What are they...

Fay: Taking in the waters of Champlain...

… 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, especially Eoghan Fay '23 and NDLS '26, are taking a break from the post-grad labors. Fay just graduated from the Notre Dame Law School and what do you do after being "hooded" as a laywer? Take a break before studying for the New York Bar exam of course! And what better way to that than going to land that America would have forgotten if James Fenimore Cooper hadn't written about it- Upstate New York. Visiting Fort William Henry and Lake Champlain, Fay took a break from his labors of reading law and from the Steds Assistant Rector mantle. On his time in the wilds of New York, Fay shared, "The Queen of American Lakes is always resplendent in summer. Fans of 'The Last of the Mohicans,' however, shouldn't expect to see Daniel Day-Lewis. That movie was, disappointingly, filmed in North Carolina!"

... and the reconstructed Ft. William Henry. 

What are they...

Doctor-to-be Les with his dad...

… 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, especially Owen Les '24, are taking a break from the post-grad labors. Owen just finished his first year of medical school at Cooper Medical School in Camden, New Jersey, and what do you do after completing your first year? Have a father son celebration of course! Owen and his dad went to Dublin, and when in Dublin, they made a stop at Guinness factory, where at its Gravity Bar atop the factory, they took in more than just the views. On seeing Les and his dad at the Gravity Bar, Fr. Ralph said, "Please have one, maybe two, for me!"

P.S. Thanks to mom for sharing this story!

... repping...

... drinking...

... and of course, praying!

Your Sunday picture...

Just plain beautiful

... from Notre Dame. Here is a view of Mary and the Dome at twilight. Against a beautiful blue sky, our golden Mary and Dome truly shine out in the darkness or whatever the backdrop might be. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

When it rains...

Jesus Lake

... it pours! Recently, with the abnormally high temperatures and unbearable heat indexes, there have been some severe storms at Notre Dame. Several times the tornado sirens have been heard, but thankfully, no tornadoes have crossed campus. Still, there has been significant tree damage and some localized flooding. And while many the damage is being quickly tended to, there are some unique scenes about campus... especially the appearance of a third lake. After a very heavy rain a third lake, Jesus' Lake, appears at the Grotto, and then, we have them all at ND... Mary, Jesus, and Joseph! On the appearance of Jesus Lake, Fr. Ralph said, "I feel blessed!"

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Good byes...

See ya later!

... can be so difficult. That's certainly the case when saying goodbye to Southern California. Completing his assistance at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach, it was time for Fr. Ralph to return to ND but not before renewing friendships, visiting Stedsmen and Steds families, and of course, getting his base tan for the summer. On leaving, Fr. Ralph said, "Parting is truly such sweet sorrow!"

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

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!"

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

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!"   

Memorial Day.

Enjoy and give thanks

Often thought of as the official start of summer, Memorial Day is much more than just that as it is the day for remembering those men and women who died while serving in our country's Armed Forces. So, while we go about our holiday, let us pause, remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and giving our thanks.

To read Fr. Ted Hesburgh's words at Notre Dame's Clarke War Memorial, click HERE. 

Enjoy this view of the Red, White, and Blue from the Inn of Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island, Michigan. And yes, that's the Mackinaw Bridge in the background.

During the summer, In the Red Room will be on hiatus until the start of the new school year. Still, there may be In the Red Room on the Road editions!

Saturday Squirrel.

Hey there neighbor!

With our campus squirrels on hiatus, another furry friend can have a moment in the limelight. While walking around St. Joseph's Lake, a hole in a tree was noticed, and upon a closer examination, something else was noticed... its occupant, a raccoon! Seen for a moment, this raccoon was shy, and being more nocturnal, he didn't stay at the window too long. On being spotted, this raccoon non-verbaled, "Come back later, please."

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Best of...

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

Lake Michigan Calling.

Yes, but can you bring the water a little closer?

Partly because of having no where else to lay my head, I decided to head up to the Lake Michigan. Yes, a little R & R is exactly what was needed, and you know what? It’s busy work. So, during the summer, I will blog a little less, but don’t worry, the blog will continue!

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Graduation...

Hill and Shaia: Sharing an experience

... was an experience more for some than others. It was a warm, sunny day, something that everyone, especially the families of graduates, hope for, but for those wearing black and in direct sunlight- our graduates, well, a cloudy day might not be so bad. Again, graduation was an experience. Still, the constant welcomes, speeches, reflections, doctorate conferrals, and other verbosity made the entire exercise, well, you guessed it, an experience. But what better way to share an experience than with a friend? And that's what Harry Shaia '26, Steds senior, RA, and resident Virginian did as he joined NOT his own college, Mendoza College of Business, but rather the college of his good friend, Kyle Hill '26, Steds senior, RA and resident New Jerseyan. Sitting with the College of Science, Shaia took in graduation. On his seating for graduation, Shaia shared, “I wanted to end my time at Notre Dame the way I started it- with some of my best friends, and with the college of science rather than Mendoza.”

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Graduation...

Don't forget the sunscreen

... Day at Notre Dame. Today marked the 181th Commencement ceremonies at Notre Dame. It was a perfect day to have graduation outside and that’s exactly what happened in the Notre Dame Stadium this morning. A warm day, with an occasional cool breeze, and just the right amount of sunshine made for everyone’s dream graduation day. After commence ceremonies were concluded, it was time for photos. And everywhere you looked, it was perfect for a graduation photo or two. 

Congratulations to our Stedsmen of the Class of 2026!

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

They're...

Jenn and Jake Miller with Fr. Ralph...

... married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and the Steds family present, Jennifer "Jenn" DiMarco and Jacob "Jake" Miller ’18 of Steds were married at St. Matthew's Church in Toronto, Canada. It was a beautiful and a very cool day, 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. On Jenn joining the Steds family, Eddy Brady '18, fellow Stedsman and best man, as was Chris Rho '18 too, shared, "Jake is now 2 for 2 on perfect matches, landing in St. Edward’s and marrying his wonderful wife, Jenn! It was a great weekend celebrating them. Congratulations to the happy couple!”

Best wishes and congratulations to Jenn and Jake!

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... and the Stedsmen with their fiancées...

... and Fr. Ralph with the Steds moms...

... and Brady and Rho gave a great speech!

Move out...

Where's Oscar the Grouch?

... continues. While the students may have moved out, the trash they left behind is now moving out. On the third floor, trash got a bit out of control and spilled out into the hallway. With the help of Hall Staff and a small army of housekeepers the trash made an exit from the Hall. On the overflow of trash, Fr. Ralph Haag, CSC, said, "I have never seen anything like this before. Still, many hands make light work... thank you housekeepers!"

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Time for...

Steds: Shifting into neutral

... a break. Even though graduation is later this week, everything is slowing down. Yes, the summer is starting and starting early.  During the summer, everyone's favorite blog, The Gentleman's Monthly, will be every other day, and everyone's favorite podcast, In the Red Room, is on hiatus. But don't be sad, for every now and then, there just might be an episode when on the road! 

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

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.