Vandy beats No. 1!
Two Vanderbilt programs defeated the nation鈥檚 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.
Like the best holiday gifts, Vanderbilt knows how to give鈥攅specially when it comes to research, innovation, creativity, collaboration and growth.
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 people across the Vanderbilt community.
Growth initiatives
Vanderbilt took our motto Crescere aude, Latin for 鈥渄are to grow,鈥� literally in 2024! Vanderbilt announced plans to expand its presence in the U.S. In the words of Chancellor Diermeier, these efforts are part of an ongoing strategy to 鈥渂ring the world to Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt to the world." Key goals are to expand Vanderbilt鈥檚 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
Luminaries earn world's most prestigious awards
Vanderbilt scholars achieved an unprecedented trifecta of prestigious global awards in 2024. John Jumper (BS鈥�07) earned the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his protein structure research. Jon Meacham received the National Humanities Medal from President Biden for broadening public engagement with history. Keivan Stassun won a MacArthur "genius" grant for work in astrophysics, autism and inclusive education.
Read more about Meacham's award and visit to D.C.
Read more about Stassun's journey to Vanderbilt and his grant win
Commencement
During Commencement 2024 on May 10, Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier called the Class of 2024 his 鈥渉ero class鈥� 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鈥檚 GEODIS Park. Watch all the highlights from a weekend of celebrations.
College of Connected Computing
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鈥檚 first new college in 40 years. This new, interdisciplinary college will advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education for every student through a 鈥渃omputing for all鈥� approach.
Dare to Grow successes
In November, Vanderbilt鈥檚 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.
Dialogue Vanderbilt
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 Vanderbilt and around the world joined special events to talk through tough issues and help grow a vibrant culture of civil discourse and free expression.
West End Neighborhood growth
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.
New faces in leadership
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鈥檚 basketball head coach.
Welcome Week is 鈥淗ot to Go鈥�!
After students鈥� 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鈥檚 most-liked, most-viewed, most-shared, most-saved post of all time!聽
Conquer and Prevail Pale Ale
Cheers to 2024 and a partnership between Jackalope Brewing founder Bailey Spaulding, JD鈥�09, and Vanderbilt on a new craft brew, Conquer and Prevail Pale Ale! The pale ale pays homage to Vanderbilt鈥檚 alma mater and is now available for shipping to 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Read more about Spaulding鈥檚 inspiring dream and where Vanderbilt鈥檚 proceeds are going
Institute of National Security launch
Vanderbilt advanced its strong collaborations with the defense and aerospace communities and cyber domain and launched the Institute of National Security. It鈥檚 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.
Vandy United
The Vandy United campaign鈥檚 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!聽
Family and Reunion Weekends
Big hugs and even bigger celebrations filled this year鈥檚 Family and Reunion weekends. Watch the highlights as nearly 4,200 parents, grandparents, siblings and friends made September鈥檚 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.聽
Innovative research pays dividends
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 & Justice. Additionally, VU鈥�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.
Musical milestones
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.
Nashville city partnerships: Nashville Innovation Alliance
Nashville and Vanderbilt created even stronger growth partnerships in 2024 with the Nashville Innovation Alliance to power up the region鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. As a leading research university, Vanderbilt is an anchor for ideas, technology and talented employees, creating a stronger local economy.
Read more about the partnership
Read the recap of the first Nashville Innovation Alliance Ecosystem Forum
Athletics all-stars!
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鈥攖he 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.
