We remember...

Requiescat in pace! 

... the Founder, especially today, the anniversary of his death, October 31st. Buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, the Congregation of Holy Cross community cemetery, located on the north side of St. Mary's Lake, Fr. Sorin's grave is front and center of all others. Even though Fr. Sorin did not want this, it is only fitting, for without him, none of this would be! Fr. Sorin, you never dreamed too small! Requiescat in pace! 

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A day in the

President Heffernan enjoying a break...

... park is not so much fun, well, unless it's St. Edward's Park! It's true. St. Edward's does not belong to North Quad or God Quad rather we belong to St. Edward's Park, that green area just east of the Dome. Over time, our fountain may have disappeared, and we had to cede land for the building of Cavanaugh and Zahm Halls, but the fact remains, that the green space south of the Hall is St. Edward's Park. Amid games of badminton and corn hole, even a pick up game of badminton, cider, hot chocolate, cookies, and maybe a cigar, the Gentlemen of St. Ed's renewed their claim to this small tract of land as they celebrated "A Day in the Park." On the day, Gabe Yallaly, Steds sophomore and resident Illinoisan, stated, "It was a day that would make our Founder proud, and every gentleman needs an occasional day in the Park!"

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... as did many others...

... and others...

... while others played some bocce.

Rededication Day.

President Heffernan takes the podium...

Founder's Week kicked into high gear with "Rededication Day.” Once again, Stedsmen gathered to rededicate the Rededication of the Rededication of… of the Dedication of the Gregorian. Originally called the Sorin Society Room, the room and its mural were forgotten and lost for a number of years. Rediscovered when a fake wall was removed and restored in the early 2000’s, the room and its mural once again regained their 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 freshman Matt Mazzoli and “a reflection” on the Gregorian lounge via a phone call by former Hall President, Tommy Kelly. Still, there was the reading from a letter written in 1882 by Meriwether Snodgrass, former resident, who was present at the mural's unveiling. Oh, yes. There was a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the hanging of the Founder Week's Luigi Gregori portrait. 

On the Rededication of the Rededication of… x19 of the Dedication of the Gregorian, Fr. Ralph Haag, CSC, shared, "It's what Luigi would have wanted! Really."

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... and people listen...

... Mazzoli orates...

... President Heffernan and Vice President Niccol place the plaque...

... while Vice President Jones places the portrait.

A new FIRST...

Partridge and Mazzoli: Mullet Smash Champions 

... for Founder's Week. With one hundred and forty-four years of history and tradition, one might think that Steds cannot possibly have any more history and tradition. Tosh! And just when they said it couldn't be done, we done went and did it! At the direction of our Mullets Against Malaria Commissioner, Griffin Reidy, the Mullet Smash was initiated, pitting pairs of Stedsmen against each other in a pickleball tourney. Held in the Steds parking lot and with the assistance of Evan Greer, a pickleball aficionado, who taped the lines, Steds teams faced off, playing for glory, and of course, bragging rights. In the end, only one team could win and win they did. A team of upstart freshmen, Andrew Partridge and Matt Mazzoli, started fast, dominated play and never looked back... ultimately winning the championship game. On the win, Partridge, Steds freshman and resident Marylander, said, "It was a great team effort and wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else but Matt, " while fellow freshman and resident South Carolinian, Mazzoli, shared, "I got carried away!"

Everyone's favorite podcast, In the Red Room, will be back next week.

Founder's Week...

Easley: a beacon of prestige and history

... would not be the same without the Founder's Week shirt! This year's shirt comes in either black or white with a one of a kind design from the 80's on the back. It's true! The design is really from the 80's. Yes, even our t-shirts at Steds are historical! With a phoenix rising from its own ashes and the message of "out of ashes we shall rise," it's a design capturing the spirit of the Hall after the Great Fire. On receiving his couture and historical shirt, Jackson Easley, Steds freshman and resident Kentuckian, shared, "As I donned the Founders Week, I felt one word: excellence. Walking around campus, I could feel 144 years of excellence radiating from me. I was no longer simply a student. I was a Stedsman, a beacon of prestige, and the living embodiment of 144 years of institutional greatness!”

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It's here!

Stedsmen and friends of St. Edward, 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! 

Everyone's favorite podcast, In the Red Room, will be back next week!

Your Sunday picture...

Farewell!

... from Notre Dame. Well, not exactly. Here is a view from South Florida, where the sun shined, the palm trees swayed, and the sand and surf were gentle. Sadly, it is the close of a relaxing and rejuvenating break, but don't be sad! Something very special is just ahead! Enjoy and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

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Again...

 ... Best of the Gentlemen's Monthly. What can we say, but Fall Break is getting the better of all of us! Well, TEN years ago this was the posting. Enjoy this blast from the very distant past.   

Your Sunday picture...

It was fun...

...from Notre Dame. Here's a view of the setting sun on St. Mary's Lake, Carroll Hall, AND Fall Break. It was a great break, but now, it's back to the grind of early mornings, classes, long lines at the dining hall, papers, and late nights. Sadly, all good things come to an end. Still, enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

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Best of..

... the Gentlemen's Monthly. Well, TEN years ago this was the posting. Enjoy this blast from the very distant past.   

Today...

It's pretty quiet.

...is the last weekday of Fall Break, and in honor of that, let's enjoy the silence...

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Summer reflections...

The Fourth in Traverse: Everyone was smiling and friendly...

... during Fall Break. Yes, as our Gentlemen take a much needed break from their studies, it is the perfect time to ruminate on summer. One rumination is how Ryan Casey, Mark Onders, Patrick Carroll, Brendan Avey, and former President Dane Storch, all of the Class of 2025, gathered in Carroll's home town Traverse City, Michigan. Though the cherry capitol of Michigan, these Gentlemen weren't in Traverse City for cherries. No. As the guests of the doctors Maria and Mike Carroll, they, and their girlfriends were treated to golf, pickleball, and all things American over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Suffice it to say, America, and the Gentlemen too, were well feted. On hosting the Gentlemen, Maria, Steds Mom and Notre Dame alumna, shared, "It was Fourth of July in Traverse City…. and Gentlemen were at their patriotic best."

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... but Casey and Carroll were playing for keeps...

... Avery needed a breather...

... but President Storch didn't...

... then Casey and Carroll tried their luck at golf.

Your Sunday picture...

The wait is over

... from Notre Dame. Here is a view of the mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, on the exterior chapel wall of Johnson Family Hall. Empty for years, the newly installed mosaic brings a long wait to an end as well as adds a splash of color to East Quad. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room on :

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You...

All's quiet in the hallways

... need a break! Yes, our Gentlemen need a break! We're half way through the Fall Semester, and what better way to recoup for the second half of the learning than with Fall Break. So, put down the books, stop the writing, and take a break from your academic labors. What am I doing? Well, keep on reading the blog, and you might find out. On Fall Break starting, Fr. Ralph stated, "Empty hallways mean one thing... Fall Break!"

With the start of Fall Break, the blog will be every other day...

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A special...

In and On In the Red Room: Zywiec and Fagan

... guest was recently in town and in the Red Room. The one, the only, Conal Fagan '21, of Derry, Ireland, blew into town with his wife Maggie from Dublin for the Stanford game as well as for some campus meetings. While he had a pressing schedule, Fagan did manage a meeting with Fr. Ralph AND a taping of the podcast. Having the "gift," Fagan waxed eloquent about joys and struggles of being the ND leprechaun as well as the lessening of his thick Derry accent. On taping an episode of the "pod," Fagan shared, "Being asked back to do the podcast is the greatest honor that a Stedsman could ever have besides graduation.”

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room on :

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Roll...

Steds Goodest Boys

... Steds! The Steds flag football team is on a roll, literally and figuratively. Last night, the "Goodest Boys" soundly shut down Siegfried in what had to be one of the most devastating routs for the "Hall of Champions." They may have won the most championships, but they certainly won't win one this year with play like this last night. Some might say it was luck, but let's honest, this was all skill and strategy for Steds. On the big win, Henry Mackie, Steds junior, former Vice-President, romance novelist, and resident New Yorker, shared, "No luck needed when you play like Gentleman.”

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Happy...

For King and Hall!

... St. Edward's Day! YES, today is the Feast Day of St. Edward the Confessor, King of England and patron saint of the Founder... Fr. Edward Sorin, CSC. Since its inception, the University has celebrated  this day as "Founder's Day." Back in the day, students had the day off from classes, "iced cream" was served, games were played, and St. Edward's residents sent "congratulatory" cards to Fr. Sorin where one lucky resident was selected to recite a poem, especially penned for this auspicious day, to Fr. Sorin himself! On this special day, Kelly shared, "It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition and I am grateful to Fr. Ralph and my fellow Stedsmen for making St. Edward’s Hall such a special place to call home. Long may it continue and For Hall and King!"

AND...

