Annual Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium
Each spring, Academy students plan and execute an annual Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium that brings together high-impact Vanderbilt alumni, faculty, administrators, and students to share insights and inspire the next generation of leaders. Designed as a cornerstone experience of the Academy, the symposium gives cohort members the opportunity to apply their learning in real time by organizing and delivering a high-impact event.
The Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium is intentionally crafted to enhance students’ career readiness through a multi-dimensional approach. Participants engage in sessions focused on navigating conflict, maintaining work-life balance, and building resilience-practical skills essential for long-term professional success. They also benefit from meaningful mentorship opportunities, connecting with experienced leaders and alumni who offer guidance and expand their professional networks. Interactive, experiential learning is at the heart of the event, with hands-on activities that allow students to practice leadership in realistic scenarios. A networking reception further supports career development by fostering connections across campus and beyond.
By combining skill-building, mentorship, wellness, and community, the Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium equips students with the tools, confidence, and relationships needed to thrive in their future careers.
Learn more about 2026 Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium.
2025 Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium Video Recap
Events and Programming
The Academy aims to provide a well-rounded experience for students to learn and practice effective leadership. To do this, we plan to offer a key number of special events and programming for academy students throughout the year:
- Monthly cohort dinners
- Monthly leadership roundtables
- Leadership interviews with university and community leaders
- Community service and engagement
- Weekly group reflections on readings/texts/podcasts
- Semester Author Events and Book Signings
- Leadership Symposium
- Opportunities to attend external leadership conferences
Past Events
Learn more about some of our previous Live. Learn. Lead. Events:
2025 Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium
Watch the Video Recap of the 2025 Symposium
Watch the Video Recap of the 2024 Symposium
