I entered SAS as a Sophomore, so I did not ‘get in’ on all ‘the rules and regulations sessions’ that the incoming Freshmen had to attend. So, almost everyday after school, I would walk down the canyon behind the sem, and buy myself a bottle of pop from a vending machine that was there next to the museum. (and yes, I had more than 40 cents in my pocket too!) No faculty member ever said anything to me, and I figured that they must be seeing me doing it. Well, one day one of my classmates happened to see me walking up from the canyon, and he said, “Bob, what in the world are you doing? Don’t you know that we are only allowed to leave the campus on free-days!?” “OK, OK,” I responded, “I didn’t know, thanks for telling me.” Well, the next day I still wanted a bottle of pop, so I paced back and forth for a while near the path that led down into the canyon, and then I finally started down the trail. I enjoyed my drink, but as I was heading back, and approaching the grotto area, there stood Fr. Severin, arms folded, and asking me, “Where have you been young man?” “To the museum,” I responded. He then said, “You do know that you are not allowed down there on a school day, don’t you?” “I do now.” was my quick, though not-so-honest, response. He then answered with these words of wisdom that I have remembered all my life… he said, “I have been observing you for several days, as I usually walk back here after classes, but I thought you were always just visiting the grotto. But today I noticed that you were pacing back and forth first; and also, you had a rather nervous body language, so I watched you. When you entered the canyon I went to see what was up.” Yes, I was busted!!! All the other times I had just gone down without worry, but once I knew it was a rule, I got nervous and fidgety, and apparently it sure showed! But, I will also say this, for ten days following that incident the grotto sure looked great, and was well swept!! Bob, ‘64
