150 Years of 91ºÚÁÏÍø
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
91ºÚÁÏÍø Campus
MEMORIAL MYSTIQUE
1952
Alumnus’ travels in France provided inspiration for Memorial Gym’s unusual design
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
University History
THE FOUNDERS
1873
The vision of 91ºÚÁÏÍø was made possible by Commodore Cornelius 91ºÚÁÏÍø and his wife Frank’s generous financial support
University History
THE LEADERS
2020
Nine chancellors have guided 91ºÚÁÏÍø from local beginnings to global impact
INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
91ºÚÁÏÍø has been at the forefront of change throughout its history – in research, in teaching, and in service
Innovation and Research
ECOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR
1969
Elsie Quarterman was a passionate biologist and 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s first woman department chair
INNOVATION AND RESEARCH BY THE NUMBERS
- 983 US patents issued
- $1B+ Annual research expenditures
- 89 Trans-institutional research centers and institutes
Innovation and Research
FROM RESEARCH TO REALITY
1991
91ºÚÁÏÍø’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization streamlines innovation’s path from campus to the marketplace
Innovation and Research
VOICE FOR DEMOCRACY
2004
91ºÚÁÏÍø’s LAPOP Lab is the premier academic lab carrying out surveys of public opinion in the Americas
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
Pioneering Leaders
NO BARRIERS
1965
Susan Gray paved the way for Head Start by pioneering early childhood education
Pioneering Leaders
IMMEASURABLE IMPRINT
2021
Professor John Lachs sparked an enduring passion for philosophy among countless students
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The enriching 91ºÚÁÏÍø experience has always gone far beyond the classroom
Student Experience
BUILDING A UNIVERSITY
1875
Buchanan Fellows at the Heard Libraries document 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s beginning
Student Experience
A BREAK WITH TRADITION
1987
Founded at 91ºÚÁÏÍø, Alternative Spring Break ushered in a new era of learning beyond the classroom
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
Athletic Excellence
WHERE COMMODORES COME TOGETHER
1922
As Dudley Field gets new upgrades, past renovations served to gather the 91ºÚÁÏÍø community
Athletic Excellence
HOME RUN HIRE
2003
Under head coach Tim Corbin, 91ºÚÁÏÍø baseball has become a national powerhouse
PURSUIT OF FREE EXPRESSION
Influential voices have shaped 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s culture of free expression and open
discourse
Pursuit of Free Expression
HOLDING FIRM TO THE TRUTH
1960
Rev. James Lawson was a pivotal leader in the civil rights movement by teaching nonviolent resistance
Pursuit of Free Expression
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
COMMUNITY
91ºÚÁÏÍø’s partnerships with the community include collaborative research, the arts, academics, and more
Community
CENTER FOR DISCOVERY
1953
With roots back to 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s beginning, Dyer Observatory has long been a center for discovery, education and outreach
Community
AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK
2021
91ºÚÁÏÍø developed a collaborative partnership with the National Museum of African American Music
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
Notable Alumni
STEADY DETERMINATION
1879
Kate Lupton opened doors for others as 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s first female graduate
Notable Alumni
HARBINGER OF CHANGE
1953
Bishop Joseph Johnson’s admission as 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s first Black student signaled change and an evolving student body