, shared, "Last Saturday’s game watch was a lot of fun getting to hang out with the guys, eat tons of food, and watch Notre Dame dominate in North Carolina after the rain delay. What more could you ask for?"

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... we all hope so...

... no one was shy...

... eating and watching like a champion!

It's official...

Kristen and Nate with Fr. Ralph...

...they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with fellow Stedsmen present, Kristen Zavertnik and Nate McKeon were married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. It was beautiful and sunny day, and it was only made more so by this couple. After a thoughtful and carefully planned Wedding Mass, it was time to celebrate the new married couple. And there was much celebrating! On Kristen becoming a part of the Steds Family, Peter McKeon, former Steds AR, Best Man, and now brother-in-law, shared, “This weekend, I had the privilege of bearing witness to my brother (and St. Ed’s legend), Nate McKeon, marrying the love of his life - Kristen McKeon (formerly Zavertnik). It is an absolute honor to welcome her into my immediate family. And even more than that, it’s a dream come true to welcome her into the Steds family. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to be a now permanent fixture in the St. Ed’s firmament.”

Still, Paddy Foss, another former Steds AR in attendance, added, “Like Barbie finding Ken, so too did Kristen find, uh, Nate… she fits our Steds family better than a terrycloth polo on a McKeon man. A beautiful weekend celebrating two beautiful souls.”

Congratulations and best wishers, Mr. & Mrs. McKeon!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... everyone's wishing them the best...

... and start it did...

... and couples' choices weren't bad...

... and there was even a wardrobe change...

... but earlier, Foss and Haag stormed the field...

... and Haag went shoeless...

... while Nate sized up a slice of cake!

Your Sunday...

To infinity and beyond

... picture from Notre Dame. Here is a picture of the infinity fountain of the Our Lady of the Lake Peace Plaza. Having the Prayer for Peace written in eight different languages, the fountain is not only the focal point of the plaza but also a mirror reflecting the passing sky. Still, the plaza is the prefect place to take in the sunset too. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Saturday Squirrel.

We see you

 Our furry friends are on hiatus, and so, we're able draw attention to other campus neighbors. And the focus is on one of neighbors who's a bit shy as well as standoffish, a campus swan. There are several swans in the lakes, and they are very territorial and will defend it to the death, really. That's why the population of swans on campus is low. While walking around St. Joseph's Lake, this swan was spotted while doing some preening. On being spotted, the swam non-verbaled, "What do you want? I am busy."

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Word...

Thumbs up Ulloa

... in the hallway. Yes, what is the word about this weekend's game against North Carolina State? Yes, what exactly is the vibe? Lucky for us, a Stedsman, Hernán Ulloa, freshman and resident Honduran, was in the hallway and was more happy to share what he had heard about this weekend’s season home opener.  On the game, Ulloa shared, “Who’s gonna win tomorrow’s game? NOTRE DAME!”

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Open...

Bon appetit: Avey and Alvenida

... it is! After much waiting, everyone's favorite hall eatery, Ed's, is finally open. Many would think, just get the food, open the door, and let the customers have at it. Perhaps you could do that at other hall eateries across campus, but that just wouldn't work at Ed's. You see, eating at Ed's is an experience, and the manager, Isaiah Alvendia, wants that experience to be not only tasty but also memorable... so memorable that it brings you back to make every night an Ed's night. Having garnered three Michelin stars, Alvendia is on the hunt for that elusive fourth star, and so, it comes at no surprise that he is demanding when it comes to the quality of inputs, of the skill and competency of culinary service representatives, of ambiance of the eatery. Just open the doors? He thinks not! But now, with everything in place, the door can be open and is open every Sunday through Thursday, starting at 9pm, serving up those late night items that fuel the study, camaraderie, and so much more of Steds. On the opening of Ed's and being the first culinary service representative at the helm, Brendan Avey, Steds junior and Virginian, said, "It’s an honor to be a part of the reopening of our Michelin star establishment and be able to serve food and drink to a new class of Stedsmen."

With great fanfare, Ed's was opened by the manager. To see the opening, click HERE.

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Miracles happen...

Hallelujah and separating colors again: Shaia

... everyday. Yes, miracles happen everyday, and one recently happened in the Ed's laundry room. Chronically broken, never draining, and always unusable, washer #2 has been a pain the side of many Stedsmen. But when all seemed lost, a miracle happened, and suddenly what was once broken, was fixed... what was cursed, was now a blessing... washer #2 was finally functioning properly!On the washer #2 now working, Harry Shaia, Steds sophomore and frequently laundry room user, declared, "A pillar of the community has been restored."

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

It's a whole...

Playing for keeps...

... a lot of fun. Yes, putt putt is a whole a lot fun, and that was certainly the case for those Gentlemen who ventured out to the course this past Labor Day. Playing in pairs, Gentlemen of every class level were represented, playing for individual as well as team glory. The competition was fierce with some people even bringing their own putters! And regardless if you sank a hole in one (and some sunk many a hole in one), everyone enjoyed themselves, taking a break from their cares and concerns... and their labors too. But in the end, fun had to give way to having a winner, and oddly enough, it all ended in a tie! The honor and glory of being called the Steds putt putt champion was claimed by both youth and wisdom with freshman Luke Donoghue and Steds in-residence priest Fr. Kevin Sandberg, CSC tying for first with scores of thirty-eight. And when it came to team winners, it was ANOTHER tie, again with freshmen Luke Donoghue and Wes Roeder and Frs. Ralph Haag CSC and Kevin Sandberg CSC with scores of eighty. On being a winner, Donoghue, New Yorker, freshmen and now putt putt pro, was magnanimous and shared "Putt-Putt Golf was a terrific bonding experience that brought the Steds community even closer together.  I’m honored to be able to share my score with a talented golfer like Fr. Kevin." 

But in the end, everyone was a winner as all went to Culver's for ice cream treats and more!

... Roeder doctoring his score card...

... while other watch Steven choke.

... Haag still has it...

... while Tai sizes up the hole.

BUT THERE'S MORE...

There's no doubt. The competition at this friendly event was unspoken but really real, and for two freshmen it came to a head at the third hole. Deciding to put aside the trash talking, Freshmen Kyle Mackey and Tai Thompson Cook focused their energies not on their put downs but on the putting prowess. First to go was Mackey, and well, let's just say watch the video. As for Tai, he got a hole in one!

To see the putt, click HERE.

... shaky hands Mackey?

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.