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As we wrap up 2024, we have so many dynamic highlights lighting up our year! Take a look at some of our favorite firework moments that matter most to the Vanderbilt community.
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Two Vanderbilt programs defeated the nation’s No. 1 team. The football team secured a historic victory over Alabama and the women's soccer team beat Florida State on penalty kicks in the NCAA tournament.
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Vanderbilt took our motto Crescere aude, Latin for “dare to grow,” literally in 2024! Vanderbilt announced plans to expand their presence in the U.S. In the words of Chancellor Diermeier, these efforts are part of an ongoing strategy to “bring the world to Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt to the world." Key goals are to expand Vanderbilt’s impact and further our mission with opportunities for students, faculty, alumni and supporters in these areas.
Read more about the university's plans to expand their reach to West Palm Beach, Florida
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Luminaries earn world's most prestigious awards
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During Commencement 2024 on May 10, Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier called the Class of 2024 his “hero class” for their resilience in enduring a stunted high school exit and first-year college experience because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The undergraduate celebration was also held in a unique location, Nashville’s GEODIS Park. Watch all the highlights from a weekend of celebrations below!
Read more about the 2024 Commencement festivities
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College of Connected Computing
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To provide more students with the skills and credentials needed in a society shaped by technology, Vanderbilt announced plans to establish the College of Connected Computing, the university’s first new college in 40 years. This new, interdisciplinary college will advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education for every student through a “computing for all” approach.
Read more about the College of Connected Computing
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In November, Vanderbilt’s Dare to Grow campaign eclipsed its $3.2 billion fundraising goal, 20 months ahead of its target date! The campaign has already had a profound impact on the Vanderbilt community and beyond with Opportunity Vanderbilt scholarships, research, improved facilities and the launch of numerous programs. See how alumni, supporters, faculty and staff have come together, and learn more about the future vision for this campaign.
Read more about the Dare to Grown campaign milestone
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In a year during which opinions were sometimes louder than civil discussions, the university focused on building more open dialogue and engaged citizens through Dialogue Vanderbilt. Experts from on campus and around the world joined special events to talk through tough issues and help grow a vibrant culture of civil discourse and free expression.
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West End Neighborhood growth
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The Vanderbilt skyline and the West End Neighborhood hit an exciting milestone in 2024 with the completion of the 12-year FutureVU West End Neighborhood growth project. Project goals included crafting innovative spaces for teaching, research and service, and prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability. Watch videos and read stories about how the area transformed.
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New faces entered leadership roles throughout the university in 2024. Professor Melissa Rose and Professor Tim McNamara were appointed as deans in the Blair School of Music and the College of Arts and Science. Sydney Savion began work as the vice chancellor for the new People, Culture and Belonging division. Mark Byington started as the new men’s basketball head coach.
Learn more about Dean Rose
Learn more about Dean McNamara
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Welcome Week is
“Hot to Go”!
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After students’ suitcases were unpacked and loved ones gave final hugs, Welcome Week 2024 jumped into full swing. See how Vandy rolled out the black and gold carpet for new and returning students. And watch the viral video from the Class of 2028 with 7.5 million views and counting, becoming VU’s most-liked, most-viewed, most-shared, most-saved post of all time!
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Conquer and Prevail Pale Ale
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Institute of National Security launch
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Vanderbilt advanced its strong collaborations with the defense and aerospace communities and cyber domain and launched the Institute of National Security. It’s led by Paul M. Nakasone, former director of the National Security Agency, former commander of U.S. Cyber Command and retired four-star general, along with Doug Adams, Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The institute will help combat evolving security threats and develop the next generation of national security leaders.
Read more about the launch of the institute
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The Vandy United campaign’s ongoing commitment to reimagining the footprint of Vanderbilt Athletics hit multiple milestones in 2024. The Huber Center in the north end zone of FirstBank Stadium opened as the new home of the men's and women's basketball teams. In addition, the new Vanderbilt Golf House was completed at Vanderbilt Legends Club. Check out future plans for Vandy United!
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Family and Reunion Weekends
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Big hugs and even bigger celebrations filled this year’s Family and Reunion weekends. Watch the highlights as nearly 4,200 parents, grandparents, siblings and friends made September’s Family Weekend one of the most successful in recent memory. The party lasted all weekend long at Reunion 2024 later in November! More than 3,500 alumni joined for 85 events designed to deepen connections, provide insights on current issues and celebrate class years ending in 4 and 9.
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Innovative research pays dividends
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Launched in 2022 with an $80 million commitment, Discovery Vanderbilt funds research to help humanity thrive. In 2024, internal research grants returned up to 17.5x on their investment in outside funds, including Professor Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons' $1M Mellon Foundation grant for the Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice. Additionally, VU’s research scope expanded with three new institutes: Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (VSEC), Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation (VALIANT), and The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center.
Check out the Vanderbilt Research ÁÔĆćÖ®ĽŇ page
Read more about VSEC and VALIANT
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When it comes to impressive awards, talented members of the Blair School of Music brought impressive wins back to Vanderbilt. Jazz saxophone instructor, Grammy winner and longtime composer Jeff Coffin received an honored spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Dave Matthews Band. Dashon Burton, assistant professor of voice, and Edgar Meyer, adjunct associate professor of bass, both won Grammy Awards in 2024. Hear more about their passion for collaboration in these stories.
Learn more about Coffin and his artistry
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Nashville city partnerships: Nashville Innovation Alliance
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Commodore fans have a lot to celebrate at the end of 2024! Two Vanderbilt alumnae competed in the Paris Olympics, including gold medalist Lily Williams, BA'16. The bowling team capped the fall season ranked No. 1 in the country. And the football program is bowling too—the team was invited to play in the Birmingham Bowl, the first postseason appearance since 2018. The football team's run has earned praise in the SEC as well, with head coach Clark Lea, BA'04, MA '07, earning SEC Coach of the Year and quarterback Diego Pavia winning the league's first-ever Newcomer of the Year award.
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This year at Vanderbilt, social media accounts from all across campus shared content that made us laugh, feel, think and learn. Take a look back at a few of the most creative must-see social posts we shared this year.Â
Check out Vanderbilt's top social posts for 2024
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These are just a few of the many firework moments that defined 2024 for the Vanderbilt community.
As the sun sets on another year, we want to be sure to wrap it up right. What moments stood out to you? Share your own Vandy Wrapped moments and tag for a chance to be featured!
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