Incoming students were welcomed into the Vanderbilt community Aug. 18 during the university’s traditional Founders Walk. Students gathered on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, then walked across the pedestrian bridge that connects the Peabody College and main campuses to Alumni Lawn for the event.
Speakers included Interim Chancellor Susan R. Wente, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Residential Faculty Vanessa Beasley, Dean of The Ingram Commons Melissa Gresalfi, Vanderbilt Alumni Association President Dan Lovinger and Vanderbilt Student Government President Frances Burton.
“My hope for you while you’re here on Vanderbilt’s campus is that your time is filled with discovery,” Wente told the incoming students. “Discovery of knowledge—that’s obviously going to happen—you won’t be able to avoid it. Discovery of yourself and of your potential. And discovery of how you can contribute and have a broader impact.”
After the event, the crowd enjoyed a picnic on The Commons Lawn.