Vandy Voices

Vandy Voices Image

Vanderbilt alumni have amazing stories to share, and we want to hear yours. In partnership with Publishing Concepts Inc., we are launching a comprehensive oral history project called Vandy Voices. At the end of this project, these stories will be preserved in a commemorative print and digital book that celebrates the impact Vandy has had on your lives and who you are today.

Thinking about participating : Before you make the call, think about what you want to tell/share. Here are some helpful topics, though stories of all types are welcome:

Have connections you made on campus turned into lifelong friendships?
Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment on our campus?
Did a faculty or staff member have a profound impact on your life?

Here’s how it works:

You should have received a postcard/email asking you to call and update your information.
Once you call, a member of the PCI team will ask you a series of questions:

Review and update your current contact information
Capture your Vanderbilt stories/memories.

All of this information is shared with Vanderbilt University so we can update our files.

Your stories are then transcribed and packaged into a beautiful hard-bound book for you to keep and share with your family and friends, if you wish to purchase.

There is no obligation to make a purchase in order for your stories to be heard, and all stories will be included in the digital version.

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Vanderbilt University. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an oral history publication called Vandy Voices for Vanderbilt University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation for more than 100 years.

This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Vanderbilt University and how the school has helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Does Vanderbilt University benefit from this at all?

Yes, in several ways:

Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school

How will my information be used?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of Vandy Voices will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of Vandy Voices and except as required by court order or law.

Information provided to PCI through updates will be shared with Vanderbilt University to update your record.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?

If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for Vandy Voices. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed and then ask you to share your story about your time at Vanderbilt University. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Vanderbilt University at the conclusion of the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.

How can I participate if I am hearing or speech impaired?

If you would like to participate and are hearing or speech impaired, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for Vanderbilt University. You may review your story after sharing, and you may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before Sept. 10, 2023, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before Sept. 10, 2023, to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo to be printed. (Note: The photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)

I haven't received the items I ordered

If you placed an order for the digital/print versions of Vandy Voices, or if you ordered merchandise, please know that a project of this size and scope will take time to compile. Please be patient. Should you have any questions about an order, please reach out to PCI Customer Service: 1-800-982-1590 or by email at customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

Can anyone purchase a book?

Vandy Voices is available for sale only to Vanderbilt University alumni.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590, and they will assist you.

Next Steps

To learn more and tell your story, call 855-376-1808 or dial the number on the postcard or email you received

Additional questions, alumni@vanderbilt.edu