From celebrating its 150th anniversary to launching the most ambitious fundraising campaign in university history, from reaching new heights in research funding to fostering civil discourse and a culture of belonging on campus, Vanderbilt marked its strongest year ever by many measures in 2023.
Take a look back at some of the ways Vanderbilt embodied its university motto and dared to grow this year.
CELEBRATING UNIVERSITY HISTORY
Vanderbilt kicks off Sesquicentennial in style with ceremony, conversation, music and more
Vanderbilt University launched the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary with a series of events March 24–25, including a formal ceremony in Langford Auditorium, a conversation and performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a concert at the Blair School of Music and a community party.
Vanderbilt launches website to commemorate Sesquicentennial celebration
A website commemorating Vanderbilt’s Sesquicentennial—the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding—celebrated the people, places and programs that make up Vanderbilt’s rich history.
- RELATED: Celebrate the Sesquicentennial through Vandyverse virtual platform, interactive photo mural
New Sesquicentennial oak tree joins Vanderbilt’s green canopy
As Vanderbilt dared to grow while observing its Sesquicentennial this year, the campus planted a new bur oak tree to mark the occasion, part of a robust plan to expand the campus’ green canopy in honor of the university’s 150th anniversary.
FOSTERING DIALOGUE
Dialogue Vanderbilt will advance civil discourse, bolster commitment to free expression
In a reaffirmation of its commitment to free expression, Vanderbilt University launched Dialogue Vanderbilt in August. The initiative aims to provide a range of programs to students, faculty and the broader community to promote civil discourse and to better understand and address political polarization.
Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows bring diverse views, teach how to engage in civil debate
The Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows program is designed to host a cohort of thought leaders with competing and sometimes conflicting views on policy issues and social problems. These visitors engage with students, faculty, the public and each other to model reasoned, evidence-based civil debate.
- RELATED: Vanderbilt announces inaugural student ambassadors for Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows program
Inaugural Free Speech Week fosters dialogue, collaboration at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt celebrated its “bedrock principle” of free speech through a series of panels and discussions Oct. 10–17 during the university’s inaugural celebration of national Free Speech Week and in support of the recently launched Dialogue Vanderbilt initiative.
STRENGTHENING GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
Students from across globe come to Vanderbilt to solve humanity’s greatest challenges at CGI U
Nearly 700 higher education students representing 92 nations and 42 U.S. states gained expertise and inspiration from influential leaders during the Clinton Global Initiative University 2023 annual meeting, hosted by Vanderbilt March 3–5.
Vanderbilt to connect with talented international students in new partnership
Vanderbilt University began a partnership with the Davis United World College Scholars Program, an international nonprofit organization that has provided scholarships and education for academically talented students from around the world for more than two decades.
Vanderbilt works to expand global engagement; Sharpley-Whiting named to new vice provost role
The university will expand its presence, reputation and impact around the globe with the appointment of Tracy Sharpley-Whiting as vice provost for global engagement, a new role that will lead efforts to bring the world to Vanderbilt and bring Vanderbilt to the world.
First cohort of Global Scholars in Residence announced
Four international scholars visited Vanderbilt University this spring as the first cohort of the Global Scholars in Residence program.
TRANSFORMATIVE GIVING
Vanderbilt University launches $3.2B Dare to Grow campaign
Dare to Grow, a $3.2 billion comprehensive campaign, launched on April 21. The fundraising initiative—the most ambitious in Vanderbilt’s history—will power the university’s most exciting and essential work to date.
Vanderbilt University establishes Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center
An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts established a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University.
Anonymous $6.8M gift will support Immersion Vanderbilt student projects
A $6.8 million gift from an anonymous donor will support Immersion Vanderbilt and provide funding to students to carry out creative and ambitious projects that deepen their intellect and broaden their horizons.
- RELATED: Conway-Welch Family Foundation gift to honor longtime dean, support Master of Nursing students
INVESTING IN STUDENT-ATHLETES
Vandy United breaks ground
As construction began on Vanderbilt’s basketball operations center, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee and leadership-level donors gathered to celebrate and reflect on Vandy United’s progress toward transforming the athletics footprint on campus and redefining what is possible for Vanderbilt.
Vandy United reaches initial $300M goal, begins next chapter
Vandy United, the largest campaign in the history of Vanderbilt athletics, achieved its initial $300 million fundraising goal, ushering in a new era of historic investment in student-athletes and the athletics experience.
MAKING BREAKTHROUGHS IN RESEARCH
Quantum Potential: Meet the minds shaping our future
The first season of Vanderbilt’s Quantum Potential video series highlighted some of the scholars, scientists and students at Vanderbilt who are finding new ways to understand the world—and change it.
