Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin will address graduating seniors and their families during Vanderbilt University’s Senior Class Day Thursday, May 7, at 10 a.m. on Alumni Lawn [map]. The event, which starts with a ceremonial walk through the gates of the university at 9:30 a.m., is held the day before the university’s commencement exercises.
The address by Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, also pays tribute to the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Lincoln in 1809 and is part of a series of events nationwide to celebrate the occasion this year. While at Vanderbilt, Goodwin will receive the Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, which includes a cash prize, and is one of the university’s highest honors. The medal is given to individuals who define the 21st century and exemplify the best qualities of the human spirit. It was created and endowed by Vanderbilt Law School graduate Ed Nichols and his wife, Janice, in honor of Edward Carmack and Lucile Hamby Nichols.
Credentials: Media interested in attending should contact Princine Lewis at 615-322-2706. Media attending should be prepared to show valid media identification/press passes.
Broadcast/Photography Media: A riser for broadcast media and print photographers will be located stage right about 80 to 100 feet from the podium. A pool feed of the multi-camera webcast production will be available through an audio/video mult box located at the riser. Cable runs are more than 300 feet to the riser location.
Parking Television Trucks: Parking for television trucks is in Lot 1A at Vanderbilt Place and West Side Row between Tri Delta sorority house and the Euclid building. At 24th Avenue South, turn left onto Vanderbilt Place and it will dead end into the Sarratt Student Center. Then turn left onto West Side Row. [parking map]
Print/Radio Media: Reserved seating for reporters will be available next to the broadcast riser location on Alumni Lawn. A mult box will be provided at the riser location.
Parking Print/Radio Media: Parking for print and radio media will be in the 25th Avenue Garage located at 25th Avenue South and Highland Avenue. Enter the garage from Highland Avenue. Note: This is a garage where commencement guests will park and there will be increased traffic in the area. Please plan accordingly.
In case of severe weather, the event will be held in Memorial Gym.
Media Contact: Princine Lewis, 615-322-NEWS
princine.lewis@vanderbilt.edu