What are they...

Heffernan and Zavala atop the Reichstag 

… doing? Yes, what are our Stedsmen doing now that they no longer have classes to attend, papers to procrastinate writing, nor any thing else for that matter, especially if they have graduated?! Indeed, what are they doing this summer?! Well, some are busy at study and play, and that's certainly the case for President Michael Heffernan, Steds junior, and Alexi Zavala, Steds sophomore. Seeing an opportunity to study and play at the same time through participating in a study abroad, Heffernan and Zavala applied, and were accepted, to the summer program in Berlin. Hitting the books of course, Heffernan and Zavala have managed to see the sights of Berlin though not too many of them... and for a good reason. On studying- and playing in Berlin- Heffernan said, "I am in Berlin right now... but I have some serious jet lag!"

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Best of...

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

Communing with Nature.

No, it's just the path around St. Joseph's Lake.

Even if you don't like the outdoors, every now and then, you must walk around the lakes at Notre Dame. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a Holy Cross priest said, "A walk around the lakes at Notre Dame can be a 45-minute silent retreat." Indeed, it can be, unnamed priest... it very well can be!

They got married!

A thorn between two roses: Fr. Ralph with Anisa and Noah...

They got married! Anisa Tarrent and Noah Viner ’20 were married at Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont. While it was cold and rainy the day before the wedding, it was only sun and warmer temps for the big day. Only making the beautiful day even more beautiful was the bride and smile of this groom. And they were ready to get married so much so that the groom tried to take the rings before Fr. Ralph could bless them! Still, surrounded by their families and friends, Anisa and Noah exchanged theirs vows with great emotion and happiness. On Anisa joining the Steds family, Ben Merrick '20, Stedsman and best man, shared, “Noah and Anisa’s wedding was spectacular. Seeing one of your closest friends, one who I met my freshman year at ND in St. Ed's, get married is such a blessing. Per usual, Fralph crushed the ceremony. Congrats Noah and Anisa!”

Congratulations to the new couple, Noah and Anisa Viner!

... and it was a weekend...

... with Noah's fellow Stedsmen...

... and thanks to Erica (fiancé Kevin) who took a picture of all...

... before it was time to celebrate the couple...

... and hit the dance floor...

... and other shenanigans...

... and wedding cake...

... and send wishes of best wishes and congratulations...

... and the sunset!

Memories from Graduation.

Happy day: Haag and Holt

With St. Ed's now empty for a good old fashioned airing out, we can share memories from graduation... and there are many. For our recent graduates, memories, without fail, swirl about and around "last this" or "last that." But there are other memories for sure, and that's certainly the case for Nathan Holt, Steds senior and former Navy ROTC. Holt is former Navy ROTC because, just before graduation, he was commissioned as a Navy Ensign. 

Yes, Holt was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy and will head to Pensacola,Florida, attending the Naval Aviation Schools Command as a Student Naval Aviator. Holt will go through ground school, later, becoming qualified in Cessna flying all before attending primary training in a T-6. In Pensacola, Holt will NOT be alone as there are NINE fellow Domers with him. On being commissioned, Holt declared, "it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be a Navy pilot. I’m looking forward to it all and can’t wait to get down there and start training!"

Western Steds.

Lovin' it

If he could have, then he would have! Without doubt, Fr. Sorin would have wanted to be in Southern California if he hadn't fallen for the beauty of the rolling hills of Northwest Indiana. Unlike Fr. Sorin, Fr. Ralph has moved operations west and is at his annual parish assistance assignment at Newport Beach. And you guessed it. The sun is NOT out as May grey has truly led to June gloom. Oh, the surf is up and a cool breeze is coming off the ocean, but getting a base tan for the summer is hard work. Still, it been a pleasure seeing ND Alumni and Stedsmen in the area. On Western Steds, Fr. Ralph said, "Sadly, my visit is never long enough!" 

Best of...

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

Where are...

Westminster Abbey: started by St. (King) Edward

...they now? Good question. Where are the Gentlemen of St. Edward's Hall? Indeed, you never know where they are until they drop you a note. While "summering" in London, Parker Mathes, Steds rising sophomore, decided to check in with H.Q. Of his time in London, Mathes said, "My time in London has been incredible! With two full weeks already in the books, I have made great friends in the program, seen stunning historical sites, and experienced the ‘amazing’ British culture. I would say that despite our fear of pigeons, rowdy USA apparel, and fiery and patriotic attitudes on Memorial Day, or ‘Bank Holiday’ as the locals call it, the locals LOVE us! I hope this trip doesn’t fly by!” On Mathes' quote, St. Ed responded, "Oh, to be a student..."

Memories from Graduation.

The golden and ever growing Mathes Family

With St. Ed's now empty for a good old fashioned airing out, we can share memories from graduation... and there are many. For our recent graduates, memories, without fail, swirl about and around "last this" or "last that." But for others, like parents, well, memories from this most special occasion are anchored elsewhere. And for one Steds mom, Amy Mathes '81, this graduation was most memorable. With this graduation, ALL THREE of Amy's sons were now Notre Dame graduates! 

On being the mother of three amazing sons, all graduates of the University of Notre Dame AND all residents of St. Edward’s Hall, Amy shared, "As the Fight Song says, 'What though the odds," and in my case HIGHLY FAVORED. I am forever grateful to be a Notre Dame graduate of the Class of ’81 and now have a TRIFECTA of true Gentlemen from the Classes of '12, '18, and '26. To receive a Notre Dame education, with all its wonder and awe, is truly priceless in today’s world... and to reside at St. Edward’s Hall, under the watchful eye of Fr. Ralph, well, let’s just say that is a true victory!"