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,” says Brooke Bell, BA’92, the new president of the San Antonio Vanderbilt Chapter.
Reunion General Chairs J.R. Hand, BS’03, and Kailey Hand, BS’03, MEd’05, agree. “People were excited to be back on campus, and the weekend built tremendous anticipation for the amazing things to come. You could sense the commitment to Vanderbilt and its future.”
Each group held regularly scheduled meetings and then came together for a reception hosted by Chancellor Zeppos Friday evening. On Saturday, Evans provided a university update that outlined many exciting plans and goals for the future. Volunteers engaged in an interactive session to explore how they can help Vanderbilt achieve those goals and then resumed their separate meetings.
“Bruce Evans was very relatable, and he presented a clearly defined plan for Vanderbilt’s growth,” says 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 Vanderbilt Chapter president about possibly collaborating on an event,” she says.
—MATT ANDERSON