On the second day of classes...

Classes? What classes?

... they took a break. While it may only be the second of classes, going to class can be grueling. The heat, the masses on the sidewalks, and the listening of others drone on, well, it's draining. THEN, figure on a tie up in the dinning hall that would rival a backup on the Jersey Parkway on Friday in summer, you're just beat at the end of day. And was certainly the case with some of our gentlemen, who felt spent and drained, after attending classes, but instead of napping or lounging and loafing about, they went to the Park, St. Edward's Park. On enjoying some time in the Park, Liam Verrier, Steds junior and resident North Carolinian, shared, “It’s always a treat to get some spikeball in with the boys, and on this sunny second day of class in St. Ed’s Park, we worked on shaking off that summer rust and getting back into in-season shape.”

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Gentlemen, start your...

Arrubla: Ready to learn!

... learning! Classes for the new academic year started TODAY. While the weather for move-in was perfect, it was the same case for the first day of classes, making the day conducive to learning. Without any doubt, spirits are running high and the zeal for learning palatable among the Stedsmen, especially for the forty-six newest members of the Steds Family. One of the new members, Nicolas Arrubla, freshman and resident Floridian, was spotted leaving the Hall for class just as the sun was beginning to rise. On starting classes today, Arrubla shared, "Never forget to give thanks and glory to God for every day and every new opportunity; I thank God for sending me to this incredible University and being a gentlemen of the best hall on campus, Steds. 'The joy of the Lord must be your strength' -Nehemiah 8:10."

On a different note, make sure to view and subscribe to the Hall's instagram account- st.eds. You're going to love what you see... I guarantee it!

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Your Sunday picture...

Rainbow: A sign from God that He's got it

... from Notre Dame. On the day before classes start, what better sign from God that every little thing is going to be okay than a rainbow?! Early in the morning, a brief shower passed through campus, but before it did, this enormous rainbow appeared. Odd as they usually appear AFTER a storm... but hey, we'll take it. Enjoy, and enjoy Sunday wherever you may be!

Behold the rainbow! Then bless its Maker,

for majestic indeed is its splendor;

It spans the heavens with its glory,

the hand of God has stretched it out in power.

From the Book of Sirach

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Move in...

The Welcome Week Crew 2026...

... day was perfect! First, the weather couldn't have been more agreeable…  even better than last year. In the high seventies and no humidity,  it had to be one of the better weather days for move in for the last twenty years. No lie! Next, the Hall's Welcome Week Committee, under the direction of juniors Pat Fischer and Henry Mackie, assisted further by sophomores Evan Greer, Evan von Rotz, and Darryl Brocken, was organized and sprung into action like a well oiled machine, making unloading times much shorter than your wait for an oil change. Matter of fact, move in was complete BEFORE Noon. Suffice it to say, it was efficient, but it was draining so that when there was a lull in the action, a much needed break was had. Still, there was time for some high jinx too. With no one being injured nor any items being lost, Move In Day 2026 was declared a success. On being the first to arrive on Move In Day, Ben Schechter, Steds freshman and resident Massachusettan, said, "The early bird gets the worm!"

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... with Ben arriving first...

... and the crew was ready...

... but a break was need after a while...

... there was constant preparedness...

... but still time to squeeze in a podcast mini...

... as well as a smile...

... and it was all fun until...

... someone got hurt, well, almost...

... and in the end, even the President was impressed with our boys. 

It's official...

Kelly and Thomas Larson with Fr. Ralph...

... they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with family, friends, and fellow Stedsmen present, Madison Kelly and Thomas Larson ’24, Stedsman and critically acclaimed cinematographer, were married at Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego in April. It was beautiful and sunny, San Diegoan day, and it was only made more so by this couple. The bride made an entrance like none other, and the groom wore the biggest smile. After their beautiful and moving Wedding Mass, the celebrating of the couple was on!  And celebrate we did!

But there's more...

Our newly married couple honeymooned in Europe and had the chance to attend the Sposi Novelli (newlyweds), where they had the chance to meet Pope Leo XIV! On marrying and meeting the Pope, Thomas shared, "Standing at the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica with all of those young Catholic couples who chose to take that extra step and get married in the Church was truly inspiring. Marriage can feel like a very daunting, and sometimes scary, endeavor. But being at the Sposi Novelli reminded me that we aren’t stepping into it alone. Seeing so many young couples committed to their faith, to each other, and to the sacrament of marriage showed me that the Church is truly alive and well, and in great hands for the next generation. Also, getting to shake hands with the Pope was as amazing as it sounds!”

Best wishes and congratulations to Kelly and Thomas!

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... and then with the big boss, Leo XIV, at the Vatican...

... showing respect to the unbroken succession of St. Peter...

... and so did Kelly...

... and all newlyweds!

They got...

Mr.& Mrs. Johnson with Fr. Ralph...

... married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing, family and friends present, and the Steds family in attendance, Maggie Moshier '18 and Edward "Eddie" Johnson IV '18 of Steds were married at the Chapel of St. Lucy at Villa Walsh in Morristown, New Jersey. It was a true summer day, warm and humid, with showers always threatening, but nothing could put a damper on this special day nor the radiance of this bride and the beaming pride of the groom. Indeed, there were smiles all around but none bigger than that of the groom. On Maggie joining the Steds Family, fellow Stedsman, Best Man, and brother of the groom, Ryan Johnson' 24, shared, "This weekend was a fantastic demonstration of the love and joy of the Notre Dame and St. Ed's families. Many former Steds-men make the trip to New Jersey to celebrate one of their own and welcome Maggie into the family. Congratulations Maggie and Eddie!"

Best wishes and congratulations to 

Maggie and Eddie Johnson!

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... and then the feting of the new couple began...

... and then it was time for toasts...

... and lil bro and best man hit it out the park...

... and proud Dad, Ed, was all smiles...

... and then there was dancing...

... while others took a break!

Saturday squirrel.

Aix sponsa 

With our furry friends still on hiatus, another campus neighbor can take center stage. In the lakes at Notre Dame, many fowl can be found, and by far, the most numerous are the ducks. Spotted in St. Mary's Lake, this wood duck was seen enjoying its catch. On enjoying breakfast, this wood duck non-verbaled, "It's a little fishy for my tastes."

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

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