Alumni Hall
2205 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37240
About Alumni Hall
Over the years Alumni Hall has served many purposes, from the original student center to administrative offices. Alumni Hall originally opened in 1925 and in 2011 was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. Designed by Nashville architect Henry C. Hibbs, Alumni Hall represents the Collegiate Gothic style and was the original student center on Vanderbilt’s campus and acted as such for nearly 50 years until the Sarratt Student Center opened in 1974.
The driving force behind the building of Alumni Hall was to memorialize the Vanderbilt men who fought and died in World War I. This campaign was brought forward in March 1919, by the Vanderbilt Alumni Association board. This shaped one of the distinguishing features of the building, which is located in the Memorial Room on the second floor. The names of the 44 Vanderbilt casualties are carved in stone above the two fireplace mantles, located at either end of the room.
The renovation of Alumni Hall was the first in its 86-year history and maintains the integrity of the building’s architectural history. The Vanderbilt Board of Trust approved the project in November 2011 to support a wide range of activities. The updated facility supports catered dining, meetings, studying, and socializing. Construction began immediately following Commencement in May 2012, with completion in Summer 2013. The renovation not only included updating the current spaces inside the building but also expanding the terraces on both the east and west sides of the building. Every space inside Alumni Hall underwent a renovation.
Today, Alumni Hall offers something for everyone visiting. In the basement, students have access to an exercise room. The first floor includes a café, lounge, and the Graduate School administrative offices. On the second floor, the Memorial Room underwent extensive updates and was joined by a new classroom and reading room. The third floor houses the Vanderbilt Institute for Digital Learning.
Reservable Spaces
- Alumni Hall 201 Classroom
- Alumni Hall 202 Memorial Hall
- Alumni Hall 206 Reading Room