University History
Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt made a generous gift that led to a journey of global impact
![](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pabldcalh10-590x380-c-default.jpg)
![Group portrait of the members of the Banjo, Mandolin and Glee clubs, circa 1895.](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/scmss012336-590x380-c-default.jpg)
![](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pacafstac002-300x300-c-default.jpg)
![Kirkland](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Kirkland-590x380-c-default.jpg)
![Cornelius Vanderbilt](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CornVanderbilt-380x465-c-default.jpg)
From its founding in 1873 Vanderbilt University has forged a tradition of academic excellence infused with a unique spirit of collaboration and collegiality.
University History by the numbers
- $1M Gift that made it all possible
- 9 Chancellors
- 177K+ Degrees awarded
![](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20231218JA0021.jpg)
Celebrating 150 Years
As part of the ongoing Sesquicentennial celebration, the university created and published a commemorative V150 coffee table book.
Vanderbilt's Founding Letter
A special message from Vanderbilt University students, staff, faculty, and Chancellor Diermeier commemorating Vanderbilt University’s 150th anniversary.
![Martha Ingram statue](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/martha-ingram-001.jpg)
Stewardship and Service
1873
Vanderbilt’s Board of Trust has guided the university through change and challenge.
![](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/combo-cornelius-and-frank-vanderbilt.jpg)
The Founders
1873
The vision of Vanderbilt University was made possible by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt and his wife Frank’s generous financial support
![Chancellor Daniel Diermeier](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Chancellor-Daniel-Diermeier.jpg)
The Leaders
2020
Nine chancellors have guided Vanderbilt from local beginnings to global impact
![Vanderbilt Band](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/150/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vanderbilt-band.jpg)