Vanderbilt generates more than $96M in licensing revenue in FY23, most in university history
The Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization earned $96 million in licensing revenue for FY23, exceeding the previous year’s record income totals to record the largest amount generated through technology licensing in any year since CTTC was established in 1991.
Discovery Vanderbilt invests in three faculty-initiated startups
Seed and Series A funding to three startups—HeroWear, IDBiologics and Virtuoso—rooted in research conducted at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center underscore a university-wide commitment to enhance support for Vanderbilt’s most innovative faculty, students and alumni.
- RELATED: Vanderbilt launches Innovation Catalyst Fund to propel translational research and innovation
Little Sphere, Big Power: Students work to build miniature fusion reactor
The Vanderbilt Fusion Project, an initiative involving 40 undergraduates from 22 majors across three schools, sought to build a miniature nuclear fusion reactor—and make history.
RECRUITING AND SUPPORTING OUTSTANDING FACULTY
Vanderbilt names esteemed biomedical engineer as new dean of School of Engineering
Krishnendu Roy, an esteemed biomedical engineer and nationally renowned researcher, is the new dean of Vanderbilt University School of Engineering.
Vanderbilt Divinity dean to build on school’s excellence as innovator, collaborator
The Divinity School’s storied history and reputation for theological education—including advocacy for racial and social justice—were key to Yolanda Pierce’s move to Vanderbilt for the deanship.
Business dean aims to elevate school with focus on students, cutting-edge collaboration
Thomas J. “Tom” Steenburgh’s priorities as the new leader of the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management include advancing the school’s reputation, developing deeper connections with the Nashville business community and elevating the student experience to ensure that each person leaves better prepared for long-term success.
Vanderbilt’s newest faculty share what sparks their academic mission
Some of Vanderbilt’s newest faculty members for the 2023–24 academic year shared what sparks their research and inspires their academic mission.
New faculty tackle society’s most pressing issues
Knowledge, discovery and collaboration are key elements in finding solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Several new faculty members are exploring current and pressing societal issues.
New faculty share what ‘dare to grow’ means to them
Vanderbilt’s motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for “dare to grow.” Some of Vanderbilt’s newest faculty members shared what “dare to grow” means to them.
Four from Vanderbilt and VUMC elected as 2023 members of American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Four Vanderbilt and VUMC faculty—María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Major Jackson, Kimryn Rathmell and Keivan Stassun—were elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a record number of elections from Vanderbilt in a single year.
41 faculty honored at endowed chair investiture ceremony
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver honored 41 scholars from across Vanderbilt at an endowed chair investiture ceremony on March 20.
MARKING MILESTONE MOMENTS
Diermeier encourages Class of 2023 to live life the Vanderbilt Way, ‘dare to grow’
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier congratulated Vanderbilt’s Class of 2023—for embodying “commitment, dedication and courage” during the past four years—in his Commencement address at Bridgestone Arena on May 12.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa calls on graduates to renounce social media manipulation, redefine democracy in Graduates Day address
Maria Ressa, an internationally acclaimed journalist who was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for exposing government corruption and human rights violations in her native Philippines, called on the Class of 2023 to seek truth and facts despite the “toxic sludge” of misinformation manipulating social media in her Graduates Day address May 11.
Incoming students welcomed at Founders Walk, learn the ‘Vanderbilt Way’
First-year, transfer and Next Steps students took part in the Vanderbilt University tradition of Founders Walk on Aug. 20. In a celebratory procession, the students made their way from The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons to Alumni Lawn.
2023 Family Weekend celebrates students and families
The Vanderbilt community welcomed more than 4,000 family members and friends to campus Oct. 13–15 to celebrate this year’s Family Weekend.
Reunion 2023: Celebrating Vanderbilt’s best year ever
More than 3,500 alumni and their guests returned to campus for Reunion and Homecoming events Nov. 2–5, capping off a year that—by many measures—stands out as Vanderbilt’s best ever.
CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING
You at VU web portal provides belonging, well-being resources for the campus community
At Vanderbilt, fostering a deep sense of belonging for every community member is a core value. To that end, the university has launched a web portal called “You at VU,” a one-stop spot where students, staff, postdocs and faculty can find ways to connect with others, engage across campus and discover well-being support and resources.
Student Affairs announces new leadership for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Vanderbilt’s identity centers have moved under the leadership of Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students G.L. Black to better align with other campus resources and initiatives that support the student experience. Rosevelt Noble has been named associate dean of students for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and will provide strategic leadership for these areas within the Student Affairs division.
