Class of 2025 welcomed with cheers, words of advice at Founders Walk

The Vanderbilt community welcomed first-year, transfer and Next Steps students at the annual Founders Walk celebration, which took place on Sunday, Aug. 22, to conclude move-in weekend.

Students gathered on the lawn of The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons then walked with their new housemates across the pedestrian bridge that connects Peabody College to the main part of Vanderbilt’s campus and Alumni Lawn for the event.

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Vanessa Beasley joins students on the march across the pedestrian bridge. Photos by John Russell/Vanderbilt University.

Students march representing each Ingram Commons house.

Students from different clubs and affinity groups welcome the new students.

Provost C. Cybele Raver and Chancellor Daniel Diermeier participate in Founders Walk 2021.

First-year students get into the Founders Walk spirit!

Vanderbilt students from a variety of organizations and campus affinity groups cheered their newest classmates as they made their way across campus. The event culminated with a keynote address by Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and remarks from Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Cybele Raver.

“Just as we chose you, you chose us. Just as we have committed to you, you have committed to us. By virtue of this mutual commitment, you are a full member of the Vanderbilt community from day one,” Diermeier said. “You earned your place. You belong. And we are so glad that you are here.”

Faculty heads of house from The Ingram Commons (L-R) Celso Castilho, Natasha McClure, Chalene Helmuth, Douglas McMahon, Alyssa Hasty, Elizabeth Meadows, Carol Ziegler, Eric Barth, Rosevelt Noble and Emily Pendergrass.

Students assembled on Alumni Lawn for Founders Walk.

Students from each of The Ingram Commons houses march onto Alumni Lawn for the Founders Walk celebration.

Students cheer during the Founders Walk procession.

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Vanessa Beasley and Dean of The Ingram Commons Melissa Gresalfi walk with students.

Other speakers included Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Vanessa Beasley, Vanderbilt Alumni Association President Tim Warnock, The Ingram Commons Dean Melissa Gresalfi and Vanderbilt Student Government President Hannah Bruns.