Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos will deliver Vanderbilt University’s traditional Commencement address May 12, the day after documentary filmmaker Ken Burns accepts a prestigious Vanderbilt award and offers his advice. Burns, auteur of documentaries on baseball, jazz, the Civil War and other American history subjects, will speak about “Heroes and Leadership” at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11, in Memorial Gymnasium for Senior Day. He also will be presented with the Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, one of Vanderbilt’s highest honors.
The Commencement ceremony for all graduates is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, May 12, on Alumni Lawn (or in Memorial Gym if there is inclement weather). Undergraduates will receive their degrees following the chancellor’s address. Graduate and professional school degrees will be conferred at other locations on campus after those students leave the central ceremony at 10:15 a.m. About 2,950 graduates are expected to attend Commencement. Senior Day and Commencement ceremonies will be webcast on the Vanderbilt home page, the Vanderbilt Facebook page and the Vanderbilt YouTube page.
Senior Day, Thursday, May 11 – 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 media will be available in Lot 64 located on 25th Avenue South on the side of Memorial Gym closest to the Vanderbilt baseball stadium. Note: 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 12 – Alumni Lawn:
Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos will begin his address around 9:45 a.m. Following Zeppos’ address is a musical performance and the conferring of degrees. The awarding of diplomas to undergraduate students is expected to begin at around 10:20 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Memorial Gym on 25th Avenue South. For more information, visit the Vanderbilt Commencement website.
Broadcast Media: A mult box will be available stage right.
Media Parking: A limited number of parking spaces for media will be available in Lot 64 located on 25th Avenue South on the side of Memorial Gym closest to the Vanderbilt baseball stadium. Note: 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.