Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal Archives
Global tennis champion Venus Williams to deliver Senior Day address
Nov. 30, 2018—Venus Williams—an international tennis champion, entrepreneur and author—will receive the Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in May 2019, when she addresses graduating seniors at Vanderbilt and their families.
Amal Clooney to graduates: ‘Be courageous. Challenge orthodoxy. Stand up for what you believe in’
May. 10, 2018—In a Senior Day speech that brought a packed Memorial Gymnasium to its feet, Amal Clooney took the crowd through historic examples of courage, including Vanderbilt Distinguished Alumnus Rev. James Lawson.
Senior Day address by Amal Clooney open to all VU students, faculty and staff
May. 4, 2018—The entire Vanderbilt community is invited to hear British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney speak beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 10, in Memorial Gym. Clooney will receive Vanderbilt's prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when she addresses graduating seniors, their families and other members of campus during Senior Day.
Chancellor Zeppos, Amal Clooney to address graduating seniors
Apr. 30, 2018—Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos will give his Commencement address to about 3,100 graduates Friday, May 11, the day after the students hear from international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.
International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney to deliver Senior Day address
Nov. 30, 2017—British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney will receive Vanderbilt's prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in May 2018, when she will address graduating seniors and their families during Senior Day.
Follow the better angels of their nature, grads are told
May. 11, 2017—Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns spoke to graduating Vanderbilt seniors during Senior Day and was awarded the Nichols-Chancellor's Medal.
A conversation with America’s historian, Ken Burns
May. 8, 2017—Ken Burns, Vanderbilt University’s 2017 Nichols-Chancellor's Medalist and Senior Day speaker, took a break last month from editing his upcoming film, "Country Music," to talk with MyVU and share his insights on filmmaking, where America stands today, and some contemplative thoughts for seniors on the cusp of Commencement.
Chancellor Zeppos, Ken Burns to address graduating seniors
May. 1, 2017—Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos will deliver Vanderbilt University’s traditional Commencement address May 12, the day after documentary filmmaker Ken Burns accepts a prestigious Vanderbilt award and offers his advice.
Award-winning documentarian Ken Burns to deliver Senior Day address during 2017 VU Commencement
Dec. 12, 2016—Critically acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, who has produced some of the most-watched documentaries on public television, will address graduating seniors and their families during Senior Day.
Nichols Humanitarian Fund celebrates 10th anniversary Oct. 20
Oct. 13, 2016—The Office of Active Citizenship and Service, in collaboration with The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, will celebrate the milestone and recognize founders Edward and Janice Nichols at the annual Nichols Humanitarian Fund Reception on Oct. 20.
Soledad O’Brien to seniors: Finding your passion can take time
May. 12, 2016—Finding the inspiration to live a meaningful life is more a “slow, chip-away-at-it process” than a thunderclap of revelation, Senior Day speaker Soledad O’Brien told Vanderbilt’s Class of 2016 during her address.
Watch Soledad O’Brien live at Senior Day
May. 12, 2016—Television journalist and philanthropist Soledad O'Brien will give Vanderbilt's Senior Day address beginning at 11 a.m. today in Memorial Gym. Watch a live stream of the event on the Vanderbilt homepage, www.vanderbilt.edu.