Chancellor Diermeier shares message encouraging undergraduates to ‘dare to grow together this fall’

Dear students,

Welcome to the 2023–24 academic year!

Whatever your story and wherever you come from, whether you’re returning to campus or joining us for the first time, every one of you has earned your place here, and we are proud that you’ve chosen Vanderbilt as your academic home.

Last year was Vanderbilt’s strongest year ever by many measures, and this year promises to be even better:

• We’re continuing to celebrate our Sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of our founding.
• We’re bringing researchers, industry professionals and leaders from around the world to campus to explore the most pressing issues of our time—including AI and free speech, cyberdefense, health equity and the future of democracy.
• We’re expanding our global presence, increasing your opportunities for connection with scholars, artists, innovators and students worldwide.
• We’ll debut Quantum Potential, a series of fresh-take video portraits of Vanderbilt researchers who are changing the world.
• And today we are especially proud to launch Dialogue Vanderbilt, an initiative that will help you make your voice heard and equip you with the skills to have tough conversations in a polarized time.

Please remember that, at Vanderbilt, you’re never far from someone who cares about you. We offer many resources for supporting your physical, emotional and mental health. You can explore them at vanderbilt.edu/youatvu.

I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am by the possibilities ahead of us. My very best to all of you as we begin another year of daring to grow together.

Sincerely,

Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor