Commencement 2021

Six students graduated from the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program as part of the Class of 2021 this May. Next Steps at Vanderbilt provides students with intellectual disability an inclusive, transformational higher education experience that embodies the values of equality, compassion and excellence in all endeavors. Read More

A number of Vanderbilt graduates participated in recognition ceremonies supported by the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence May 13–14 as part of the university’s 2021 Commencement celebrations. Read More

Read the full text and watch a video of Chancellor Daniel Diermeier's address to graduates of the Class of 2021 delivered at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday, May 15. Read More

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier thanked the Class of 2021 for their leadership during a year like no other when he spoke at the university’s in-person and virtual Commencement at Vanderbilt Stadium May 15. Graduate and professional students also were honored during separate ceremonies across campus May 15 and 16. Read More

Nashville's Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge was lit in Vanderbilt University colors the evening of May 16 to cap a weekend of celebrations for the Class of 2021. Read More

The Founder’s Medalists for the Class of 2021 were announced during Commencement ceremonies May 15–16. Since 1877, Vanderbilt has awarded a gold medal to the student graduating with first honors from each of the university’s 10 schools and colleges. Read More

Vanderbilt University is honoring 41 retiring faculty members for their years of service and bestowing on them the title of emeritus or emerita faculty. Read More

Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s leading expert on infectious disease research, called on the Class of 2021 to use the skills they honed at Vanderbilt to help Americans come together on what should be a universal goal: defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci spoke virtually to the 2021 graduates and their families on May 14. Read More

Vanderbilt University’s health and safety protocols remain in place and are unchanged for campus Commencement ceremonies May 15–16. All graduates, guests and other members of the Vanderbilt community attending Commencement must remain masked at all times on campus and must maintain physical distancing with those outside of their guest unit. Read More

Vanderbilt University is honoring its Class of 2021 with a special weekend of Commencement celebrations May 14–16. All activities will observe campus health and safety protocols. Here’s what you need to know to guide you through the weekend. Read More

Candice Storey Lee, the first African American woman to head a Southeastern Conference athletics program, will be honored by Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of education and human development with the 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award during Class of 2020 Commencement May 2 and Class of 2021 Commencement May 16. Read More

Vanderbilt is gearing up for Class of 2021 Commencement ceremonies May 15–16, and your help is needed to make the celebrations for graduates and their families a success. Read More

Join us as the nation’s top leader in infectious diseases research and internationally renowned biomedical scientist Dr. Anthony Fauci delivers a virtual Graduates Day address to the Vanderbilt Class of 2021 on Friday, May 14, beginning at 11 a.m. CT. The event is open to the Vanderbilt community and the public. Read More

Xuanxuan Chen is thankful for her memories of Vanderbilt's campus as she completes her senior year from home in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China—14 time zones away—as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top leader in infectious disease research and a renowned biomedical scientist, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in May 2021 when he speaks to the university’s graduating students and their families. Read More

Vanderbilt University announced today that it will host in-person Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021. The events, which will adhere to campus safety protocols, will take place May 15–16. Read More

We are excited to announce that the university will hold in-person Commencement ceremonies May 15–16 for the Class of 2021, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost Susan R. Wente wrote in a message to this year's graduates. Read More

In the coming weeks, Vanderbilt will announce more details about official plans for its May 2021 Commencement ceremony. The university is grateful for students' patience as it explores scenarios that will prioritize Vanderbilt's commitment to honoring and celebrating graduates' accomplishments while protecting health and safety as much as possible, write Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost Susan R. Wente in a message to the Class of 2021 and their families. Read More