For alumni like Natalia Alvarez, BA’14, the unique living–learning environment of The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt was unforgettable. It was her first campus home, and she fondly remembers bonding with her housemates through the yearlong Commons Cup Challenge, which awards points to each Commons house based on academics, athletics, community involvement, service and sustainability.
During the weeks leading up to Reunion and Homecoming Weekend, the Classes of 2012–15 made a positive impact for Vanderbilt with a challenge based on their lasting house ties: The Commons Alumni Challenge. The competition rewarded the house with the highest percentage of alumni giving participation.
Alvarez, a GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) class agent and GOLD council member, was an eager volunteer. “Even as a first-year student in 2009, I knew how unique The Commons was and appreciated the tone it set for the rest of my time at Vanderbilt,” she explains. “The Commons Alumni Challenge was a nostalgic way for me to reaffirm my pride as a Commodore and to ensure that future students have an incredible experience, just as I did.”
The Oct. 23 Young Alumni Homecoming Party at Cabana restaurant gave alumni one last opportunity to influence the standings. After all gifts were counted, West House was announced the winner during the Homecoming football game.
The Commons Alumni Challenge revealed the impact of young alumni support for the university. The challenge brought a number of alumni together and inspired a 33 percent increase over last year in the number of donors for those classes.
—MATT ANDERSON