Universities are all about learning. As we approach the end of the fall semester, I am thinking about all we have learned from experiencing the pandemic – the need to adapt to new ways of working and going about our daily lives, to collaborate and lean on one another to get things done and to rest and recharge so that we can bring our best selves to our work, our communities and all that we do. I encourage you to take advantage of the time we have during the winter break to disconnect from work as much as possible, connect with friends and family and take time to relax and recharge – whatever that may look like for you.

I also encourage you to participate in Turkey Toss 2021 today, Dec. 17, until 6 p.m. The drive-through event is taking place in Lot 5A at the corner of 21^st Avenue South and Terrace Place. Bring your Vanderbilt ID to get your free turkey, tofurkey or this year’s gift item, a Vanderbilt University wooden cutting board. You can learn more about this year’s event in MyVU.

Finally, I invite you to learn about our Equal Access team as well as Vice Chancellor André Churchwell in the In Focus section below. Let the learning continue.

I wish you all a wonderful and restful winter break.

Sincerely,

Eric Kopstain,
Vice Chancellor for Administration

IN FOCUS

In Focus Sessions

This week, we held the inaugural DofA In Focus Session featuring the Equal Access team. Members of the team presented Equal Access: Who we are, where we are, and why we’re here. Visit the In Focus Sessions webpage to watch a recording of the presentation and to register for future sessions. Sessions will be held every third Wednesday of the month from noon to 1:00pm via Zoom and feature topics of interest within our division.

Worthy Read

Home Fires is an inspiring story about Vanderbilt’s own Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. André Churchwell and his brothers’ experience in segregated Nashville and the success they have achieved. Please take a moment to read the story featured in The Vanderbilt Magazine.