Volunteers play an important role in Vanderbilt’s success, and that involvement was praised by both Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos and Board of Trust Chair Bruce Evans, BE’81, at the university’s inaugural Volunteer Leadership Weekend held Feb. 23–24.
The 200 alumni and parent volunteers represented Reunion, chapters, the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni, G.O.L.D. Council and the Parents and Family Association board.
“There was an exciting energy level with so many Commodores together. I really enjoyed meeting the other volunteers,” said Brooke Bell, BA’92, the new president of the San Antonio Vanderbilt Chapter.
Reunion general chairs J.R., BS’03, and Kailey Hand, BS’03, MEd’05, agreed. “People were excited to be back on campus, and the weekend built tremendous anticipation for the amazing things to come,” Kailey Hand said. “You could sense the commitment to Vanderbilt and its future.”
Each group held regularly scheduled meetings, and then came together Friday evening for a reception hosted by Zeppos. On Saturday, Evans provided a university update that outlined many exciting plans and goals for the future. Volunteers then engaged in an interactive session to explore how they can help Vanderbilt achieve those goals before resuming their separate meetings.
“Bruce Evans was very relatable, and he presented a clearly defined plan for Vanderbilt’s growth,” said Kailey Hand. “He made a great case for supporting Vanderbilt, and Reunion volunteers are now armed with necessary and compelling information about the importance of annual giving to the university.”
Bell also left with great ideas for her chapter. “I am excited about doing a Commodore Classroom in San Antonio and even talked with the Austin Chapter president about possibly collaborating on an event,” she said.