Where are...

Lattimer in Lithuania

they now? Yes, once again, where have all the Gentlemen gone? For Chris Lattimer, Sted's 2nd year senior architecture student and world traveler, the summer has been spent in the Baltic as a part of either the biggest boondoggle known to a Notre Dame student or as an attempt (in Chris’ own words) to study how the simpler, vernacular architecture of the area promotes a sustainable, traditional lifestyle. For Chris, this is an interesting and unique way to interpret architecture as a reflection of the values, cultures, and traditions of a society, rather than seeing it simply as a "style" or "decoration" of a building. Okay, I guess it was the latter…

The photo that Chris sent is of him at the Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, Lithuania (pronounced Show-lay) It's a place that speaks to the Catholic traditions of the country. The thousands of crosses on this little hill in the middle of the countryside are placed by people to remember their lost loved ones. Despite the crosses being destroyed multiple times during Soviet times, people continued to place them there. 

Of his time in the Baltic, Lattimer said, ”My journey through the Baltic countries brought me many exciting adventures and left me with many great memories. I slept in the attic in the home of local Lithuanian family, chasing sheep into the barn on a remote farm in Estonia, and I celebrated the Fourth of July with a Russian!"

Oh, to be a student again, and I have a feeling that Chris has a bit more traveling to do before the start of the school in August. Just saying…

An unexpected visitor...

May you always have that the hair!

...stopped by St Ed's this past weekend. Who was it? It was none other than John DeMott with his parents Joe and Katie DeMott, both '10. John David DeMott, born seven weeks ago, is making his way to Stanford where his dad will start law school in the fall. Of his son's wardrobe selection, Joe said, "John wanted to be classy--hence the tie--but didn't want to appear unapproachable--hence the elephant pants." Good choice...good choice indeed.

Congratulations to Katie and Joe, and good luck!

Your Sunday...

The reason for your Sunday...

...photo from Notre Dame. Here's a great summer picture of Jesus on God Quad. It's been another picture perfect day during this most enjoyable summer. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Chapel Renovation.

Progressing...

How's the St. Ed's Chapel renovation progressing? Well, in short, it's going. The wood flooring has been completed, new chairs ordered, and the "illumination" of the altar, repainting the gold accents, continues. One interesting thing to point out is that the gold ascents along the altar wall, always there but hidden as they blended into the wall, have been painted for the very first time. Suffice it to say, these ascents are striking and now stand out. What's next? Painting. A paint scheme has yet to be selected, and what will it be? More on that later. Still, will the renovation be completed in time for the start of school? Let's flip a coin.

Where are...

Lanier with fellow campers

...they now? Yes, once again, where have all the Gentlemen gone? For Brennan Lanier, Sted's senior and aspiring doctor, the summer has been spent in Gainesville, Texas, at Camp Sweeney. Camp Sweeney is a summer camp for children who have diabetes. Of the camp and his time there, Lanier said, "Camp Sweeney has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I work all day with my campers, who have Type 1 Diabetes. I teach video production, challenge course, and rock climbing, but also, how to test blood sugars and give insulin shots. While at camp, I live in Brown Cabin along with 31 kids of ages 5-12, so there is a ton of energy at all times! I highly recommend Camp Sweeney as a summer job for any Stedsmen interested in medicine, teaching, or social work." I know how you feel Lanier. Sometimes I feel like I am living in Brown Cabin... but only with more kids!

Keep up the great work!

Where are...

Will with sunshine in England

...they now? Yes, where have all the Gentlemen gone? For Will Minor, Sted's sophomore, the past seven weeks have been spent in London with sixty other Notre Dame engineering students for the Summer London Program. The program allows Notre Dame students to take classes at the Notre Dame London Centre as well as participate in the "classroom of the world." Of his time in London, Minor said, "It was an amazing cultural experience, and I was able to see most of London, from the tower bridge to Buckingham Palace. Also, I saw a few other places outside of London on weekend trips which included but not limited to Paris, the Cliffs of Dover, Stonehenge, Bath, Edinburgh, and also Barcelona- on the weekend when they won on Champions League. Indeed, it was an unforgettable experience!" But what about the classes, Will? What were the classes like...I am thinking of matriculating.

Will in Scotland...

Will in Paris...

Will in the classroom....

Coming soon

Your Sunday...

The proverbial fork in the road

...picture from Notre Dame. Here's a beautiful, green view of the path around St. Joseph's Lake... and in case you are wondering, at the fork in the road, I took the low road. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!