Vanderbilt University Division of Government and Community Relations, Championing the interests of VU and our broader community

VOL 23 | FEBRUARY 2025

Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations is the leading advocate for the university and our community to local, state and federal government as well as nonprofit partners. This important role gives us a front row seat to the countless ways that Vanderbilt makes a positive impact on Nashville, our state, our country and the entire world.

Vanderbilt, Special Olympics Tennessee bid to host 2030 USA Games in Nashville

Nashville, with Vanderbilt University as a key partner, is one of two finalists to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, an event that could bring thousands of athletes and volunteers to the city. Read More

Schoolchildren play on the grass outside of the Wyatt Center on Vanderbilt's Peabody Lawn

Vanderbilt offers enriching summer camps for 2025

From the prestigious Vanderbilt Summer Academy for advanced students to skill-building sports camps led by expert coaches, these programs provide unique opportunities for growth, creativity and fun. Financial assistance is available for many camps, ensuring accessibility for all families. Read More

Children sit in a circle listening to an adult read to them in a peaceful library

Heard Libraries strengthen engagement with Metro Nashville Public Schools through innovative literacy initiatives

Vanderbilt’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are deepening their collaboration with Metro Nashville Public Schools through innovative literacy initiatives aimed at fostering a love for reading among local students.
Read More

View of Vanderbilt's main campus with sun shining through trees and onto the grass with the bell tower of Kirkland Hall looming in the background as a student walks on a sidewalk path

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces courses for spring 2025

From the meditative practice of Tai Chi, to the exploration of the iconic movies that shaped the boomer generation, the OLLI at Vanderbilt is offering an exciting lineup of spring courses to invite the 50-plus community to rediscover the joy of learning. Read More

Deans Okenwa Okoli, University of Memphis, Joseph Slater, Tennessee Technological University, Matthew Mench, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Krishnendu Roy, Vanderbilt University, Ahad Nasab, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Lin Li, Tennessee State UniversityDeans Okenwa Okoli, University of Memphis, Joseph Slater, Tennessee Technological University, Matthew Mench, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Krishnendu Roy, Vanderbilt University, Ahad Nasab, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Lin Li from Tennessee State University stand together outside Senator Bill Hagerty's office on Capitol Hill

Dean Krish Roy champions federal support for engineering on Capitol Hill

Dean Krish Roy traveled to Washington, D.C., to join fellow university leaders in advocating for increased federal investment in engineering research and education. On Capitol Hill, he emphasized its vital role in driving innovation, economic growth, global competitiveness and national security. Read More

Upcoming Events

Circular graphic with a portrait of an African American woman wearing a green dress with white earrings and short hair covering a light green background

Changemakers of the Twenty-First Century Art Exhibition

Curb Center, 1801 Edgehill Ave
Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
On view until April 17

This exhibition highlights Americans who have impacted the world in the past twenty-five years, illuminating how protest can take many different shapes and forms.
Learn More

The entrance to Vanderbilt's Dyer Observatory with a rotunda above the door. The night sky in the background is blue, a sharp contrast to the light emitting from indoors. People using a telescope to look into the sky

Meet the Astronomer Talk + Telescope Viewing

Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory
Wednesday, Mar. 12 | 7 p.m.

Visit Dyer Observatory and learn about the formation and life cycles of stars. View stunning imagery from the Hubble and James Webb telescopes.
Get Tickets

The words Frist Art Museum in black with the first S being a sharp red color that curves, symbolizing the Cumberland River in Nashville protrude from a white background

Food for Thought

Frist Art Museum
Thursday, Mar. 20 | 6 p.m.

Enjoy lunch and hear from Vanderbilt faculty, Frist curators and local leaders exploring the role of labor in the farm, food and restaurant industries.
Register Now

Campus Construction

25th Avenue South reopens

More News

Universities must reject creeping politicization

Sam Altman to open Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats

Vanderbilt researchers simulate battlefield blast exposures to reduce impact on soldiers

Steve Turner, trustee emeritus, has died

Reducing the risk of “forever chemicals” in Tennessee’s drinking water

Nashville student named finalist in prestigious national scientific competition

Vanderbilt alumnus Aneesh Sohoni named CEO of Teach for America

Blair School of Music professor Pascal Le Boeuf wins Grammy Award

Vanderbilt Institute of National Security Launches the Wicked Problems Lab

Vanderbilt engineering students transform ride-on cars for children with mobility challenges

This newsletter features some of our top stories from the past month. For more details or to learn how Vanderbilt can support your community, please contact our office.

Vanderbilt University Government and Community Relations

gcr@vanderbilt.edu | vu.edu/gcr

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