Lawson Lecture
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Dare to ask: A first-year assignment that builds empathy, curiosity and civil discourse
More than 1,600 first-year students were asked to interview someone in their community who could deepen, broaden or shift their understanding of the world—and to document the experience through a written story or reflection. This exercise, the first of its kind at Vanderbilt, drew a response that was nothing short of extraordinary. Read MoreOct 30, 2025
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Acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson emphasizes the role of storytelling in building connection and fostering dialogue
Engaging in thoughtful dialogue is not only essential in today’s society, but also is a trademark of the Vanderbilt experience, which begins with the first-year experience on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons. On Sunday, Sept. 14, author Jacqueline Woodson spoke to a packed Langford Auditorium for the 19th Annual Lawson Lecture and offered a master class for the Class of 2029 on using storytelling to foster discourse and find connection, continuing the 2025–26 first-year programming theme of “Stories that Connect Us.” Read MoreOct 2, 2025
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Students discuss how to engage in civil discourse in divided times with author Mónica Guzmán
The ability to engage with others in highly divisive times is a particularly timely topic, one that Mónica Guzmán, senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, spoke about with first-year students on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at a packed Langford Auditorium. Guzmán delivered the 18th annual Lawson Lecture, named in honor of the Rev. James Lawson, a renowned civil rights activist, professor, theoretician and pastor. Lawson also served as a Distinguished Professor at Vanderbilt from 2006 to 2009. Read MoreSep 17, 2024
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10th Annual Lawson Lecture featuring Perry Wallace, Godfrey Dillard, and Andrew Maraniss
Watch video of the 10th Annual Lawson Lecture featuring Perry Wallace, Godfrey Dillard, and Andrew Maraniss. Read MoreSep 27, 2016