VU Parents Association recently launched

by Betsy Hoban and Lew Harris

The newly created Vanderbilt Parents Association was officially launched with a campus breakfast March 23, during Parents Weekend 2002. Headed by Association Co-chairs Darryl (B.A. '69) and Louellen Berger, the morning gathering outlined the goals for the newly formed group. All four of the Bergers' children attend Vanderbilt: Darryl, A&S '02; Brandon, A&S '03; Ryan, A&S '05; and Allison, Law '04.

Chancellor Gordon Gee addressed the parents and other members of the administration who were on hand to show their support of the new endeavor. The inaugural meeting offered an opportunity for questions and answers regarding the Association.

Parents Weekend was filled with other activities for students and their families, ranging from the annual Ring Ceremony, in which juniors, seniors and graduate students receive their class rings, to the Chancellor's Accolade Ball, which raises money for the Chancellor's Minority Scholarships Fund.

Goals of the new Vanderbilt Parents Association include: providing information to parents about University offices, services and programs; creating opportunities for parent participation in both campus and regional activities; providing avenues for parents to network with fellow Vanderbilt parents; communicating with parents about the Parents Campaign; and providing channels for promoting Vanderbilt to admitted students.

"The Parents Association will provide information and support to all current parents of Vanderbilt students," said Donna Johnson of the Alumni Relations office. "This resource is centered on the wants and needs of the parents and works to foster a sense of community among them. All current parents are automatically members, so we hope that they will take advantage of these opportunities."

A newly created Parents Mentoring Program will connect "new" parents with those who already have students at Vanderbilt. The veteran parents will offer advice on getting involved at the school, answer move-in day questions and talk about the campus life and other issues at Vanderbilt.

Other opportunities for parents are receptions held in conjunction with alumni clubs in selected cities across the country. These provide an occasion for parents, alumni, students and admitted students to get together in their hometowns. Parents are invited to host or attend the receptions and welcome new students to the University community.

Parents can also become involved with the Parents Campaign, the development arm of the Association. The Campaign works with volunteers to contact fellow parents about helping the University reach its financial goals.

Because of the creation of the Vanderbilt Parents Association, parents are now eligible for privileges at the Heard Library (one-time fee), the University Club (annual fee) and the Student Recreation Center (annual fee).