IN THIS ISSUE

College World Series update

Alumni discount program

Faculty spotlight

Athletics

Vanderbilt travel program

Chapter news

Campus news

Class notes

VUconnect

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Leadership corner

The most rewarding part of work at Vanderbilt is engaging with alumni who take pride in their university. Dedicated alumni serve as volunteers on our board of directors, as members of our strategic planning committees and as participants in student engagement programs, Reunion and chapter events. Every time I meet them, I hear the same message: Vanderbilt alums are intensely proud of their university, and they want to stay connected. If you feel pride in your university, there is an easy way to show it: engage. As you may have heard, U.S. News & World Report rankings are determined in part by the percentage of alumni who make a financial gift to the university. At present, Vanderbilt is 17th among national universities. The more donors we add, the higher our rankings will rise. Each and every alumni donation counts. These gifts represent an investment. As Vanderbilt's ranking increases, so does the value of your degree. Read more » James E. Stofan Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations james.stofan@vanderbilt.edu				Dear Fellow Alumni, Spring is a time of new beginnings, and we are blessed with in abundance this year. This issue of Alumni eXclusive includes an update on the new directors who accepted our invitation in April to serve on the Alumni Association Board beginning July 1. As you can see from their profiles, they're a very diverse group of alumni who bring valuable skills, high energy and a strong commitment to Vanderbilt and to the work of the association. Please join me in extending congratulations and thanks to these volunteer leaders for their interest and willingness to serve. Spring also means graduation, and I had the pleasure of addressing the Class of 2011 on Senior Day during Commencement and formally welcoming them as Vanderbilt alumni. Read more » John Hindle, BA'68, PhD'81 President, Vanderbilt Alumni Association john.hindle@vanderbilt.edu

Vanderbilt Alumni Association news

Board approves seven members
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association Board of Directors in April approved seven alumni as new board members beginning terms July 1. Also, Thomas Conner, BA'88, and Alice Ji, BS'06, were appointed to carry out the terms of board members who stepped down; each will serve through June 2012. For more information on the new board members, visit the website.

AVBA elects new officers
The Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni recently held biennial elections to name three members to the new executive committee. The new officers are: Willie Maul, BE'97, president; Lauren Duncan, BS'01, vice president; and Marvin Williams, MA'04, PhD'06, secretary. Under this new leadership, the AVBA hopes to continue its strategic planning initiative and make it a stronger network for black alumni. Read more »

Professor Tsakirgis receives alumni education award
Barbara Tsakirgis, chair of Vanderbilt's Department of Classical Studies, was presented with the Vanderbilt University Alumni Association Alumni Education Award on April 5 in her classroom. Read more »

Alumni online job board now available
Job postings are now offered on VUconnect, Vanderbilt's exclusive online community. Alumni can search for and post "experienced hire" jobs in any industry or city. If you're not an alumnus, use this form and we will post your job opening for you. For questions, contact Kate Stuart in Alumni Relations.

Labruto selected as young alumni trustee
Engineering senior Leslie Labruto has been selected as the next young alumna to serve on the Vanderbilt Board of Trust. For more information about Labruto and the nomination process, visit the Young Alumni Trustee website.

Engineering's Distinguished Alumni Award bestowed on Bill Davis, BE'50, and Joe Dorris, BE'65
The School of Engineering honored two alumni with its Distinguished Alumni Award. Bill Davis, BE'50, was recognized for achievements in missile research, ballistic missile defense and space defense. The career of Joe Dorris, BE'65, includes highlights such as distinguished achievements in engineering, marketing and management. The School of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes distinguished achievement, significant service and excellent character. Read more »

AVBA Scholarship reception in Atlanta
The Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni hosted an Atlanta reception in May to benefit the AVBA Scholarship campaign. Alumni gathered at the home of Dr. Eldred Taylor, BS'82, to learn about the campaign's success and how they could contribute. This reception marked the first of several regional AVBA events.

Vanderbilt alumni discount program
Get access to more than 60,000 discounts at an elite collection of local and national vendors including hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, retailers, florists, car dealers, theme parks, national attractions and much more. Discount offers are redeemable in stores and through printable and mobile coupons. Register today.

Baseball team heads to CWS
The Vanderbilt men's baseball team wrapped up a winning season with the program's first-ever trip to the College World Series. Vanderbilt beat North Carolina in its first CWS game and then lost to Florida. The team is still alive with a win over North Carolina on Wednesday. At 1 p.m. Friday, they face Florida again in the double-elimination tournament. In the regular season, the Commodores were 53-11 and came in second place behind Florida in the SEC Tournament. Keep up with the Commodores at www.vanderbilt.edu/cws2011 and the College World Series website.


Check out the new 2011 Vanderbilt football season ticket promotion video:


Follow the 'Dores daily on www.vucommodores.com.

Reconnect at Reunion
By now you have recorded the date, October 20–22, but you might still be mulling over whether to return for Reunion. This short video will remind you of Vanderbilt's lifelong impact—from creating lasting friendships to building careers. Visit the Reunion website to add your name to the planning to attend list and see who else will be coming.

Vanderbilt Travel Program

Sign up to find out more about our 2012 lineup of educational adventures worldwide!
Planning for the 2012 lineup of trips for the Vanderbilt Travel Program is in the final stages. Fill out this form to stay up to date on the coming season's trips. Visit the Vanderbilt Travel Blog to read about trips from an insider's point of view. Send an email to the travel program for more information.

Chapters

Vanderbilt chapters welcome the Class of 2015
Summer Send-off Parties will take place in approximately 40 cities over the summer 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.

Mini Reunions
With Reunion 2011 right around the corner, now is your chance to plan a Mini Reunion of your friends and classmates. Alumni Relations wants to help. Mini Reunions reconnect you with friends from Greek organizations, sports teams, service organizations, study abroad groups or whatever group was most meaningful to you. For details, visit the Mini Reunions website or contact Special Interest Liaison, Chris Griffin.

Get the latest information on discovery at Vanderbilt. Subscribe to Research News@Vanderbilt.

Alumni eXclusive and all Vanderbilt Alumni Association programs mentioned in this publication are made possible in part by your donations to the Sustaining Alumni program. Thank you for your support.

Nobel prize winner speaks at Senior Day


Chancellor's Commencement address

Vanderbilt moves forward with College Halls


The Commons renamed to honor Martha Ingram

Kennedy Center group, Darius Rucker on national awards show

Fall course registration open for Program for Talented Youth