In a series on the Vanderbilt Instagram account, students can get to know some of the dedicated staff who play crucial roles in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for them. This installment features events coordinator Connor Vandiver and events manager Natalie Figlio, who work on the University Ceremonies and Events team.
Stay tuned for more Q&A sessions with staff members at Vanderbilt, whose daily efforts help shape positive experiences for the entire university community.
View the rest of the staff Q&A series.
Watch Connor and Natalie’s Q&A Session:
What is your favorite event at Vandy?
Natalie: For me, I’d have to say my favorite is Family Weekend. All the events we do are so fun, but getting to see all the families come back and visit with their students, they’re just so excited to be there. It’s just a great weekend.
Connor: I think my favorite event would have to be the Reunion tailgate. It’s fun to see all of the alumni come back and hang out and get a little rowdy for the football game!
What goes into planning an event like Commencement?
Natalie: So for Commencement, there’s a lot involved. You have to think about the location, the rain plans, getting people there, where to park, all the vendors that are involved in the stage, the sound, the audio, the lighting, chairs. I mean, depending on where we are, do we need 2,000 chairs for graduates, or do we need 17,000 chairs for graduates and guests? There’s a lot that goes into it, but we work as a team to divide up as much as we can, to just lock in as much information as soon as possible.
Connor: Yeah, it’s just so big—the scope of it is so crazy that it’s broken up. Our team connects with tons of people to make this all happen. From shuttle vendors to the marshals who are fixing up your clothing before you walk out, it’s top to bottom. It’s a lot. It’s crazy that it’s pulled off, but it happens!
What is the best pest part about Commencement?
Connor: I mean, the morning of the event feels nice. It’s a lot of work and it’s hard, but it is nice to see the kids smiling and glowing. It’s a cool experience. You kind of forget—it’s our work, it’s our job—but then it becomes a little more real. It’s a little payoff there!
Natalie: Yeah, I would agree. I think once that 9 a.m. hits and the procession starts with the graduates walking out, everything comes to fruition and it’s just really cool to watch it all take place.
When do you start planning Commencement?
Connor: I feel like Commencement planning is talked about all year at different points. Things are always being communicated, but it really kicks off right after Christmas. When everyone comes back from winter break, it’s kind of full steam ahead and we start making those big moves.
As an incoming freshman, what events happen in the first week?
Connor: Move-in, which sounds silly but it is an event. It’s a big event! We don’t plan all of it, but it’s a huge one. Then Founders Walk—it’s awesome and growing every year; we can’t wait to see what happens this year.
Natalie: There’s a lot of activities with the residence halls. For us and what our team plans, the biggest one would be Founders Walk. Like Connor said, it’s just continuously evolving into a really fun event for all first-years.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Natalie: I just love all the different things that we get to do! I’ve been here for a little over eight years and I’ve seen a lot of different events, so the variety of what we’ve done and the people we get to work with within Vanderbilt and our external partners—it’s something new every day, and I think that’s what I love most.
Connor: I think what I love most would have to be the free merch we get at our events, I like to be decked out in our Vanderbilt colors when I’m here at the office!
