Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

As Commencement and Senior Day approach at Vanderbilt, they bring with them annual traditions such as the chancellor's address to students, The Party and a special speaker for Senior Day. Read More

Preparations are underway for Commencement 2016, scheduled for May 11-13, and many details of the three-day event are available on the newly re-launched Commencement website. Read More

Life is much more than following your passion, writer Walter Isaacson told graduating seniors during his Senior Day address. Read More

Former surgeon general Regina M. Benjamin told Vanderbilt graduating seniors to change the world during her Senior Class Day address in Memorial Gym. Read More

Commencement and Senior Day at Vanderbilt will bring words of wisdom from Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos and former surgeon general Regina M. Benjamin on May 8-9. Read More

Regina M. Benjamin, who recently ended her four-year term as the 18th surgeon general of the United States, will receive Vanderbilt’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in May 2014 when she addresses graduating seniors and their families during Senior Day. Read More

The bloody and warlike history of the world is all the more reason to be caring citizens going forward, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison advised graduates during Senior Day festivities at Vanderbilt University. Read More

Vanderbilt University seniors will close their chapters as undergraduates with words from Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison who will deliver the Senior Day address Thursday, May 9, followed by Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 10. Read More

Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison will be the 2013 Senior Day speaker at Vanderbilt University. Her address will be streamed live on the Vanderbilt News website May 9. Read More

Author and newsman Tom Brokaw urged Vanderbilt graduating seniors to “leave an indelible imprint on your time” during his speech May 10 during Senior Day. Read More

Video of Senior Day with Tom Brokaw and of Commencement will be streamed live on the Vanderbilt homepage. Three days of activities enrich the Commencement experience For many graduating seniors, Commencement passes in a blur of gowns and camera flashes and choreography. Add emotional parents, excitement –… Read More

Tom Brokaw Tom Brokaw, one of the most trusted and respected figures in broadcast journalism, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in May 2012 when he addresses graduating seniors and their families during Senior Day. Senior Day, which will be held Thursday, May 10,… Read More

Wangari Maathai and Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos on May 12, 2011. (John Russell/Vanderbilt) Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize who spoke as part of Vanderbilt’s Senior Day activities in May, has died following a battle with cancer. She was 71. Maathai founded the Green Belt… Read More

A Vanderbilt University graduate is a “potential great change agent,” Nobel Peace Prize-winner Wangari Maathai told seniors the day before their Commencement ceremony. Read More