On April 8–9, Vanderbilt will host a series of events in honor of Chancellor Daniel Diermeier’s investiture. An investiture ceremony is one of the oldest traditions in academia, an occasion for conferring new roles to university leaders and faculty. Surrounding the ceremony will be opportunities for the Vanderbilt community to learn more about Vanderbilt’s past and future and enjoy a family-friendly celebration.
The full schedule can be seen below. Please visit vu.edu/investiture for scheduling updates and to watch all streaming content. Sign up here if you would like to receive a reminder email one hour before each event.
APRIL 8
The Commodore Way: Perspectives on Success in Vanderbilt Athletics
12:30–1:30 p.m. CT in the Student Life Center Ballroom
Join Vanderbilt Athletics special projects director and New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss as he leads a discussion with former Commodore student-athletes, each with a unique story about their experience during a pivotal moment in the university’s history. The panel will be introduced by Candice Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director.
Refreshments will be served after the event. In-person attendance is eligible for GME credit. Live closed captioning will be available at the in-person event. This event will also be livestreamed and recorded at vu.edu/investiture.
Now More than Ever: Higher Education’s Essential Role in an Age of Disruption
2–3 p.m. CT in the Student Life Center Ballroom
The second panel will explore universities’ responsibilities, impact and potential to catalyze progress in our global society. Moderated by Emily House, MPP’09, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, and featuring introductions from Dean of Peabody College Camilla Benbow, the panel will bring together Vanderbilt University faculty and other distinguished experts across higher education academia and public policy.
Refreshments will be served after the event. In-person attendance is eligible for GME credit. Live closed captioning will be available at the in-person event. This event will also be livestreamed and recorded at vu.edu/investiture.
Tennessee: Engine of Innovation Symposium
4:30–6 p.m. CT
This event will be livestreamed and recorded at vu.edu/investiture. Due to limited seating, in-person attendance for this event is by invitation only.
For this keynote symposium, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier will be joined by a nationally renowned expert on urban planning, regional leaders across corporate and nonprofit sectors and distinguished political minds to discuss the future of Tennessee and the Southeast. Panelists will consider Vanderbilt’s role in advancing discovery and innovation in a region that is rapidly growing, increasingly ambitious and deeply rooted in the evolving traditions of the American South.
Panelists include:
- Daniel Diermeier, chancellor of Vanderbilt University
- Andy Berke, U.S. Department of Commerce special representative for broadband and former mayor of Chattanooga
- Richard Florida, writer, researcher and founder of the Creative Class Group
- Courtney Ross, senior manager of external affairs for Amazon
- Marcus Whitney, founder and managing partner of Jumpstart Nova
The symposium will be moderated by David A. Owens, the Evans Family Executive Director of the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center.
APRIL 9
Investiture Ceremony
1–3 p.m. CT
This event will be livestreamed and recorded at vu.edu/investiture. Due to limited seating, in-person attendance for this event is by invitation only.
The formal investiture ceremony marks the official transfer of leadership and signals a new chapter of excellence for the university. While investitures traditionally occur within the first year of a new chancellor’s service, this ceremony was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now double as a celebration of Chancellor Diermeier’s significant leadership and vision since July 2020.
The ceremony will begin with a procession of Vanderbilt leaders, community figures and representatives from peer universities, and it will also include musical interludes, readings and remarks from Vanderbilt Board of Trust Chairman Bruce R. Evans and Diermeier, and the formal presentation of symbols of office.
Investiture Community Celebration
3–6 p.m. CT on Alumni Lawn, 2205 West End Ave.
Vanderbilt community members, along with their families, are invited to a celebration on Alumni Lawn directly after the main investiture ceremony. Scheduled for 3–6 p.m. CT, this event will feature free food—including offerings from local food trucks—live music, new VU swag and activities, including a special area for kids. Attendees can also enjoy free parking at Terrace Place and 25th Avenue garages.