Chancellor Daniel Diermeier told families this weekend that the surge in support for Vanderbilt "is a testament of trust." Over three days, a record crowd of more than 5,700 parents, grandparents and siblings saw firsthand how that trust is being earned.
From a conversation on civil discourse and open debate to a first look at the College of Connected Computing and a last-second Commodores win, Family Weekend 2026, held Sept. 18-20, showed families a university that is growing and leading with its values.
VANDERBILT'S VISION
University leaders shared updates and insights into Vanderbilt's vision and priorities in three key categories: culture, community and ambitious projects.
"The university is thriving by every measure, and the value of a Vanderbilt education has gone through the roof," Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said.
"We've seen an explosion of support for Vanderbilt, and that support is a testament of trust." -Daniel Diermeier
Diermeier talked about Vanderbilt's values tied to civil discourse and creating an educational environment where students can freely debate ideas within a respectful shared community.
He also talked about the university's investment in academic and athletic growth. The launch of Vanderbilt University-New York City was presented as the most recent example of Vanderbilt's bold growth initiatives plan to become a single university spanning major cities, with each campus bringing its own strengths and connections to a broader network.
Other university leaders expanded on those themes, including a panel discussion with College of Connected Computing Dean Matthew Johnson-Roberson on the future of technology and careers.
Candice Storey Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director, joined ABC anchor Lara Spencer to discuss the vision for the future of Vanderbilt athletics.
GAME DAY SURPRISE
Vanderbilt's football student-athletes gave fans a phenomenal adrenaline rush at the end of Saturday's matchup against North Carolina State with a stunning last-second win.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Families had numerous events to choose from throughout the weekend. They enjoyed a Nashville songwriters night, a jazz concert at Blair School of Music, interactive tours of the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Center for Innovation and Design, new exhibits at the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art, arboretum tours and more.
Students even shared a special Grandparents Social and Tea with the large contingent of grandparents who joined the festivities.
SPECIAL HONOR
During a Family Weekend event at Vanderbilt Chabad, Diermeier, Vice Chancellor for Operations and the Campus Network Darren Reisberg and Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein, director of Rohr Chabad at Vanderbilt, received the Nimoy-Knight Foundation's Live Long and Prosper Tribute Award. It recognizes "individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of Leonard Nimoy's message of hope, logic and service to others."
- Parents and families can learn more about getting involved at Vanderbilt at vanderbilt.edu/families/get-involved
- Learn more about Vanderbilt's growth initiatives
