Signature Events

TPAC InsideOut Engagement Events

Vanderbilt University joins Tennessee Performing Arts Center Education for their InsideOut Engagement Events. This series includes enlightening panel discussions and performance excerpts that correspond with current performances from TPAC and their partners: Nashville Opera, Nashville Ballet, and Nashville Repertory Theatre. Through this longstanding institutional partnership, Vanderbilt supports educational programming that brings community members together to engage with the arts.

Irma Herrera’s one-woman show, Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?, a mashup of personal narrative, lessons in American history, and stories about respecting people’s names - even when they don’t sound like “real” American names. This event was held at TPAC's Johnson Theater on Februrary 9, 2023. Photos by Joe Howell
TPAC InsideOut of the Lunchbox attendees
Irma Herrera’s one-woman show, Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?, a mashup of personal narrative, lessons in American history, and stories about respecting people’s names - even when they don’t sound like “real” American names. This event was held at TPAC's Johnson Theater on Februrary 9, 2023. Photos by Joe Howell
TPAC InsideOut panel interview for Irma Herrera’s one-woman show, "Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?"

Conversations at NPL

Vanderbilt University maintains a valued partnership with the Nashville Public Library Foundation to create collaborative programming through the Conversations at NPL series. This series aims to stimulate serious public dialogue surrounding current issues that shape all facets of culture, history and education. The series promotes reflection and conversations ranging from poverty and immigration to race, class and equity. Vanderbilt is proud to support community programming through the Downtown Public Library’s Civil Rights Room and Votes for Women room in partnership with NPLF.


Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards

Vanderbilt Community Relations partners with the Nashville Public Education Foundation to host the annual Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards celebration. This event, a key initiative of NPEF, honors 50 exceptional Metro Nashville Public Schools educators who excel in teaching with a focus on equity, leadership, and instruction. These educators go above and beyond to ensure their students thrive in the classroom daily. Our Community Relations team hosts this event as part of the university's commitment to supporting local education and partnerships across Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Dr. Adrienne Battle, Toni White and Mayor Freddie O'Connell (photo credit: Joe Howell)
Dr. Adrienne Battle, Toni White and Mayor Freddie O'Connell (photo credit: Joe Howell)
Blue Ribbon Teacher honorees with Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Dr. Adrienne Battle (photo credit: Joe Howell)
Blue Ribbon Teacher honorees with Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Dr. Adrienne Battle (photo credit: Joe Howell)

The Power in Collaboration: Working Together for Social Impact

In June 2023, Vanderbilt Community Relations convened professionals from Nashville’s social impact sector including leaders from nonprofit organizations, public service offices and Vanderbilt campus departments for learning, networking, and connection focused on the opportunities and challenges in collaboration. As a facilitator and partner, the Vanderbilt Community Relations team seeks opportunities to host and convene programming and dialogue that address local community needs and connect Vanderbilt’s resources and offerings.

Ron Johnson, C.J. Sentell, Erica Mitchell, Ameshica Linsey and Marcy Singer-Gabella engage in a panel discussion
Ron Johnson, C.J. Sentell, Erica Mitchell, Ameshica Linsey and Marcy Singer-Gabella engage in a panel discussion
Attendees at Vanderbilt’s “The Power in Collaboration” event
Attendees at Vanderbilt’s “The Power in Collaboration” event

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