Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos will give the traditional address to Vanderbilt graduating students during Commencement ceremonies Friday, May 10, preceded by a speech from Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, who will appear at Senior Day Thursday, May 9.
Senior Day will be held at 11 a.m. in Memorial Gym where Morrison also will receive the Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, one of the university’s highest honors, which includes a cash award.
Commencement ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. Friday on Alumni Lawn. Undergraduates will receive their degrees after the chancellor’s address, while graduate and professional students will adjourn for their own degree ceremonies at about 10:15 a.m. About 3,000 graduates are expected to attend Commencement. Degrees are scheduled to be awarded to 1,675 undergraduates and 2,082 graduate students. Undergraduates will stay on Alumni Lawn to receive their degrees. The ceremony on Alumni Lawn will be webcast live starting at 9 a.m.
Senior Day, Thursday, May 9 – Memorial Gym
Broadcast/Photography Media: A riser for broadcast media and print photographers will be located stage left about 70 to 75 feet from the stage. An audio mult box will be located at the riser.
Media Parking: A limited number of parking spaces for television media will be available in Lot 64 located on 25th Avenue South on the side of Memorial Gym closest to the Vanderbilt baseball stadium. A limited number of parking spaces in will also be reserved for print media in Kensington Garage, which is next to the gym on 25th Avenue South. Media parking is first come, first served and there will be increased traffic in the area. Please plan accordingly. Media attending should be prepared to show valid media identification/press passes to access parking.
Commencement, Friday, May 10 – Alumni Lawn
In case of severe weather, the event will be moved to Memorial Gym on 25th Avenue South. For more Commencement information, visit the Commencement website.
Broadcast Media: A mult box will be available stage right.
Media Parking: A limited number of parking spaces for television photographers will be available in Lot 1A at Vanderbilt Place and West Side Row (Directions – 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.) Print media can park in Kensington Garage on 25th Avenue South. The garage is next to Memorial Gym. Media attending should be prepared to show valid media identification/press passes to access parking.
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