Enter the...

The man of the hour: Dan Cook...

... gentleman. Daniel Cook '96, of Keenan Hall but adopted by Steds through his three sons Stedsmen, Ben, James and John, came to speak with the soon to be graduates and the newest Alumni, the Steds Seniors, and share his reflections about what Notre Dame means to him today, how it continues to be a part of and shape his life, as well as his life and career experiences. A part of the Gentlemen for Gentlemen series, this Senior Soirée, open only to seniors, didn't disappoint as not only the Steds seniors were able to gather- always a win- but also hear a reflection that truly hit home for those who are about the leave this special place and begin their own careers. On speaking at the Senior Soirée, Cook, Adopted Stedsman and University Architect, shared, "It was truly a great honor to speak to the senior gentleman of Saint Edward’s Hall as they approach this special moment in their lives. Notre Dame has meant so much to me personally that it is a gift to share some of life’s lessons with the next generation of leaders going out into the world to make a difference.”

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... receives the coveted St. Edward's crest pin...

... smiles and handshakes all around...

... and more smiles with his son John and Fr. Ralph...

... and of course, there was food that brought more smiles.

A brush...

Fr. Nate: Sharing smiles and wisdom with Steds

... with the literati! Steds hosted Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, who among other things, is the chaplain for the Notre Dame football team. Recently, Fr. Nate wrote a book titled Pray Like a Champion: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football, and thanks to a generous benefaction, a copy of his book was made available to all residents of Steds. And if that wasn't enough, Fr. Nate came by the Hall for a book signing! 

On the receiving the book and having it signed, Sean Hyer (above in white), Steds junior and resident Floridan, shared, "It was awesome of Father Nate to take some of his time to come out and chat with the guys and sign everyone’s book. I’ve heard it is a great read and am looking forward to reading it soon," while his cousin, Brady Hyer (above in black), Steds sophomore and resident Floridan, added, “It is always a great time seeing Father Nate, and it was a very special opportunity for us to have him sign a copy of his book for all the Steds guys. It will definitely be my next read when I get the chance.”

To order Fr. Nate Wills', CSC, book, click HERE.

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

The Masters...

Gnoming it up

... part three. Again, just when you thought the Masters didn't have more to give, well, it does! One of the lesser known traditions of the Masters is the Masters gnome. Gnomes of various sizes are sold each year, and they have become a collectible for any fan of the Masters. But if you want one, then come to the Masters early as there is a very limited quantity of bespoke gnomes. During his visit to the Masters, Evan Greer, Steds freshman and resident Marylander, was able to put his hands on one of these highly sought after statuaries. On Masters gnomes, Fr. Ralph said, "Gnome? Nah. But a leprechaun... now that's a different story!"

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

The Masters...

Greer (in green) with his family...

... part two. Just when you thought the Masters were done and over, they're not... well, at least for Steds because we got more to tell! During Easter Break, Evan Greer, Steds freshman and resident Marylander, with his family, made a visit to Augusta! During the practice days, Greer was upfront and center as he saw the contenders honing their skills all in hopes of putting on the coveted Masters green jacket. Greer was able to walk the course, partake of course delicacies like egg and chicken salad sandwiches and Arnold Palmers, AND stop at the pro shop, where much conspicuous consumption occurred. As heard In the Red Room, Greer was even able to purchase a very highly sought after souvenir. What? You'll just have to listen! On going to the Masters, Greer shared, "Going to Augusta was truly a once in a lifetime experience… and so was getting our hands on a gnome!  As for the course, not a blade of grass was out of place. Former pro golfer Mac O’Grady said it best, ‘This is where God hangs out.’"

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... watching the golfers practice...

... on what has to be one of the most beautiful golf courses.

The Masters...

Where there is food...

... watch! This past Sunday, at the direction of the new Hall President, Michael Heffernan, a Masters golf watch was held at Plaza St. Edward (Steds patio). With weather cooperating, the Stedsmen not only watch a greatDay Three of the Masters but also sampled the grilling of a master griller of burgers and brats, Gabe Yallaly. Regardless of who one was cheering for, it was a hole in one. On the watch, Ronan Sheppard, Steds freshman and resident North Carolinian, shared, "Between the great weather, food, and incredible community, it felt like a slice of Augusta at Steds!”

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... there is a crowd...

... thanks Master Griller!

Happy Easter...

Nothing says "Easter" like a crocus 

... Resurrexit sicut dixit... He has risen as he said! Alleluia! Here's a picture of a campus resplendent in glory fitting for Easter. While the Octave of Easter draws to close, we now enter into the season of Easter. Here are some Easter croci spotted in Cedar grove Cemetery. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Everyone's favorite podcast, In the Red Room, is on Easter hiatus but will return next week.

Saturday Squirrel.

Buffleheads (Busephala albeola)

Like the podcast, our squirrels are on hiatus, and as they are, we are able to turn the spotlight on some other campus neighbors, Bufflehead ducks. Bufflehead ducks are small, compact diving ducks native to North America, easily recognized by their large, rounded heads and striking black-and-white plumage in males. Spotted on St. Mary's Lake, this female and male Bufflehead, normally very skittish, allowed a photograph to be taken of them as they took an early morning dip. On being spotted, these ducks non-verbaled, "The water is perfect!"

Everyone's favorite podcast, In the Red Room, is on Easter hiatus but will return next week.