'Roos of Keough Hall have lots o' fun
By COURTNEY KERRIGAN
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.
Many have passed it on the way to the bookstore. It's one of the four almost identical "new dorms" on campus that everyone simultaneously hates and envies because they don't get to live there. It's air-conditioned, the rooms are huge in comparison to typical Notre Dame dorm rooms and there are fewer problems with heaters and plumbing than the older dorms, such as Badin, experience.
The 'Roos (short for Kangaroos) of Marilyn Keough Hall are in their fourth year of existence, but they have already established traditions that are known around campus, such as the Chariot Race and The White Wedding. It is the home of Ivan Kartelo, a freshman member the basketball team, Father Mark Poorman, vice president of student affairs and Brian O'Donoghue and John Micek, candidates on separate tickets for student body president and vice president, respectively, and many other athletes and big guys on campus.
Keough is well-known, however, not only for its fun and games, but also for its dedication to hospitality and community service. Rector Father Tom Doyle said: "We have a real sense of tradition, and in our three-and-a-half short years we have developed a sense of community unique to Keough Hall."
Just two years ago, Keough won the interhall sports trophy. Mass at Keough is always full — people living off-campus attend, as well as many girls and other non-residents because of the music and the welcoming attitudes. Father Doyle encourages this and is very proud of it. He is also a Notre Dame man, having graduated in the '80s. He was student body president and a walk-on for the football team his freshman year. He has elevated the spirit of Keough Hall to one equaling that of the older, more established dorms.
Two of the most famous Keough events are the Chariot Race, which takes place in the fall, and the White Wedding, which took place Saturday night. The White Wedding is actually a mock wedding; Keough Hall residents vote on who will be married, and the whole ordeal is really just a parody of the entire wedding ceremony, a great excuse for an SYR and a party.
This year it was especially romantic because one of the resident advisors, senior Brian Bausano, proposed to his girlfriend (who accepted), and all toasts following the ceremony were made for the happy couple rather than the mock bride and groom.
The Chariot Race is another fun activity, a great reason to hang out outside, have a barbecue and have some good old fashioned chariot-racing fun. All sections of Keough construct chariots and any dorm on campus can enter the race. It's a great time with some great looking guys — check it out next fall, girls.
Marilyn Keough Hall is an all-around great dorm. Chris Clement, hall vice president, said he loves Keough because "it's got a great community, the sports teams are very good, the Masses are well-attended by girls and even guys off campus and we hope to make our Chariot Race and White Wedding huge events on campus."
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 16, 2000
