The Vanderbilt Story

Catalina Lizarralde—“Cata” to her friends—seems to operate at the accelerated pace of time-lapse photography. Or at least that’s how it can appear to those who, like Dean Eric Johnson, describe her as a powerhouse of energy and innovation. Read More

In the latest VUCast: Watch how some shocking predators lure their prey; learn how a supercomputer uncovered a hummingbird mystery; and see Vanderbilt's national baseball champs celebrate the holidays. Watch now! Read More

Ryan Williams is an entrepreneur, writer, and a former stand-up comedian. He hosts and produces a weekly podcast called “The Influencer Economy,” where he interviews entrepreneurs who have launched revolutionary ideas online. Williams graduated from Vanderbilt in 2000 with a B.A. in Human and Organizational Development. While at Vanderbilt, he… Read More

In the latest VUCast: Learn why overweight women lose in the workplace -- especially when it comes to pay; see breakthrough weapons in the fight against infectious diseases; and hear music legend Sheryl Crow speak about her craft. Watch now! Read More

Khaleann Caron-Goudreau was two days away from making a trip to Taiwan. After countless hours of training and competition, she was chosen to play alongside her twin sister, Audrey-Ann, for Team Canada in the William Jones Cup International Tournament held in Taipei this past August. But after all that hard… Read More

When traveling, Taylor Bruce, BA’04, often brings a book that deepens his understanding of his destination, but never a travel guide. Eager to share the stories of cities rather than popular tourist attractions, Bruce started his own series of field guides, called Wildsam. Read More

Duncan McDougall, BA’83, spent part of his twenties guiding expeditions of the physical world—whitewater and backcountry trips in places like Alaska and New Zealand. Since 1998, however, he has been leading expeditions of another kind, guiding children on a journey to literacy. Read More

Nirav Parikh, BS’04, and his friends graduated ten years ago, yet the bonds formed during their time at Vanderbilt grow deeper each Memorial Day. Vanderbilt Magazine has the story of how an annual trip to a Texas lake house became the setting for reunions that reaffirm lifelong friendships. Read More

From Memphis, Tennessee, Ryan McKenney is head resident of Gillette House on The Commons as well as a VUceptor, director of first-year relations for Vanderbilt Student Government, a member of Delta Tau Delta, an Ingram Scholar and a new member of Common Denominators. McKenney also works with Best Buddies, Next… Read More

An avid reader and lover of fantasy novels, Vanderbilt senior Dean Balaes decided there was no better way to channel his passion than to write a book. His first novel, “The Rise of the Ancients,” was published electronically with Amazon online this fall and follows the adventures of a modern-day… Read More

Danielle Snyder headed to New York City to pursue a career in fashion after graduating from Vanderbilt in 2007. After a few years, she and her sister Jodie co-founded the jewelry line DANNIJO that is now sold in department stores around the world, but Nashville still remains in her heart. Read More

While growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Dan Stephenson, CEO and founder of Dan’s Gourmet Mac & Cheese, loved nothing more than experimenting in the kitchen with his brother. Six years after graduating a semester early from Vanderbilt in 2006, with a degree in economics and corporate strategy, Stphenson was able… Read More

Commodore pole vaulter becomes third woman to qualify for American Ninja Warrior Read More

While patient care is an important part of the careers of the majority of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine graduates, some find that they can make the greatest leadership contributions in non-clinical roles. “The solid foundation that these graduates have received in the art and science of medicine allows them… Read More

Senior Anna Watt carries a large yellow diesel can around campus, raising funds to bring clean water to the Sahel region in Africa Read More

Rivka Ihejirika is a third-year medical student from Los Angeles. She is the recipient of the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship and the James Edward Holloran Scholarship, established by the Class of 1980. Read More

In this VUCast: See a trauma physician's innovative way to stop bullying; why your brain only needs a little junk food to be satisfied; and two reason why Vanderbilt is happy. Watch now! Read More

While most Vanderbilt students were tucked away in cubicles, taking summer classes or catching up on sleep, senior Ted Moock spent his summer shooting takes through the night with the cast of “Pitch Perfect 2” and sharing fondue with the film’s star, Anna Kendrick. Read More

Before Adam Butler was a happy-go-lucky starting SEC defensive lineman, there was a two-year period in which he didn’t think football would even be in his future. Read More

For the past three years, Anne Alukonis and Emma “Auntie” Jean have been the faces of Last Drop Coffee Shop, serving up encouragement and banter alongside caffeine. However, this year Alukonis, affectionately known by students as Ms. Anne, will no longer be at Last Drop. Read More