Vanderbilt Trailblazers

Vanderbilt officially launched the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary with a full slate of events on March 24 and 25. Among the highlights was a formal ceremony in Langford Auditorium where members of the Vanderbilt community took to the stage in academic regalia to recount details of the university’s founding in 1873 and reflect on key moments in Vanderbilt’s history. Read More

Six pioneering members of the Vanderbilt community who played significant roles in the university’s history were honored at a portrait unveiling and reception March 25 as part of festivities kicking off Vanderbilt’s yearlong Sesquicentennial celebration. Read More

After 75 years, an unofficial Vanderbilt institution has vanished. Rotier’s, originally opened in 1945 and famous for its cheeseburger served on french bread (not to mention its cold beer), closed in March after struggling as a result of the pandemic. Read More

More than 200 people gathered in front of Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gym Feb. 22 for the dedication of Perry Wallace Way, the portion of 25th Avenue South recently named in honor of Vanderbilt trailblazer and Nashville native Perry Wallace, the first African American to play varsity basketball in the Southeastern Conference. Read More

In her latest "Open Mind" column, Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente reflects on the words carved into the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Read More

Vanderbilt will host a screening of the documentary film "Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace" on Thursday, Dec. 12, in Sarratt Cinema. The event is free and open to the public, and free popcorn, soft drinks and hot chocolate will be provided. Read More

Vanderbilt marked LGBTQI History Month in October with a series of events honoring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex narratives and history, and by engaging community members in meaningful reflection, programming and education. Read More

The Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center marked its 35th anniversary during Reunion Weekend, celebrating the impact of its innovative programming, support and services to students, faculty and staff at Vanderbilt. Read More

The Vanderbilt and Michigan baseball teams will play each other in a Nov. 10 exhibition game named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletics Director David Williams II. Admission to the David Williams Fall Classic, scheduled to begin at noon at Hawkins Field, will be free. Read More

Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente unveiled the Vanderbilt Trailblazer portraits of Kate Lupton, David Williams II, Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips, K.C. Potter and Muhammad Yunus on Oct. 18. Read More

David Williams II was remembered as a courageous vice chancellor, outstanding athletics director, brilliant law professor, and devoted husband and father during a celebration of life service Feb. 15. Read More

Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos announced today the second series of portraits honoring five Vanderbilt trailblazers. Zeppos has commissioned paintings of Dorothy Wingfield Phillips, K.C. Potter, David Williams II, Kate Lupton and Muhammad Yunus. Read More

David Williams II was remembered as a courageous vice chancellor, outstanding athletics director, brilliant law professor and devoted husband and father during a celebration of life service Feb. 15. Read More

Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos recently provided updates on topics ranging from strategic land use planning to increasing leadership opportunities for women, during a wide-ranging talk at USAC. Read More

Black History Month is a critical time for reflection, for compassion, for improvement. Vanderbilt is celebrating the month with a series of thought-provoking events to inspire action in February and beyond. Read More

Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos reflects on Vanderbilt's work, progress and accomplishments over the past 12 months in his final column of 2018. Read More

We must ensure that the artwork displayed at Vanderbilt celebrates role models that inspire all members of our rich mosaic, writes Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos in this week's column. Read More

Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos unveiled four portraits on Saturday that are part of a new “Vanderbilt Trailblazers” series to honor members of the Vanderbilt community who broke barriers at the university and in society at large. Read More