Reunion 2018 is in the books! More than 5,000 alumni and guests gathered on campus Oct. 11–13 to celebrate with lifelong friends, relive cherished memories, and reconnect with their alma mater.
Friday, Oct. 12, was a picture-perfect fall day on campus as the lingering summer heat finally gave way to crisp, cool weather. Undergraduate alumni had a choice of more than 100 events to attend over the weekend, including new campus tours exploring Vanderbilt’s historic architecture, unique botanical offerings and recent campus additions. In the afternoon, alumni attended Commodore Classrooms featuring some of the university’s most popular and engaging professors.
Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos delivered an update on the university and answered questions from the audience during the Conversation with the Chancellor event. Another highlight occurred when the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni presented Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletics Director David Williams with its inaugural Legacy Award.
As the sun set, excitement on campus rose as alumni filled tents for individual class parties. Ten classes celebrated with dinner buffets, cocktails, and décor and music reminiscent of their time on campus. The All-Class Party offered alumni late-night snacks and dancing.
An early 11 a.m. kickoff on Saturday for the Homecoming football game against the Florida Gators meant an even earlier start to the Homecoming Tailgate, but that didn’t matter to alumni and their families. This kid-friendly event featured games, face painting, cheerleaders and even a visit from Mr. C, Vanderbilt’s mascot.
Reunion fundraising is vitally important to the university, and Reunion Chairs J.R. and Kailey Hand, Class of 2003, were proud to present Chancellor Zeppos with a check totaling $40,313,418 during the game. Thank you to all who came back and gave back in honor of Reunion.
Plans are already underway for Reunion 2019, set for Oct. 17–19. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact the Reunion Weekend Office at (615) 322-6034 or reunion@vanderbilt.edu.