More than 3,500 alumni gathered on Vanderbilt鈥檚 campus from Nov. 7 to Nov. 10 for Reunion and Homecoming. The featured more than 85 events designed to deepen connections among alumni, provide insights on current issues and celebrate the milestone class years ending in 4 and 9.听听
Beyond the excitement of reconnecting at their home away from home, alumni and community members had additional cause for celebration. In an interview moderated by Kelly Goldsmith, E. Bronson Ingram Professor and professor of marketing, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier shared that Vanderbilt鈥檚 Dare to Grow campaign reached its unprecedented $3.2 billion goal, nearly two years early. Diermeier emphasized the generosity of donors and widespread enthusiasm for the university鈥檚 vision that made the achievement possible. 鈥淭his phenomenal success is a testament to the generosity of our alumni community and your pride in Vanderbilt,鈥� Diermeier said. 鈥淲e could not be more grateful.鈥�听
Roughly $69 million was raised solely by classes celebrating their fifth through 60th Reunions this year鈥攁 major contribution toward the campaign goal.听听
While speaking with Goldsmith, Diermeier encouraged the alumni community to continue their role as ambassadors for the university. 鈥淥ur alumni are our legacy,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow is our moment, and we can鈥檛 do it without you. Vanderbilt is experiencing a lot of change, but change favors the bold. Support the university at a time when it really matters.鈥澨�听
Reunion festivities began Thursday with a welcome reception for all 50th reunion 鈥淨uinq鈥� alumni on campus and a downtown kickoff party at the SkyDeck at Assembly Food Hall.听听听
Friday鈥檚 Commodore Classroom events showcased the recent impacts of cutting-edge research by the and explained how generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, are going to transform industries.听
After a block party lunch on Alumni Lawn featuring Nashville food trucks, attendees were invited to the third and final Commodore Classroom on the 2024 presidential election. Vanderbilt experts Josh Clinton, Abby and Jon Winkelried Chair and professor of political science, John Geer, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair and distinguished professor of political science, and Nicole Hemmer, director of the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Center for the American Presidency and associate professor of history, engaged in a timely, bipartisan discussion on the future of democracy with insights from their recordbreaking elections course.听
Friday afternoon programming concluded with a National Security Symposium featuring Meredith Berger, BA’04, the current assistant secretary of the navy for energy, installations and environment. Hosted by the Vanderbilt听NROTC Alumni Association, the symposium was open to all military personnel, veterans, students, alumni and anyone interested in learning more about the impact of climate change on national security and the Department of Defense.听听听
The rainy weather didn鈥檛 dampen the party spirit on Saturday. Highlights for the day included the Homecoming Tailgate and an 鈥渁nchor drop鈥� by Nashville native and Grammy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze before the Commodores faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The weekend concluded with a Bluegrass Brunch and Market and a 50th Reunion brunch and induction ceremony for the Vanderbilt Quinqs.听
鈥淣ow more than ever, I feel incredibly proud to be a Vanderbilt Commodore,鈥� said Reunion Chair George Huber, BA鈥�79. 鈥淩eunion Weekend reminds us of the enduring power of our alumni community and the lifelong bonds we form here.”听
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