Founder's Week...

Clubbing it country club style

...continues with round two at South Dinning's Oak Room. Earlier this week, the Gentlemen gathered for dinner and the feting of Brandon Ruggles, but on Friday, they gathered for the Founder's Week Dance. Themed "country club," many came as golf and tennis players... some even came as diners, lunching or supping at the country club restaurant. Dance goers enjoyed great music that was composed by not only the request of the Gentlemen themselves but also the the musical stylings of Dan Riley, Steds senior and RA, known for the evening as DJ Danimal. Of course, DJ Danimal had help from another dj... Poz, Steds sophomore and quasi dj in his own right. In short, it was a magical evening. On the night at the "country club," Dan Delfico, Steds sophomore, said "Yesterday, we, Gentlemen of Steds, took a quick trip to the "South Dining Hall Country Club" for a fine night of dancing after a hard week of work. Everyone looked ready for a day on the links or at the tennis courts, and topics of conversation were all of your classics: stock portfolios, mortgage payments, etc. It really was another magical night in the Oak Room."

A day in a park...

Enjoying gentlemanly diversions

...has never been so fun, well, unless it's St. Edward's Park! It's true, but it must be reiterated. St. Edward's does not belong to North Quad or God Quad rather we belong to St. Edward's Park, the green space just east of the Dome. Over time, our fountain may have disappeared, and we may have had to cede land for the building of Cavanaugh and Zahm Halls, but the fact remains friends, as does the actual deed, that the green space south of Hall is St. Edward's Park. Amid games of bocce and badminton and creme puffs and eclairs, coffee, and cigars, the Gentlemen of St. Edward’s renewed their claim to this small tract of land as they celebrated "A Day in the Park." On the fun in the park, Gabriel Soloranzo, Steds sophomore, said, "The cigars were great, but the company was even better. I hope this event repeats itself... because everyone needs a little fun in the park!"

Some aerial shots from a Steds drone...

...of the Gentlemen enjoying the Steds hospitality tent...

...playing bocce...

...playing badminton...

...but Chase and Alex decided to do neither!

Founder's Week Dinner...

Founder's Week Dinner 2017

...feted none other than Brandon Ruggles '17, the newest inductee into the Order of Gentleman. At the Founder's Week Dinner held in the Oak Room of South Dining Hall, Ruggles gave not only words of wisdom but also some of jabs at his former Rector, Fr. Ralph. Later, Ruggles was recognized for his service to the Hall- for being who he is, embodying the essence of a gentleman- and was inducted into the Hall's Order of Gentlemen for "action faithful and honor clear to Hall and King." While he will be remembered along with other recipients by a plaque in the Hall's main lobby, Ruggles was given at the end of the dinner a small plaque and a specially minted coin commemorating this high honor. On Ruggles receiving the Order of Gentlemen, President Joe Trzaska said, "How could he not receive it?"

On his induction, Ruggles said, "To be welcomed into the Order of Gentlemen is the honor of a lifetime, though I’m perhaps most thankful for the fact that the ceremony ended prior to the start of the WNBA finals game!”

Ruggles takes to the podium...

...and later is congratulated by President Trzaska.

Breakfast of Princes.

For once, enjoying breakfast at ND

In a change from years past, the Breakfast of Princes become a real breakfast. Gone were the Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Gone were the small bottles of Sunny Delight. Gone was the breakfast of years past as Hall President Trzaska and Vice Presidents Kimlinger and Lupo decided that the residents needed a breakfast that was truly fit for not a gentleman but also a prince. Starting at 8:30am in the Lounge (1st floor lounge), residents were treated to pancakes made by Hall Government. Of course, syrup (20% real maple), bacon, orange juice and coffee, and other assorted breakfast items were served as well. Suffice it to say, the Gentlemen did not miss out on the most important meal of the day.

On the breakfast shake up, Vice President Kimlinger said, "When people awoke this morning, an aroma was wafting up through the halls and into lofts, awakening their inhabitants with excitement, for the smell was so succulent and savory that they were sure a prince was in town.  Instead, when they stumbled downstairs, they were greeted with the beaming faces of their humble public servants, cooking them a breakfast even better than a Denny's Grand Slam.  It was then that they all simultaneously thought to themselves: we're all princes on Founder's Week, and in unison broke into the most beautiful and happy of songs, marching throughout campus together to spread their pure and utter joy."

Still, Vice President Lupo added, "The Breakfast of Princes was a resounding success. With their stomachs full, the princes of St. Edward's Hall can turn their attention to princely things, like ruling their kingdoms and protecting their people from dragons."

Why is it called the Breakfast of Princes? It is to honor of the “Princes of Notre Dame,” what Fr. Sorin called the residents of St. Edward’s Hall. What a fitting name indeed!

Here are some behind the scenes look at the breakfast...

Meadowcroft and Trzaska starting things off...

...thumbs up from the President...

...and his constituents roll in for breakfast.

Rededication Day.

Haag, Kimlinger and Trzaska and another plaque to the wall

Founder's Week commenced with "Rededication Day.” Once again, Stedsmen gathered to rededicate the Rededication of the Rededication of… the Dedication of the Gregorian. Originally called the Sorin Society Room, it was forgotten and lost for a number of years. Rediscovered in the early 2000’s when a fake wall was removed, the mural was restored at great cost. Painted by Luigi Gregori- the artist who painted the University's Basilica and Main Building- the room was dedicated to his memory in 2006.

This year’s Rededication saw a dramatic reading from Theodor Geisel, Dr. Seuss, and his Green Eggs and Ham, by Hall Senator, Chris Scott, a phone call from California with Frank Spesia, past Resident Assistant, dialing in and sharing a moving story about his memory of the room as well as a reading of past resident from 1893. With Vice Presidents Kimlinger and Lupo present, President Trzaska cut the ceremonial ribbon, opening the room up again. And thanks to Dan Riley and there was a musical fanfare via a portable Jambox as the ceremonial ribbon was cut.

On the Rededication, Spesia said, “I love the Greg, and I love Steds. It was an honor being able to contribute to Founder’s Week in such a personal and valuable way. I'd like to give a shout out to Fr. Ralph for his mentorship and steady hand at the helm of S.S. Steds, and to my Mom for reading this blog every day even though I have already graduated!”

Thanks indeed... and may the Founder continue to smile on all of you!

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Founder's Week- A Week of Gentlemenly Fun

Stedsmen, let the good times roll! Happy Founder's Week- our week long celebration for the Founder of the University and first Rector of St. Edward's Hall, Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C. As you can tell, the week is jammed packed with history, tradition, and FUN. More to report as the week unfolds, but in the meantime, to Stedsmen everywhere... May the Founder smile on you always!

Your Sunday picture...

A view from St. Edward's is always beautiful

...from Notre Dame. The autumn sun sets on a tired campus. It was a week filled with much learning... even a few exams and papers... and of course, football. I think that we all need to a weekend from the weekend! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!