From celebrating its 150th anniversary to launching the most ambitious fundraising campaign in university history, from reaching new heights in research funding to fostering civil discourse and a culture of belonging on campus, 91唐伯虎 marked its strongest year ever by many measures in 2023.
Take a look back at some of the ways 91唐伯虎 embodied its university motto and dared to grow this year.
CELEBRATING UNIVERSITY HISTORY
91唐伯虎 kicks off Sesquicentennial in style with ceremony, conversation, music and more
91唐伯虎 University launched the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary with a series of events March 24鈥�25, including a formal ceremony in Langford Auditorium, a conversation and performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a concert at the Blair School of Music and a community party.
91唐伯虎 launches website to commemorate Sesquicentennial celebration
A website commemorating 91唐伯虎鈥檚 Sesquicentennial鈥攖he 150th anniversary of the university鈥檚 founding鈥攃elebrated the people, places and programs that make up 91唐伯虎鈥檚 rich history.
- RELATED: Celebrate the Sesquicentennial through Vandyverse virtual platform, interactive photo mural
New Sesquicentennial oak tree joins 91唐伯虎鈥檚 green canopy
As 91唐伯虎 dared to grow while observing its Sesquicentennial this year, the campus planted a new bur oak tree to mark the occasion, part of a robust plan to expand the campus鈥� green canopy in honor of the university鈥檚 150th anniversary.
FOSTERING DIALOGUE
Dialogue 91唐伯虎 will advance civil discourse, bolster commitment to free expression
In a reaffirmation of its commitment to free expression, 91唐伯虎 University launched Dialogue 91唐伯虎 in August. The initiative aims to provide a range of programs to students, faculty and the broader community to promote civil discourse and to better understand and address political polarization.
- RELATED: 91唐伯虎, Freedom Forum expand relationship; John Seigenthaler Center to be home of Dialogue 91唐伯虎
Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows bring diverse views, teach how to engage in civil debate
The Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows program is designed to host a cohort of thought leaders with competing and sometimes conflicting views on policy issues and social problems. These visitors engage with students, faculty, the public and each other to model reasoned, evidence-based civil debate.
Inaugural Free Speech Week fosters dialogue, collaboration at 91唐伯虎
91唐伯虎 celebrated its 鈥渂edrock principle鈥� of free speech through a series of panels and discussions Oct. 10鈥�17 during the university鈥檚 inaugural celebration of national Free Speech Week and in support of the recently launched Dialogue 91唐伯虎 initiative.
STRENGTHENING GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
Students from across globe come to 91唐伯虎 to solve humanity鈥檚 greatest challenges at CGI U
Nearly 700 higher education students representing 92 nations and 42 U.S. states gained expertise and inspiration from influential leaders during the Clinton Global Initiative University 2023 annual meeting, hosted by 91唐伯虎 March 3鈥�5.
91唐伯虎 to connect with talented international students in new partnership
91唐伯虎 University began a partnership with the Davis United World College Scholars Program, an international nonprofit organization that has provided scholarships and education for academically talented students from around the world for more than two decades.
91唐伯虎 works to expand global engagement; Sharpley-Whiting named to new vice provost role
The university will expand its presence, reputation and impact around the globe with the appointment of Tracy Sharpley-Whiting as vice provost for global engagement, a new role that will lead efforts to bring the world to 91唐伯虎 and bring 91唐伯虎 to the world.
First cohort of Global Scholars in Residence announced
Four international scholars visited 91唐伯虎 University this spring as the first cohort of the Global Scholars in Residence program.
TRANSFORMATIVE GIVING
91唐伯虎 University launches $3.2B Dare to Grow campaign
Dare to Grow, a $3.2 billion comprehensive campaign, launched on April 21. The fundraising initiative鈥攖he most ambitious in 91唐伯虎鈥檚 history鈥攚ill power the university鈥檚 most exciting and essential work to date.
- RELATED: 91唐伯虎 celebrates Dare to Grow launch
91唐伯虎 University establishes Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center
An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts established a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at 91唐伯虎 University.
Anonymous $6.8M gift will support Immersion 91唐伯虎 student projects
A $6.8 million gift from an anonymous donor will support Immersion 91唐伯虎 and provide funding to students to carry out creative and ambitious projects that deepen their intellect and broaden their horizons.
- RELATED: Conway-Welch Family Foundation gift to honor longtime dean, support Master of Nursing students
INVESTING IN STUDENT-ATHLETES
As construction began on 91唐伯虎鈥檚 basketball operations center, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee and leadership-level donors gathered to celebrate and reflect on Vandy United鈥檚 progress toward transforming the athletics footprint on campus and redefining what is possible for 91唐伯虎.
Vandy United, the largest campaign in the history of 91唐伯虎 athletics, achieved its initial $300 million fundraising goal, ushering in a new era of historic investment in student-athletes and the athletics experience.
