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Vanderbilt alumna awarded prestigious 2020 Rhodes Scholarship
Dec. 6, 2019—Sarena Martinez, a 2016 Vanderbilt graduate who majored in psychology and minored in French, was recently named a recipient of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. She is one of only 32 scholars selected from across the United States for 2020.
Emerita professor who was ‘heart’ of Arts and Science experience dies
Nov. 22, 2019—M. Fräncille Bergquist, a professor of Spanish, emerita, and retired College of Arts and Science administrator who devoted much of her life to mentoring thousands of undergraduate students, has died.
Caroline Kennedy to deliver Vanderbilt Graduates Day address
Nov. 20, 2019—Best-selling author, attorney and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy will receive the Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when she speaks to Vanderbilt graduating students and their families in May 2020.
Limited-edition Vanderbilt socks are back
Nov. 8, 2019—When you give $35 or more to support any area of Vanderbilt through Dec. 4—which is National Socks Day—Vanderbilt will thank you with a pair of black-and-gold argyle socks featuring squirrels and acorns.
Crawford Lecture and dean’s dinner mark first Patterson Fellowship events of 2019-20
Nov. 8, 2019—A lecture by human rights activist and author Supriya Vani on Oct. 30 and a Dean’s Dinner with an acclaimed theater and education professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Erica Halverson, on Nov. 5 marked the first visits by Patterson Fellows for the 2019-20 academic year.
Tipper Gore to speak at Peabody Library 100th anniversary celebration
Oct. 31, 2019—Peabody College alumna Tipper Gore will speak at the Peabody Library on Friday, Nov. 8, when she takes part in its centennial celebration.
Fellowship program established by bestselling author James Patterson to bring distinguished visiting scholars to Vanderbilt
Oct. 28, 2019—Philanthropic support from bestselling author and Vanderbilt University alumnus James Patterson, MA’70, has established new fellowships that will bring distinguished visiting scholars to the university. The Patterson Fellowships will allow visiting scholars to stay for up to a week at Vanderbilt’s Residential Colleges, where they will discuss their work and interact regularly with students.
Retired Army Gen. David Petraeus helps celebrate alumnus’ military career at Alumni Hall ceremony
Oct. 22, 2019—Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Busby Hickman, BS'83, MBA'92, was recognized for his 36 years of service in the U.S. Army at a ceremony held Oct. 17 in Alumni Hall and attended by former CIA Director and Ret. Gen. David Petraeus.
Graduate Leadership Institute launches fall programming with visit from VU alumnus and former Anaheim mayor
Oct. 18, 2019—The Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute launched its fall semester programming with a presentation by Tom Tait, JD’85, MBA’85, former mayor of Anaheim, California. Tait explored themes of authentic leadership and leading with kindness during his Oct. 7 talk.
Bass Military Scholars honored, first John S. Beasley II Scholarship recipient announced at campus reception
Oct. 3, 2019—The inaugural cohort of the Bass Military Scholars Program, comprising seven U.S. military veterans who are pursuing professional degrees across several of Vanderbilt University’s schools, were honored at a reception in Alumni Hall on Sept. 19.
‘Impact After VU: Alumni Leading the Way in Social Impact and Entrepreneurship’ Oct. 18
Sep. 30, 2019—A panel discussion titled “Impact After VU: Alumni Leading the Way in Social Impact and Entrepreneurship” is planned for Friday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Wond’ry, Room 300.
Volunteers needed for Reunion Weekend
Sep. 27, 2019—Development and Alumni Relations is seeking volunteers Oct. 18-19 to help with Reunion Weekend activities.