The Observer ran an article last Friday ("State seizes student houses," Feb. 24) detailing how the Indiana Department of Transportation has claimed 922 South Bend Ave. under eminent domain and plans to raze the house as part of a larger project improving state Route 23. As the former residents of 922, we must share our collective disappointment that such a prominent Notre Dame institution will be lost on future classes (slight-to-moderate hyperbole). To many of you, 922 will seem to be just a house. But the truth is that 922 became much more than that. 922 became a state of mind.
Going into the 2009-10 academic year, we were seven dudes who ran around in the same circle of friends. We knew each other, but not incredibly well, and to be honest, the living situation came together with equal parts excitement and convenience (two of us studied abroad in the fall and another two left in the spring). Despite any trepidation heading into the year, as soon as we walked through those doors, none of us ever looked back.
The timeline for that year reads with one weird weekend following another: Dill House Formal, the Handcuff Party, Conor-Potts-a-Palooza, the Calkin' Crawl and the Case Day. And don't get us wrong, things were nice during the week too: 3FC, FPC, Rosalita Thursdays and the Civil War. We even found the heart to take in a few lost animals and provide them a home (rest in peace, Nathanial and Nicodemus … Buke, we still hate you). As we quickly found out, though, the house came to represent the best aspects of the collegiate experience: a place where people could gather, have a great time and begin friendships that will last the rest of our lives. We truly made the most of every moment.
While the walls of 922 will be torn down, it becomes almost unnecessary to say that we will carry its memory with us and continue to honor what it means to each of us. We can only hope Notre Dame students will forever create places that bring great memories, and even greater friendships, just as we did then.
In 922 we trust,
Joshua Bell
alumnus
Class of 2011
Conor Brennan
alumnus
Class of 2011
Matthew Delaney
alumnus
Class of 2011
Joseph Donovan
alumnus
Class of 2011
Michael Henry
alumnus
Class of 2011
Christopher Posluszny
alumnus
Class of 2011
James Woods
alumnus
Class of 2011
Feb. 27