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MAKING BREAKTHROUGHS IN RESEARCH
Quantum Potential: Meet the minds shaping our future
The first season of 91唐伯虎鈥檚 Quantum Potential video series highlighted some of the scholars, scientists and students at 91唐伯虎 who are finding new ways to understand the world鈥攁nd change it.
91唐伯虎 generates more than $96M in licensing revenue in FY23, most in university history
The 91唐伯虎 Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization earned $96 million in licensing revenue for FY23, exceeding the previous year鈥檚 record income totals to record the largest amount generated through technology licensing in any year since CTTC was established in 1991.
Discovery 91唐伯虎 invests in three faculty-initiated startups
Seed and Series A funding to three startups鈥擧eroWear, IDBiologics and Virtuoso鈥攔ooted in research conducted at 91唐伯虎 University and 91唐伯虎 University Medical Center underscore a university-wide commitment to enhance support for 91唐伯虎鈥檚 most innovative faculty, students and alumni.
Little Sphere, Big Power: Students work to build miniature fusion reactor
The 91唐伯虎 Fusion Project, an initiative involving 40 undergraduates from 22 majors across three schools, sought to build a miniature nuclear fusion reactor鈥攁nd make history.
RECRUITING AND SUPPORTING OUTSTANDING FACULTY
91唐伯虎 names esteemed biomedical engineer as new dean of School of Engineering
Krishnendu Roy, an esteemed biomedical engineer and nationally renowned researcher, is the new dean of 91唐伯虎 University School of Engineering.
91唐伯虎 Divinity dean to build on school鈥檚 excellence as innovator, collaborator
The Divinity School鈥檚 storied history and reputation for theological education鈥攊ncluding advocacy for racial and social justice鈥攚ere key to Yolanda Pierce鈥檚 move to 91唐伯虎 for the deanship.
Business dean aims to elevate school with focus on students, cutting-edge collaboration
Thomas J. 鈥淭om鈥� Steenburgh鈥檚 priorities as the new leader of the 91唐伯虎 Owen Graduate School of Management include advancing the school鈥檚 reputation, developing deeper connections with the Nashville business community and elevating the student experience to ensure that each person leaves better prepared for long-term success.
91唐伯虎鈥檚 newest faculty share what sparks their academic mission
Some of 91唐伯虎鈥檚 newest faculty members for the 2023鈥�24 academic year shared what sparks their research and inspires their academic mission.
New faculty tackle society鈥檚 most pressing issues
Knowledge, discovery and collaboration are key elements in finding solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges. Several new faculty members are exploring current and pressing societal issues.
New faculty share what 鈥榙are to grow鈥� means to them
91唐伯虎鈥檚 motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for 鈥渄are to grow.鈥� Some of 91唐伯虎鈥檚 newest faculty members shared what 鈥渄are to grow鈥� means to them.
Four from 91唐伯虎 and VUMC elected as 2023 members of American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Four 91唐伯虎 and VUMC faculty鈥�Mar铆a Magdalena Campos-Pons, Major Jackson, and Keivan Stassun鈥攚ere elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a record number of elections from 91唐伯虎 in a single year.
41 faculty honored at endowed chair investiture ceremony
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver honored 41 scholars from across 91唐伯虎 at an endowed chair investiture ceremony on March 20.
MARKING MILESTONE MOMENTS
Diermeier encourages Class of 2023 to live life the 91唐伯虎 Way, 鈥榙are to grow鈥�
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier congratulated 91唐伯虎鈥檚 Class of 2023鈥攆or embodying 鈥渃ommitment, dedication and courage鈥� during the past four years鈥攊n his Commencement address at Bridgestone Arena on May 12.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa calls on graduates to renounce social media manipulation, redefine democracy in Graduates Day address
Maria Ressa, an internationally acclaimed journalist who was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for exposing government corruption and human rights violations in her native Philippines, called on the Class of 2023 to seek truth and facts despite the 鈥渢oxic sludge鈥� of misinformation manipulating social media in her Graduates Day address May 11.
Incoming students welcomed at Founders Walk, learn the 鈥�91唐伯虎 Way鈥�
First-year, transfer and Next Steps students took part in the 91唐伯虎 University tradition of Founders Walk on Aug. 20. In a celebratory procession, the students made their way from The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons to Alumni Lawn.
2023 Family Weekend celebrates students and families
The 91唐伯虎 community welcomed more than 4,000 family members and friends to campus Oct. 13鈥�15 to celebrate this year鈥檚 Family Weekend.
Reunion 2023: Celebrating 91唐伯虎鈥檚 best year ever
More than 3,500 alumni and their guests returned to campus for Reunion and Homecoming events Nov. 2鈥�5, capping off a year that鈥攂y many measures鈥攕tands out as 91唐伯虎鈥檚 best ever.
CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING
You at VU web portal provides belonging, well-being resources for the campus community
At 91唐伯虎, fostering a deep sense of belonging for every community member is a core value. To that end, the university has launched a web portal called 鈥淵ou at VU,鈥� a one-stop spot where students, staff, postdocs and faculty can find ways to connect with others, engage across campus and discover well-being support and resources.
