WelKOM to West Quad's Welsh Family Hall
By JACQUELINE OSTROWSKI
Scene Writer
Editor's note: Scene will continue to feature the dorms and residence halls of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's throughout the spring semester. Anyone interested in writing a feature of a dorm should e-mail Scene at Scene@nd.edu.
A prime location paired with developing traditions in athletics and service make Welsh Family Hall an ideal home for its 257 residents. Though Welsh Family is one of Notre Dame's newest residence halls, the women of Welsh have already established what they hope will become annual traditions.
Residents seem to agree that one of their dorm's strengths is athletics. "Varsity sports are encouraged here," said senior Kerrie Johnson. Even those "Whirlwinds" who do not participate in sports notice the supportive atmosphere toward athletic activity. Welsh Family is home to many varsity sports members, including three basketball players. However, the athletic edge to Welsh goes beyond varsity sports and extends to dorm competition.
The women captured the women's flag football championship this year, and earlier this month, Welsh Family, along with Keough, triumphed in the Late Night Olympics. The dorm's basketball team also hopes to continue a strong season.
"We're very strong, athletically," said Sister Adrienne Piennette, who serves as rector of Welsh Family. "It's a tradition that may continue."
Piennette's hesitancy to confirm that athletic strength is a definite "Whirlwind" trait reflects the fact that Welsh Family is still creating its own campus identity. In fact, Piennette commented that many people have confused Welsh Family with Walsh Hall because of the similar dorm names. Having existed for only three years, the residence hall has tough competition from other well-known dorms that boast years of opportunities to make their names known.
Still, Welsh has taken promising steps toward increasing dorm awareness. The women have already created a signature event that has received considerable campus support. The Welsh Family Feud, hosted and created by Welsh residents, is a game show similar to the popular television program. This year, the Family Feud will be held March 25 at Reckers. The night before the event, Welsh will host a hall dance.
The women of Welsh also hope to begin a tradition of service. Last year, Welsh Family sent two buses to Chicago filled with walkers for the Walkathon for Juvenile Diabetes and raised $3,000. In the future, they anticipate the event will grow and include both walkers and sponsors from all parts of campus.
Other perks to Welsh life include the amenities of a new dorm. "Physically, it's a nice dorm," said senior resident advisor Kristin Gerber, noting Welsh's spacious lounges and brand-new facilities.
Those who live in other, less-superior dorms will notice the luxury of life on the West Quad. In comparison to some of Notre Dame's older dorms, Welsh really shines. Its numerous lounges add to its list of assets. "It's very conducive to community living [to have] section lounges on every floor," said Johnson.
Another of Welsh's finer qualities is that it lies within close distance of many important campus buildings. "One of the best things about Welsh is its location," said sophomore Rachel Willcox. "We're close to DeBartolo, the bookstore and the dining hall."
Welsh residents also know they have the support of Robert and Kathleen Welsh, the couple for whom the hall is named. Alumni of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's, respectively, the Welshes come to every home football game and make an effort to stop by the dorm and talk with residents. They also contribute in other ways, such as purchasing T-shirts for residents and sending gifts of recognition for the championship flag football team.
Even though their hall is young when compared with dorms such as Sorin or Morrissey, Welsh Family residents have plenty to brag about. If anything, their "youthful" age serves as an advantage as the women pursue new traditions and activities. As they make themselves comfortable in their dorm lounge, the newly christened "Family" room, the "Whirlwinds" are surely contemplating the many virtues of living in Welsh Family Hall.
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 16, 2000
