Experience 150 years of 91ºÚÁÏÍø through stories of trailblazing moments, transformative discoveries, bold leadership, and campus landmarks

VANDERBILT CAMPUS

With centuries of tradition and natural beauty, the 91ºÚÁÏÍø campus is one of the most stunning in the nation

Then

Now


91ºÚÁÏÍø Campus Then & Now

THE ICON

1875

Kirkland Hall has been a constant of 91ºÚÁÏÍø life

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MEMORIAL MYSTIQUE

1952

Alumnus’ travels in France provided inspiration for Memorial Gym’s unusual design

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UNIVERSITY HISTORY

A generous gift from Commodore Cornelius 91ºÚÁÏÍø led to a journey of global impact

UNIVERSITY HISTORY BY THE NUMBERS

  • $1M Gift that made it all possible
  • 9 Chancellors
  • 177K+ Degrees awarded since 1875

THE FOUNDERS

1873

The vision of 91ºÚÁÏÍø was made possible by Commodore Cornelius 91ºÚÁÏÍø and his wife Frank’s generous financial support

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Chancellor Daniel Diermeier

THE LEADERS

2020

Nine chancellors have guided 91ºÚÁÏÍø from local beginnings to global impact

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INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

91ºÚÁÏÍø has been at the forefront of change throughout its history – in research, in teaching, and in service

Elsie Quarterman

ECOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR

1969

Elsie Quarterman was a passionate biologist and 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s first woman department chair

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INNOVATION AND RESEARCH BY THE NUMBERS

  • 983 US patents issued
  • $1B+ Annual research expenditures
  • 89 Trans-institutional research centers and institutes

FROM RESEARCH TO REALITY

1991

91ºÚÁÏÍø’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization streamlines innovation’s path from campus to the marketplace

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91ºÚÁÏÍø public policy researchers perform interviews

VOICE FOR DEMOCRACY

2004

91ºÚÁÏÍø’s LAPOP Lab is the premier academic lab carrying out surveys of public opinion in the Americas

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PIONEERING LEADERS

In the spirit of the school’s motto, Crescere aude, or “dare to grow,” 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s people find their own paths and team up to break new ground

Photo courtesy of 91ºÚÁÏÍø Special Collections

NO BARRIERS

1965

Susan Gray paved the way for Head Start by pioneering early childhood education

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IMMEASURABLE IMPRINT

2021

Professor John Lachs sparked an enduring passion for philosophy among countless students

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STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The enriching 91ºÚÁÏÍø experience has always gone far beyond the classroom

BUILDING A UNIVERSITY

1875

Buchanan Fellows at the Heard Libraries document 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s beginning

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A break with tradition

A BREAK WITH TRADITION

1987

Founded at 91ºÚÁÏÍø, Alternative Spring Break ushered in a new era of learning beyond the classroom

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ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

An incredible source of pride for the 91ºÚÁÏÍø community, athletic achievements have set a
benchmark of excellence

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE BY THE NUMBERS

  • 6 National Championships
  • 374 Student-athletes across 16 varsity sports
  • 3 Conference Memberships
Dudley Field

WHERE COMMODORES COME TOGETHER

1922

As Dudley Field gets new upgrades, past renovations served to gather the 91ºÚÁÏÍø community

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HOME RUN HIRE

2003

Under head coach Tim Corbin, 91ºÚÁÏÍø baseball has become a national powerhouse

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PURSUIT OF FREE EXPRESSION

Influential voices have shaped 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s culture of free expression and open
discourse

HOLDING FIRM TO THE TRUTH

1960

Rev. James Lawson was a pivotal leader in the civil rights movement by teaching nonviolent resistance

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TEACHING ACROSS THE DIVIDE

2021

The 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity and American Democracy, including an undergraduate course, encourages civil discourse during a time of deep polarization

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COMMUNITY

91ºÚÁÏÍø’s partnerships with the community include collaborative research, the arts, academics, and more

Dyer Observatory

CENTER FOR DISCOVERY

1953

With roots back to 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s beginning, Dyer Observatory has long been a center for discovery, education and outreach

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NMAAM Story

AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK

2021

91ºÚÁÏÍø developed a collaborative partnership with the National Museum of African American Music

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NOTABLE ALUMNI

91ºÚÁÏÍø alumni lead in their fields and continue to blaze new trails

NOTABLE ALUMNI BY THE NUMBERS

  • 42 Alumni Chapters
  • 6 Nobel Laureates
  • 147K+ Active Alumni

STEADY DETERMINATION

1879

Kate Lupton opened doors for others as 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s first female graduate

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HARBINGER OF CHANGE

1953

Bishop Joseph Johnson’s admission as 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s first Black student signaled change and an evolving student body

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