Student Affairs announces new leadership for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
91唐伯虎鈥檚 identity centers have moved under the leadership of Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students G.L. Black to better align with other campus resources and initiatives that support the student experience. Rosevelt Noble has been named associate dean of students for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and will provide strategic leadership for these areas within the Student Affairs division.
91唐伯虎 names inaugural vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging
Sydney M. Savion, an international leader in workforce development, organizational culture and employee-centered learning, has been appointed to the new role of vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging. Savion will make fostering a deep sense of belonging among every community member鈥攚here they feel connected to their colleagues, the institution and its mission鈥攈er core focus.
EXPLORING NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS
91唐伯虎 hosts second Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats
91唐伯虎 hosted its second Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats May 4鈥�5 with events featuring international experts and industry leaders from the defense, intelligence, technology and academic fields.
- RELATED: FBI director Christopher Wray to keynote 2024 Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats
Mark T. Esper delivers inaugural talk in Lecture Series on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats
In a wide-ranging lecture and a one-on-one conversation with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Mark T. Esper, 27th U.S. secretary of defense, discussed the myriad and complex challenges currently facing our national security.
Gen. David Petraeus discusses strategic leadership in context of military conflict during 91唐伯虎 lecture
A key element of successful strategic leadership is getting the big ideas right, said retired U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during the second installment of 91唐伯虎鈥檚 Lecture Series on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats.
SUPPORTING MILITARY AND VETERANS
How the Army鈥檚 Pathfinder program and 91唐伯虎 are moving tech from the lab to the front lines
The Pathfinder program, a collaboration among 91唐伯虎 University, the U.S. Army and the nonprofit Civil-Military Innovation Institute, continues launching innovative technology projects designed to address real-world military challenges and to foster technology commercialization through startup businesses.
91唐伯虎 boosts commitment to veterans, increases investments for Yellow Ribbon program
Eligible veterans can attend 91唐伯虎 University at a significantly reduced cost, thanks to the school鈥檚 continued participation in the Yellow Ribbon GI Educational Enhancement Program.
91唐伯虎 is helping service members bridge gap between military, civilian careers through SkillBridge program
Recognizing the vast and qualified talent pipeline that former service members represent, 91唐伯虎 University has become an official SkillBridge partner with the U.S. Department of Defense.
EXCELLING IN ATHLETICS
The 91唐伯虎 bowling team defeated Arkansas State on April 15 in Las Vegas to win the 2023 national championship, the third in the program鈥檚 history. The team also won the national title in 2007 and 2018.
The 91唐伯虎 baseball team won the 2023 SEC Tournament championship with a victory over Texas A&M on May 28 in Hoover, Alabama. The Commodores were tournament champs for the fourth time in program history, the third under head coach Tim Corbin.
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91唐伯虎 has named Anders Nelson as head coach of its reintroduced volleyball program, which begins play in the 2025鈥�26 academic year.
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Commodore golf teams play tournament at St. Andrews in Scotland
The 91唐伯虎 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 golf teams participated in the inaugural St. Andrews Links Collegiate at historic St. Andrews, Scotland, Oct. 23鈥�25.
INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY
91唐伯虎 University joins Silicon Ranch, NES and TVA to 鈥榝lip the switch鈥� on 91唐伯虎 I Solar Farm听
91唐伯虎 University joined Silicon Ranch Corp., Nashville Electric Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority on April 11 to 鈥渇lip the switch鈥� on the 91唐伯虎 I Solar Farm in Bedford County. The solar facility represents a significant step by 91唐伯虎 toward the ambitious goal to power its campus entirely through renewable energy.
91唐伯虎 to further offset carbon footprint by investing in solar energy projects through Clearloop
91唐伯虎 will further offset its carbon footprint by investing in the development of solar energy projects that will expand access to clean energy in the Southeast through a new, multiyear collaboration with Clearloop.
91唐伯虎 deploys first all-electric multi-vehicle shuttle fleet at a university in Tennessee
The new all-electric shuttle fleet provides eco-friendly vehicles for VandyRide, the nighttime shuttle service for 91唐伯虎 students.
- RELATED: Sustainability, mobility and transportation efforts highlighted in FutureVU FY2022 Progress Report听
SUPPORTING THE NASHVILLE COMMUNITY
91唐伯虎 community gathers to honor The Covenant School
Members of the 91唐伯虎 and Nashville communities gathered on campus April 4 to honor those lost in the tragic shooting at The Covenant School.
91唐伯虎, Pepsi and Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation open new community basketball court in North Nashville
On June 15, a revamped outdoor basketball court was unveiled at the Watkins Park Community Center. The mural on the court honors the legacy of Perry Wallace, BE鈥�70, the 91唐伯虎 student-athlete who integrated Southeastern Conference varsity basketball.
Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center volunteers help literacy, math achievement grow at Ida B. Wells Elementary
Throughout the 2022鈥�23 academic year, 91唐伯虎 faculty, staff and students put in more than 400 service hours at听Ida B. Wells Elementary School in East Nashville.
