Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal on May 7, when she will address graduating seniors and their families during Senior Day.
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. Senior Day, which precedes Vanderbilt’s annual Commencement ceremony for graduating seniors on May 8, is a highlight of three days of activities honoring graduates, their families and friends.
The Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, which includes a cash prize, is one of the university’s highest honors and 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.
“Doris Kearns Goodwin is a brilliant communicator who has illuminated U.S. history for millions of readers,” said Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “Her genius for bringing history alive merits this high honor, and we are thrilled that our graduating seniors will hear from such a wise adviser as they prepare to make this life transition.”
Goodwin has written books on Lincoln, Lyndon Johnson, the Kennedy family, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and a memoir about growing up in the 1950s in love with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1995, she won the Pulitzer Prize for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front During World War II.
Previous Senior Day speakers have been Condoleezza Rice, Shirin Ebadi, Laura Bush, Muhammad Yunus and Bob Geldof.
The Senior Day address by Goodwin will be held at 10 a.m. on Alumni Lawn, or Memorial Gymnasium if weather is inclement.
Media Contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu