Our Vanderbilt alumni community includes more than 145,000 Commodores around the globe—a remarkable group of leaders, innovators and pioneers. We are united by many things, including our culture of care and compassion and our resilience.
In this new year, I want to take the opportunity to thank all the alumni who volunteered their time, expertise and energy to support Vanderbilt students during the unprecedented challenges of the past year. Bolstered by alumni engagement and support, our students continue to forge ahead, thrive and excel.
Since the pandemic began, many of you have supported Vanderbilt students as mentors and career advisers, sharing your insights and guiding students as they make important decisions. Many alumni have supported students by sharing internship or employment opportunities. Some of you have become involved with your local alumni chapters or volunteered with the Commodore Recruitment Programs to help identify talented prospective students from around the world. All your efforts are deeply appreciated and exemplify our One Vanderbilt spirit.
We are also grateful to our alumni who have invested in the Student Hardship Fund, which was established last spring to help support the immediate needs of students experiencing hardships brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Your generosity shows students that they have the full support of their Commodore family, whatever challenges may come.
Our alumni community also has supported one another by coming together to connect virtually. In recent months we have had a global Networking Night, a Reunion toast, our first ’Dores in Dialogue event highlighting Vanderbilt’s role in eliminating racial disparities in public safety, book club meetups, happy hours and much more.
There are countless ways to engage with and support our students and one another. I encourage you to visit vuconnect.com to learn more. Stay tuned for more engaging events and opportunities in the months ahead.
—Tim Warnock, BA’84