Dear Vanderbilt Families,
As another academic year begins, we are excited to extend a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador Council. Whether your student is just settling into campus life or is approaching graduation, each year at Vanderbilt brings new opportunities for them to learn, grow and find their place in this extraordinary community.
Our daughter, Viviana, is a rising senior majoring in medicine, health and society with a minor in biology. Over the years, she has embraced the many experiences Vanderbilt offers, playing on the Women’s Club Volleyball team, being a part of Volunteers for Health and building strong relationships with faculty and peers. When she first arrived on campus, she was struck by how genuinely welcoming and supportive everyone was, and that spirit has been constant throughout her time here.
Vanderbilt’s people make all the difference. Professors invest deeply in students’ goals, classmates lift each other up and staff members work tirelessly to create an environment where every student can thrive. Our family has enjoyed seeing how that same sense of belonging extends beyond academics, from the camaraderie in cheering on the football team to the lively atmosphere doing Move-In day, which have become favorite traditions during our visits.
Serving on the Parent Ambassador Council has allowed us to connect with many families and share in the diverse experiences that make up the Vanderbilt story. One of the most rewarding parts of this role has been hosting gatherings for first-generation families in Spanish, offering guidance and reassurance as they navigate this exciting chapter alongside their students. These moments remind us that Vanderbilt is more than a university. It is a community built on connection, support, inclusivity and shared purpose.
We encourage you to stay engaged with all that Vanderbilt offers. Visit campus when you can, attend events in your hometown and connect with other families through university programs and volunteer opportunities. The relationships you build here can be as meaningful as those your students form, and they will enrich your family’s Vanderbilt journey.
As we begin this year, we look forward to celebrating milestones big and small, supporting one another through challenges and watching our students continue to grow into confident, capable leaders. We hope to see you at an event soon, and if you happen to find us at Family Weekend, please stop and say hello.
With warm regards,
Alonso and Lilia Ramirez
Parents of Viviana Ramirez, Class of 2026