Despite occurring last during Founder’s Week, but in keeping with tradition, the Order of Gentlemen recipient is announced this day. Today, Thomas “Tommy” Kelly ’25 is the 2027 inductee into the Order of Gentlemen, an award given for service to Hall and King.

Congratulations Tommy! 

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It was a game...

Stedsmen Retun: Greg Ciambrone '86, Rodriguez '14 and Marco Rodriguez '46

... to remember. Notre Dame's convincing win over Stanford made for a most enjoyable weekend. If you were on campus, it was even more enjoyable as the weather was perfect. And just when you thought the weekend couldn't get any better, it did, and that was certainly the case for Stedsman Paul "PM" Rodriguez '14. Returning to campus, Rodriguez's  brought his son, Marco, for is his FIRST football game, but no football game visit to campus would be complete without a visit to the oldest and most storied residence hall, Steds! Indeed, one can never start the indoctrination too early, but this time, returning to Steds and sharing the moment with his son, made Rodriguez's weekend most memorable and special. On the visit, Rodriguez shared, "Great first game for Marco, and I’m glad he got to tour the best hall on campus beforehand!"

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Your Sunday picture...

Good night from Notre Dame

... from Notre Dame. Here is a favorite view of the Sorin statue with Mary and the Dome in the background. Recently, the trees of God Quad were trimmed so that the view of everything  wouldn't be impeded. Enjoy this twilight view, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room on :

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Saturday Squirrel.

 

Tettigoniidae viridissima

On the way to North Dinning Hall, sheltering in the tiger lillies by Keenan Hall, a katydid, Tettigoniidae viridissima, was spotted. Known previously as “long-horned grasshoppers,” katydids are nocturnal and mimic the colors and shapes of leaves for camouflage. Katydids are called katydids because sound they sounds like "katy-did." On being spotted, this katydid non-verbaled, "Katydid." 

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Pondering...

 

Pondering in progress...

... for all! A Gentleman Ponders lecture series had something for everyone as there were TWO ponderings happening at the same time. That's right! TWO ponderings were being pondered at Steds with "Am I Conspiracy Theorist" with Fr. Aaron Michka, CSC, assistant professor of anthropology at ND and Holy Cross priest, in the Gregorian Lounge while downstairs, in the Flounge, there was from "Mullets to Medical School" with Dr. Braeden Benedict '19. Suffice it to say, regardless if you were a conspiracy theorist or want-to-be doctor, there was much pondering happening... which in the end may have led to more questions than answers as well as being hungry. And yes, Rocco's pizza served following the discussions. 

On attending "Am I Conspiracy Theorist," Gabe Yallaly, Steds sophomore and resident Illinoisan, shared, "Discussing #[REDACTED]# and #[REDACTED]# with a professional conspiracy theorist *allegedly* pushed me off the balcony of disbelief."

On attending "Mullets to Medical School," Isaac LeFevre, Steds senior and resident Ohioan, said, "Meeting doctors, especially doctors who are Stedsmen (the best doctors), will help me to set myself apart from many other med school candidates. His insight and expertise will help me to become the best doctor I can be."

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... Fr. Aaron with host Caden Hickey...

... and Dr. Benedict with host Joe Robuck.

Looking good...

Jones: Right out of a page of GQ

... feeling good... and looking the part. That's exactly what Steds Vice-President Zach Jones was feeling and looking as he departed Steds for an interview at the  Career Center. Looking the part, and having done his due diligence of mock interviews and research on his potential employer, Jones was ready. Visibly beaming confidence and a stylish swagger, it was if Jones was a big sticker that read "HIRE ME." On looking the part, Jones, Steds junior and resident Texan, stated, “Life in Steds may be great, but we’ve all gotta enter the workplace sometime!”

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It's official...

Beth and Jackson with Fr. Ralph...

... they got married! Surrounded by family and friends, with Fr. Ralph witnessing, Beth Massaglia ’22  of Howard Hall and Jackson Amigh '22 of Steds were married at St. John the Evangelist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Again, it was a most beautiful and fantastic day for a wedding, and the day was only made more beautiful and fantastic by this beautiful couple. From their smiles to the vows they MEMORIZED and professed- and everything in between- it truly was a day that the Lord had made for them and their families and friends. On Beth joining the Steds family, Fr. Ralph said, "It's a match made it Heaven!"

Congratulations and best wishes Beth and Jackson!

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... then family and friends...

... and then reception time...

...  and old friendships were renewed with, former Stedsman, Skip Holtz!