A&S Day draws attention to college's scholarly programs

The College of Arts and Science brought more than 200 distinguished guests to campus for Arts and Science Day to recognize and promote the scholarly activities of the University's largest school.

Photo by Neil Brake

Jeffrey Schall, professor of psychology, described practical and philosophical implications of research on how brain makes decisions.

"We wanted to bring alumni, parentsand friends of Vanderbilt together to celebrate the College of Arts and Science," said John H. Venable, dean of the College of Arts and Science.

A continental breakfast kick-off and forum with Venable was followed byscholarly activities. Faculty members presented seminars on topics such as the physiology of the brain, and the separation of church and state. The first seminar of the day, given by Professor of Psychology Jeffrey Schall, explored practical and philosophical implications of research on how the brain arrives at making decisions. Participants chose from dozens of regularly scheduled classes to attend. Classes offered included "Philosophical History of Film," taught by Gregg Horowitz, associate professor of philosophy and Associate Professor of Political Science Richard Pride's class on political communication.

The day served to highlight the scholarly activities of students and professors, and it also served to draw attention to the range of programs and activities within the college.

"We're trying to introduce people to aspects of the College of Arts and Science that they might not otherwise know about," Venable said.

For instance, organizers featured the studio arts program by creating space in the Stadium Club for students to display their work during the event.

The gala closed with a black-tie dinner of 180 guests at the Stadium Club, at which Chancellor Gordon Gee was the featured speaker.

"It's important to reconnect alumni to the College of Arts and Science," said Venable. "And it's also important for the Chancellor to meet more people, whose support is so important for the College of Arts and Science."