The Vanderbilt Posse experience is enriched by a series of annual events that celebrate community, leadership, and personal growth. These traditions are designed to bring together scholars across all class years and deepen the bonds between cohorts, mentors, staff, and alumni. While the events listed below occur annually, additional programming may take place throughout the year and may vary based on current student interests and campus opportunities. Current scholars can log into our hub to view photos.
Before move-in during Vanderbilt’s Welcome Week, incoming first-year Posse Scholars gather for a special orientation. This event offers a chance for new scholars to meet fellow Posse peers, connect with mentors and staff, and begin building the supportive community that will accompany them throughout their time at Vanderbilt.
At the beginning of the academic year, the entire Vanderbilt Posse community comes together to officially welcome the newest cohorts. The evening includes a celebratory dinner, formal introductions, and a symbolic moment when each “Big Sib” introduces their assigned first-year scholar to the broader Posse network and gives pins to their shirt a “Posse” pin. This event affirms the community’s shared commitment to every scholar’s success.
During Vanderbilt’s Homecoming Weekend, the Posse community hosts a special event such as a dinner, panel discussion, or guest speaker on a selected evening. This is an opportunity for scholars and alumni to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate Posse’s impact. Details will be shared in advance with both students and alumni.
The PossePlus Retreat is one of the most meaningful events of the year. Held off-campus over a weekend, this immersive experience invites each scholar to bring a guest from outside the Posse program, someone from their broader Vanderbilt circle, to participate in dynamic, facilitated conversations. Each year’s retreat focuses on a theme selected by the Posse Foundation. Past topics have included leadership, justice, belonging, and happiness. All currently enrolled scholars are required to attend, and first- and second-year students will also meet individually with national Posse staff throughout the weekend.
Every year, Vanderbilt University hosts Anchor Day—a special event where newly admitted students are invited to campus to explore their future home through tours, information sessions, and opportunities to connect with current students. As part of the celebration, Vanderbilt Posse proudly opens its doors to welcome prospective scholars. Our Anchor Day event offers a unique chance for admitted Posse students to meet their future classmates, connect with current scholars, and be introduced to their Big Sibs—peer mentors who help guide them through their transition to college life. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments, music, and even some dancing as they experience the energy and warmth of the Posse community firsthand.
Each spring, the Vanderbilt Posse community gathers to celebrate its graduating seniors in a heartfelt and formal ceremony. Posse Graduation includes dinner, remarks from Posse National staff, and the chance for scholars to reflect on their growth and impact. Seniors are encouraged to invite their families, friends, mentors, and faculty members to share in this milestone. It marks the culmination of their Posse journey and the beginning of their role as lifelong members of the Posse Alumni Network.