Vanderbilt names inaugural vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging
Sydney M. Savion, an international leader in workforce development, organizational culture and employee-centered learning, has been appointed to the new role of vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging. Savion will make fostering a deep sense of belonging among every community member—where they feel connected to their colleagues, the institution and its mission—her core focus.
EXPLORING NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Vanderbilt hosts second Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats
Vanderbilt hosted its second Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats May 4–5 with events featuring international experts and industry leaders from the defense, intelligence, technology and academic fields.
- RELATED: FBI director Christopher Wray to keynote 2024 Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats
Mark T. Esper delivers inaugural talk in Lecture Series on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats
In a wide-ranging lecture and a one-on-one conversation with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Mark T. Esper, 27th U.S. secretary of defense, discussed the myriad and complex challenges currently facing our national security.
Gen. David Petraeus discusses strategic leadership in context of military conflict during Vanderbilt lecture
A key element of successful strategic leadership is getting the big ideas right, said retired U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during the second installment of Vanderbilt’s Lecture Series on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats.
- RELATED: Gen. Charlie Moore to elevate Vanderbilt’s expertise on national security, emerging threats
SUPPORTING MILITARY AND VETERANS
How the Army’s Pathfinder program and Vanderbilt are moving tech from the lab to the front lines
The Pathfinder program, a collaboration among Vanderbilt University, the U.S. Army and the nonprofit Civil-Military Innovation Institute, continues launching innovative technology projects designed to address real-world military challenges and to foster technology commercialization through startup businesses.
Vanderbilt boosts commitment to veterans, increases investments for Yellow Ribbon program
Eligible veterans can attend Vanderbilt University at a significantly reduced cost, thanks to the school’s continued participation in the Yellow Ribbon GI Educational Enhancement Program.
Vanderbilt is helping service members bridge gap between military, civilian careers through SkillBridge program
Recognizing the vast and qualified talent pipeline that former service members represent, Vanderbilt University has become an official SkillBridge partner with the U.S. Department of Defense.
EXCELLING IN ATHLETICS
Bowling team wins third national championship
The Vanderbilt bowling team defeated Arkansas State on April 15 in Las Vegas to win the 2023 national championship, the third in the program’s history. The team also won the national title in 2007 and 2018.
Baseball is 2023 SEC Tournament champs
The Vanderbilt baseball team won the 2023 SEC Tournament championship with a victory over Texas A&M on May 28 in Hoover, Alabama. The Commodores were tournament champs for the fourth time in program history, the third under head coach Tim Corbin.
Vanderbilt names Anders Nelson head volleyball coach
Vanderbilt has named Anders Nelson as head coach of its reintroduced volleyball program, which begins play in the 2025–26 academic year.
Commodore golf teams play tournament at St. Andrews in Scotland
The Vanderbilt men’s and women’s golf teams participated in the inaugural St. Andrews Links Collegiate at historic St. Andrews, Scotland, Oct. 23–25.
INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY
Vanderbilt University joins Silicon Ranch, NES and TVA to ‘flip the switch’ on Vanderbilt I Solar Farm
Vanderbilt University joined Silicon Ranch Corp., Nashville Electric Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority on April 11 to “flip the switch” on the Vanderbilt I Solar Farm in Bedford County. The solar facility represents a significant step by Vanderbilt toward the ambitious goal to power its campus entirely through renewable energy.
Vanderbilt to further offset carbon footprint by investing in solar energy projects through Clearloop
Vanderbilt will further offset its carbon footprint by investing in the development of solar energy projects that will expand access to clean energy in the Southeast through a new, multiyear collaboration with Clearloop.
Vanderbilt deploys first all-electric multi-vehicle shuttle fleet at a university in Tennessee
The new all-electric shuttle fleet provides eco-friendly vehicles for VandyRide, the nighttime shuttle service for Vanderbilt students.
- RELATED: Sustainability, mobility and transportation efforts highlighted in FutureVU FY2022 Progress Report
SUPPORTING THE NASHVILLE COMMUNITY
Vanderbilt community gathers to honor The Covenant School
Members of the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities gathered on campus April 4 to honor those lost in the tragic shooting at The Covenant School.
Vanderbilt, Pepsi and Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation open new community basketball court in North Nashville
On June 15, a revamped outdoor basketball court was unveiled at the Watkins Park Community Center. The mural on the court honors the legacy of Perry Wallace, BE’70, the Vanderbilt student-athlete who integrated Southeastern Conference varsity basketball.
Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center volunteers help literacy, math achievement grow at Ida B. Wells Elementary
Throughout the 2022–23 academic year, Vanderbilt faculty, staff and students put in more than 400 service hours at Ida B. Wells Elementary School in East Nashville.