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Alumni eXclusive FEATURE STORY
Alumni get together through Common Connections
As alumni, we feel most connected to Vanderbilt when we associate with alumni who share our interests.
That connection might be grounded in a student activity or a small group from college or grad school, but today we may be better defined by our current profession, career or lifestyle.
A new Vanderbilt Alumni Association program, Common Connections, celebrates this collective spirit.
"We try to stay on the pulse of how our alumni want to connect with one another," says James Stofan, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations.
"More and more, we hear from alumni that they want to build connections based both on their time as a student and also their shared interests today.
Sometimes it's a special interest group, but other times these common connections are formed through social media, blogging and discussion groups."
Common Connections includes athletic and intramural teams, career and professional choices, student activities, cultural or religious preferences, and lifestyle and leisure activities.
Alumni can connect with each other through informal gatherings, special anniversaries, newsletters and Facebook fan pages.
Read more »
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Leadership corner
In this issue you'll read about two exciting new benefits for Vanderbilt alumni.
For recent graduates and other alumni who may be in need of temporary medical coverage, we are offering a new short-term health insurance called GradMed.
And just in time for summer travel and alumni on the go, we are introducing a discount with Club Quarters, a collection of hotels located in key metropolitan areas.
They are reasonably priced and tailored for alumni whose work or leisure puts them on the road.
I hope you'll also check out our broader range of travel programs for 2011 designed with our diverse base of alumni in mind.
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association has carefully selected these and other new benefits, like the Vanderbilt Bookstore discount available through July 31, based on what you've asked for in alumni surveys and other feedback. We hope you'll stay in touch and continue to give us your input.
James E. Stofan
Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations
james.stofan@vanderbilt.edu
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This issue of Alumni eXclusive includes an update on the directors recently elected to the alumni association board.
Please join me in extending congratulations and thanks to these volunteers who were chosen for their experience, skills and commitment to Vanderbilt.
Under our new association bylaws, ratified last year, our board has been reduced from 46 to 24 directors with three-year staggered terms.
This change will enable a more cohesive, involved and purposeful board with greater continuity and focus.
Our new directors join continuing board members in a commitment to increase alumni engagement—with each other, with students and with Vanderbilt faculty and staff.
We'll be actively recruiting alumni volunteers from all schools, classes and regions to help us, guided by our new five-year strategic plan.
I encourage you to volunteer in our shared goal to make Vanderbilt an even greater institution by contacting your local chapter or writing me directly.
Go 'Dores!
John Hindle, BA'68, PhD'81
President, Vanderbilt Alumni Association
john.hindle@vanderbilt.edu
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Vanderbilt Alumni Association news
Hindle named president, new board members announced
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association board of directors held its annual meeting April 16.
John Hindle was approved to step up on July 1 from president-elect to president, succeeding Billy Ray Caldwell, BA'85, who was elected to Vanderbilt's Board of Trust.
In addition, Carroll Kimball, BA'84, was named president-elect and will join Nelson Andrews, BA'89, EMBA'95; Patti White, BA'76; Bond Payne, BA'92; and Elizabeth Gerken, BE'90, MBA'92, as members of the executive committee.
Seven new board members were named to three-year terms: Margaret Callihan, BA'77, EMBA'04; Erik Baptist, BA'01; Amy Lee, BS'95; Cathy Bender Jackson, BS'92; Sara Huddleston, BA'00, MEd'01; Michael Sheridan, BA'84; and Barbara Cresswell, BA'68.
Introducing Club Quarters hotel discount for all Vanderbilt alumni
Club Quarters are member-focused, full-service, reasonably priced hotels in 14 locations including New York, Boston, London, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco and Houston.
The alumni association is proud to offer this new benefit to all alumni.
For membership benefits, pricing and other details, go to www.vanderbilt.edu/alumni/alumni-benefits.
Short-term medical insurance available for 2010 graduates
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association is now offering GradMed short-term medical insurance to graduates of the Class of 2010 and alumni who may be in need of temporary medical coverage.
You can apply online.
Read more »
20 percent discount at Vanderbilt bookstore through July
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association has teamed with the Vanderbilt Bookstore to offer a special promotion to Vanderbilt alumni.
Through July 31, enter "Alumni Exclusive" into the comments field on your order form and receive 20 percent off your purchase of official alumni gear.
Order now »
Alumni Association launches YouTube playlist
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association has a new playlist on the Vanderbilt University YouTube channel.
Thanks to lifetime sustaining members
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association thanks those alumni who have chosen to support the association with a lifetime sustaining membership gift of $1,000.
See all the lifetime sustaining members on our website.
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Alumni making headlines

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New York Times bestselling author Annemarie Iverson, BA'83, releases guide to building a career in the fashion business |
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Dr. Jerry Reves, BA'65, honored with Balser retirement address |
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Kim Spurlock, BA'92, selected as Student Academy Award winner for Down in Number 5 |
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Lawrence Stone, BA'54, to lead Texas Medical Association's 50-year club |
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Todd Miller, BA'88, plans to bike 3,629 miles to raise awareness for a children's charity |
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Sandra Rowe Maier, BA'78, International Movers Association 2009 Hall of Honor recipient |


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Student-alumni programs
Alumni encouraged to participate in all-school reading
This summer, members of the Class of 2014 and all Vanderbilt faculty will read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.
The book describes Mortenson's transition from a mountain climber to a humanitarian committed to reducing poverty and educating girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association encourages all alumni to take part by reading along with the students and faculty and posting your thoughts on the discussions tab at www.facebook.com/vanderbiltalumni.
Welcome to our newest members
Congratulations 2010 graduates and welcome to the Vanderbilt Alumni Association!
