Carroll is hotbed of politics, service and unity
Casey Grabenstein
Carroll Hall Resident
This time of year is particularly difficult for the residents of Carroll Hall. The early morning walk across the frozen tundra, otherwise known as South Quad, can be dreadful. While most dorms' entrances open up directly onto campus, the Vermins' walk to O'Shag or Debartolo can take up to 15 minutes. That student in your 8:30 a.m. class who always walks in five minutes late with frostbite on his face is probably from Carroll. And the long walk from Carroll to the South Dining Hall has led to a close relationship between Carroll residents and the Pizza Man.
However, the Vermin take their unique position in stride and with a sense of humor. During the Super Bowl, one group of second floor residents actually invited the delivery man from Wolfie's to their room to watch the second quarter of the game.
Carroll Hall also wants to give everyone on campus a chance to see what it is like to be a Vermin for a day. In the works are plans for a major dorm event called "The Carroll Hall Music Festival: A celebration of food and music." Food will be provided by Carroll's favorite order-out businesses, Wolfie's, Domino's and Papa John's will all be on the menu. The date of the event is set for April 8. Although a music act has not been secured, the event coordinators have contacted Otis Day and the Knights (yes, the same guys from "Animal House") and are confident that they will perform on the Carroll lawn. All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation.
Besides being the most isolated dorm on campus, Carroll is also the smallest dorm with 104 residents. This small population has led to an unparalleled sense of brotherhood. Most residents know each other by name and always extend a helping hand. Brian Coughlin, Carroll's rector of two years, lived in Grace Hall during his undergraduate years and remarks, "Carroll is on the opposite end of the spectrum in relation to the bigger dorms. The students here are very close and committed to each other."
This closeness and unity has led to a devotion and commitment to Notre Dame and the community. Carroll Hall donated more coats and jackets for Project Warmth than any other dorm on campus. Many Vermin also spend their weeknights visiting the mentally handicapped Logan Center residents. Sophomore Pat Brennan, who leads many of the projects, states, "The turnout has been great. The residents of the Logan Center have enjoyed talking with the guys as well as coming to Carroll to play pool and watch movies." The Vermin have also provided activities such as bingo nights and basketball nights for guests at the South Bend Center for the Homeless.
Carroll Hall has also been a hotbed of political activity lately. Sophomores Bob Leblanc and Dominique Angiollo were elected dorm co-presidents by one vote in a heated election. Junior Elliot Nelson's ticket for president of the class of 2001 fell short but managed to garner over 40 percent of the run-off vote. Carroll's own Jonathan Jorissen was elected president of the class of 2002 by gathering 67 percent of the vote in a landslide victory.
Living in Carroll is a unique experience. The unity and brotherhood of the dorm promotes the growth of leaders and service-minded individuals. However, because of its locality, not many Notre Dame students have ventured out to the home of the Vermin. Everyone at some point should experience a taste of Carroll life. Hopefully, everyone can make it out to the Carroll lawn on the 8th of April to experience the Food and Music of the Vermin.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Scene Stories for Monday, March 6, 2000
