To recognize and thank employees for their ongoing hard work, Vanderbilt hosted the annual Employee Celebration women’s basketball game and pregame Fan Fest on Feb. 11. An enthusiastic and energetic crowd came out to enjoy the festivities and Vanderbilt vs. University of Tennessee game.
Vanderbilt University Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Barbara Carroll gave a warm welcome at the pregame Fan Fest and spoke about the importance of all employees to Vanderbilt. Carroll thanked employees for their contributions and for bringing their families to the celebration.
Children had a ball bouncing on the inflatables and playing their own game of hoops, and giveaways provided by Ascend, Krispy Kreme, Moe’s, ORKIN, Purity and Smoothie King were a slam dunk. The biggest hit was cotton candy, which had a constant line until tip-off.
Wearing black and gold and Vanderbilt temporary tattoos and waving pom-poms, employees and their families showed their team spirit and had a blast cheering for the Commodores as they faced their in-state rival. While the No. 25-ranked Lady Volunteers ultimately won, the Commodores went on a second-half scoring streak, trimming a 19-point deficit down to six at one point in the game. Everyone who attended the pregame Fan Fest received a coupon for a free popcorn and soda to enjoy at the game.
Vanderbilt Athletics hosted the fun family tradition with support from Human Resources.
Women’s basketball game and pregame Fan Fest: By the numbers
| Game tickets | 643 | Krispy Kreme donuts | 1,000 |
| Smoothie King smoothies | 500 | Moe’s chips and queso | 600 |
| Temporary tattoos | 500 | Bags of cotton candy | 480 |
| Purity chocolate milk cartons | 200 | Volunteers | 25 |