We hope you'll keep in touch with fellow graduates through VUconnect, a Vanderbilt chapter in your town, the Vanderbilt Facebook fan page and the LinkedIn Vanderbilt alumni group.
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Vanderbilt chapters
Alumni across the country support flood relief
The Nashville Vanderbilt Chapter collected funds for flood relief during its May 15 event at Arrington Vineyards.
They also sent an email to Nashville alums asking them to visit Vanderbilt's dedicated flood relief website to read a letter from Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos about the flood and ways they could assist victims.
The Austin Vanderbilt Chapter held a fundraiser at Abel's on the Lake on May 17, with 15 percent of food and drink purchases made by Vanderbilt alumni and friends donated by the restaurant to flood relief efforts.
The Washington D.C. Vanderbilt Chapter held a fundraiser on May 27 at Public Bar.
Alumni and friends donated cash and purchased raffle tickets for items including Vanderbilt memorabilia, a $50 gift certificate and a Public Bar T-shirt.
The Atlanta chapter held a happy hour fundraiser at Tavern 99 on May 19 where they raised $423 for Hands on Nashville.
Vanderbilt chapters welcome the Class of 2014
Summer Send-off Parties are being held in more than 35 cities to welcome new students and their families to the Vanderbilt community.
These informal events allow students, alumni and parents to share their Vanderbilt experiences and ask questions.
Check for details about the parties and other chapter events in your area.
Read more »
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Provost McCarty visits alumni and friends in London
The Greater London Chapter hosted Provost Richard McCarty for a university update and conversation on June 14 at the London Arts Club.
Vanderbilt alumni, students, parents and friends were invited to enjoy cocktails and canapés in the heart of the Mayfair district.
"I am so pleased the provost made this trip to visit alumni and friends here," London-based alumna Patti White said.
"With two Londoners on the Alumni Association board, including President John Hindle, we hope there will be many more visits from Vanderbilt faculty and officers so that the traffic goes both ways across the pond."
Alumni in Dallas go behind the scenes at new Cowboys Stadium
The behind-the-scenes tour of the new Cowboys Stadium on May 19 was a great success and enjoyed by more than 100 people from the Dallas Vanderbilt Chapter.
Mike Pelton, Commodore defensive ends coach, spoke to the group about the Commodores upcoming season.
Lucy Jones of the National Commodore Club and Chase White, an incoming freshman on the Vanderbilt football team, also attended.
Guests received a private tour including areas usually off-limits to the general public such as the luxury suites and club area, the Miller Lite Club, the media post-game room, player and cheerleader locker rooms, the Dr Pepper StarBar and the press box.
They also had direct access to the field.
Everyone took home a picture with Pelton taken in the Cotton Bowl office by the Vanderbilt helmet.
Raycraft lectures at an evening with the Chicago chapter
Chicago alums gathered for an intimate evening of wine and appetizers on May 20 to hear Mary Beth Raycraft, senior lecturer in French, describe the adventures of Madame Leon Grandin from her recently published book, A Parisienne in Chicago, Impressions of the World's Columbian Exposition. "It was so enjoyable to share Madame Grandin's adventures with such an interesting, engaged group," Raycraft said. "It was also fun to hear about the interesting paths Vandy alums have taken in the great city of Chicago. Merci infiniment!"
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Vanderbilt Travel Program
Join other Vanderbilt alumni and explore the world your way
This year the expanded Vanderbilt travel program offers a little something for everyone.
From seasoned Vanderbilt alumni travelers to those who have never taken a Vanderbilt trip before, trips are designed to fit any lifestyle, educational travel interest and budget.
- Classics trips are quintessential Vanderbilt: global destinations that include our very own faculty who lead the way with their extensive and unique knowledge
- Common Connections are niche travel adventures for alumni with shared interests
- Exceptional Family Friendly summer vacations
- Closer to Home offers distinctive getaways of shorter duration within the continental United States
- Excursions are unique journeys with an uncommon twist
Each trip pairs unique educational opportunities with the exceptional destinations for which Vanderbilt travel is known.
For more details, visit the website or let us know your travel interests.
Vandy travel blog
Vanderbilt alumni enjoyed recent trips to Paris, Burgundy and Provence and the great civilizations along the Silk Road of China.
Read more about their adventures.
Space still available for South American trip with Frank Sutherland
Discover the best of South America's wine country—immersing yourself in Chilean and Argentine culture, wine and cuisine all in one unforgettable trip.
Frank Sutherland, BA'70, who writes a weekly wine column for The Tennessean, will accompany Vanderbilt alumni on this trip.
Download the detailed brochure and itinerary.
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Campus news
Campus assists alumni flood victims
The Vanderbilt campus continues to assist students, faculty, staff and alumni who were affected by the May floods.
Dr. Laurie Alsentzer, BSN'83, and her husband, John, BE'83, received an outpouring of support from their son Andy's first-year medical school class and members of Lambda Chi Alpha after their Bellevue home was flooded.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help flood victims within the Vanderbilt community, please visit the Vanderbilt Flood Relief Fund website. Read more »
Owen Graduate School of Management host Alumni Weekend
Enjoy a look back at Owen Alumni Weekend 2010 held April 16–17, including photos of the welcome reception, the barbecue honoring Owen's Alumni Council and the Owen Circle Celebration Dinner.
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Have something to say about what you read here? Send us an email.
Alumni eXclusive is published quarterly by
Vanderbilt University Office of Alumni Relations
PMB 407735 • 2301 Vanderbilt Place • Nashville, TN 37240-7735
Phone: (615) 322-2929 • Editors: Beth Dodd, BA'88, MBA'91, and Emily Hoener
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