Commencement 2023

May 12, 2023 Parents, families and friends…esteemed faculty…trustees, valued alumni and dedicated staff…and, of course, our graduates: Welcome to the Commencement ceremony for the Vanderbilt Class of 2023! This year, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vanderbilt’s founding. And you, graduates, are part of an unbroken chain… Read More

Approximately 4,498 students graduated from Vanderbilt during the 2022–23 academic year, including approximately 2,689 people receiving graduate and professional degrees. Read More

Vanderbilt University has honored 33 retiring faculty members for their years of service by bestowing upon them the title of emerita or emeritus faculty. Additionally, four outgoing deans were honored for their service as deans. They were recognized during Vanderbilt’s Commencement ceremony. Read More

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 and for defending free and accurate speech worldwide, called on the Vanderbilt Class of 2023 to seek truth and facts despite the “toxic sludge” of misinformation manipulating social media. Read More

Vanderbilt's Class of 2023 Founder’s Medalists were recognized on Graduates Day. Since 1877, the university 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 student-athletes in the Class of 2023 showcase collaboration, leadership and integrity in the classroom and on the field of play. Read More

Class of 2023: Read how NCAA bowling champion and National Player of the Year Mabel Cummins is using her intellect and competitive spirit in neuroscience and medicine. Read More

Class of 2023: Read how Commodores defensive lineman Nate Clifton found confidence in the classroom and on the field. Read More

Class of 2023: Read about Bangkok, Thailand native Pai Masavisut and how he tackles the challenging academic concentration of prison and carceral studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School.  Read More

Class of 2023: Grace Locke’s desire to better understand the immigration system and people fleeing their homelands, along with her gift for multiple languages, has uniquely positioned the political science and Spanish double major to make an impact.  Read More

Class of 2023: See how Kavya Sharman is using the rich experiences and connections she’s cultivated as an undergraduate and graduate student in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences to build bridges between biotechnology and business. Read More

Meet some members of the Class of 2023 who are cultivating belonging to strengthen, support and enrich the community at Vanderbilt and beyond.  Read More

Vanderbilt’s graduating seniors are encouraged to participate in this year’s Graduate Recognition Ceremonies for specific identity groups as part of the university’s 2023 Commencement celebrations. Read More

Class of 2023: See how Justin Brooks is on a mission of compassion, using his growing legal expertise to aid and empower victims of domestic violence and the economically disadvantaged. Read More

Class of 2023: Whether collaborating in a biomedical engineering lab, leading a cooking class or rocking out on stage with his band, John Abbott has a zest for living life to its fullest and sharing his experiences with others. Read More

Class of 2023: It’s every child’s nightmare: Both parents are rushed to the hospital with life-threatening emergencies. But that terrifying personal experience—and his parents’ recovery—inspired Mark Miller to put aside a 20-year management career and earn a master’s in nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Read More

Class of 2023: Read how biomedical engineering major and head resident advisor Namrah Ajmal is creating unique spaces for community and belonging. Read More

Maria A. Ressa, an internationally acclaimed journalist who has endured political threats and government arrests for her commitment to truth and democracy, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when she speaks to the university’s graduating students and their families during 2023 Commencement activities. Read More