Commencement

The 2020–21 academic year in many ways was defined by urgency and imminent priorities—from the rapid implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols and weekly testing to the procurement of technology required for hybrid teaching and the herculean planning behind the two in-person Commencement ceremonies we hosted this spring, to name just a few. I remain inspired by the way our community responded to these challenges with such profound resilience and innovative problem-solving. Read More

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier welcomes the Vanderbilt community back to campus for a new semester, reflecting on last year's work and looking ahead at this year's opportunities. Read More

Carter Philips, BA’65, professor of classics, emeritus, and university marshal at Vanderbilt Commencement for more than two decades, died July 8. He was 78. Read More

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

During Commencement ceremonies on May 15, Vanderbilt University honored five distinguished Vanderbilt University School of Nursing faculty by naming them faculty emeriti. The university also announced that Dean Linda Norman, DSN, FAAN, would be designated dean emerita, effective July 1, 2021. 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

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Susan R. Wente and Chancellor Daniel Diermeier welcomed back the undergraduate Class of 2020 for a special in-person and virtual ceremony on May 1 at Vanderbilt Stadium, and graduate and professional students were honored with separate ceremonies held by their respective schools across campus on Sunday, May 2. Read More

Caroline Kennedy drew on inspirational remarks that her father, President John F. Kennedy, delivered at Vanderbilt in 1963 when she spoke virtually to the 2020 graduates and their families on April 30. Her Graduates Day address was postponed from last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

The 10 students who graduated with first honors from each of Vanderbilt’s schools and colleges will be recognized during the Class of 2020’s Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2. 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 University will recognize the 33 faculty members who retired last academic year at its Class of 2020 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 1. Read More

The Vanderbilt Class of 2020 is being honored in a special weekend of Commencement celebrations. All activities will observe campus health and safety protocols. Here’s what you need to know to guide you through the weekend. 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

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

Caroline Kennedy, a bestselling author, attorney and former U.S. ambassador to Japan, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when she speaks to Class of 2020 graduates and their families at their Graduates Day celebration on Friday, April 30. 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

We are excited to announce that the university will hold in-person Commencement ceremonies May 1–2 for the Class of 2020, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost Susan R. Wente wrote in a message to last 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

Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente was joined by deans, administrators, former and current faculty heads of house on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, coaches, Board of Trust members and alumni in saluting the Class of 2020 with a virtual toast. Read More