From tailgates to timely talks, Vanderbilt alumni return to campus for a spirited Reunion 2024

More than 3,200 alumni came together on Vanderbilt's campus from Nov. 7 to Nov. 10 for Reunion and Homecoming. The weekend schedulefeatured more than 85 events designed to deepen connections among alumni, provide insights on current issues and celebrate the milestone class years ending in 4 and 9.

Beyond the excitement of reconnecting at their home away from home, alumni and community members had additional cause for celebration. In an interview moderated by Kelly Goldsmith, E. Bronson Ingram Professor and professor of marketing, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier shared that Vanderbilt's Dare to Grow campaign reached its unprecedented $3.2 billion goal,nearly two years early. Diermeier emphasized the generosity of donors and widespread enthusiasm for the university's vision that made the achievement possible. "This phenomenal success is a testament to the generosity of our alumni community and your pride in Vanderbilt," Diermeier said. "We could not be more grateful."

Roughly $69 million was raised solely by classes celebrating their fifth through 60th Reunions this year-a major contribution toward the campaign goal.

While speaking with Goldsmith, Diermeier encouraged the alumni community to continue their role as ambassadors for the university. "Our alumni are our legacy," he said. "Now is our moment, and we can't do it without you. Vanderbilt is experiencing a lot of change, but change favors the bold. Support the university at a time when it really matters."

Reunion festivities began Thursday with a welcome reception for all 50th reunion "Quinq" alumni on campus and a downtown kickoff party at the SkyDeck at Assembly Food Hall.

Friday's Commodore Classroom events showcased the recent impacts of cutting-edge research by the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Researchand explained how generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, are going to transform industries.

After a block party lunch on Alumni Lawn featuring Nashville food trucks, attendees were invited to the third and final Commodore Classroom on the 2024 presidential election. Vanderbilt experts Josh Clinton, Abby and Jon Winkelried Chair and professor of political science, John Geer, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair and distinguished professor of political science, and Nicole Hemmer, director of the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Center for the American Presidency and associate professor of history, engaged in a timely, bipartisan discussion on the future of democracy with insights from their recordbreaking elections course.

Friday afternoon programming concluded with a National Security Symposium featuring Meredith Berger, BA'04, the current assistant secretary of the navy for energy, installations and environment. As part of the newly launched Institute of National Security, the symposium was open to all military personnel, veterans, students, alumni and anyone interested in learning more about the impact of climate change on national security and the Department of Defense.

The rainy weather didn't dampen the party spirit on Saturday. Highlights for the day included the Homecoming Tailgate and an "anchor drop" by Nashville native and Grammy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze before the Commodores faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The weekend concluded with a Bluegrass Brunch and Market and a 50th Reunion brunch and induction ceremony for the Vanderbilt Quinqs.

"Now more than ever, I feel incredibly proud to be a Vanderbilt Commodore," said Reunion Chair George Huber, BA'79. "Reunion Weekend reminds us of the enduring power of our alumni community and the lifelong bonds we form here."

• Learn more about Reunion 2024 at reunion.vanderbilt.edu
• Discover the many engagement opportunities available to alumni through the Vanderbilt Alumni Association
• Read about Vanderbilt's growth initiatives