Greetings Class of 2025,
Congratulations on your forthcoming graduation from Vanderbilt University. Commencement ceremonies honor your personal accomplishments and provide an opportunity to celebrate with your families and friends—it’s a well-deserved recognition of your academic achievement, and it marks the beginning of the next exciting phase of your life.
While you may not realize it, you’re already a member of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association. There are more than 154,000 of us around the world. Every alumni wants to see your continued success as you “Dare to Grow” and increase the value of the Vanderbilt brand worldwide. Many alumni have contributed useful tips and helpful advice for post-graduation success in this book. Please accept this “Life After Vanderbilt” guide as a gift from your Alumni Association. You, too, may soon you may have tips of your own to add!
With alumni in over 140 countries—and counting! —you will find fellow Commodores everywhere. The Alumni Association plays an active role in the life of the university and its alumni, and I hope you’ll take advantage of the many opportunities it offers to extend and deepen your lifelong relationship with Vanderbilt, including:
- Joining and participating in one of our Vanderbilt Alumni Association chapters in the 40+ cities across the U.S. and around the world. Be sure to check in and sign up wherever you settle after graduation. Chapters are a great way to plug into the alumni network in your city. From social activities to mentoring opportunities to educational events with professors and alumni, there is something for everyone!
- Register on VU Connect—It’s a great way to keep in touch and network with alumni worldwide as you move into the world of work, volunteer service or further education. It also ensures you’ll receive regular updates via Alumni eXclusive, our e-newsletter.
- Become involved with CoRPs to help the Office of Undergraduate Admissions recruit new students and support newly accepted students, volunteer to create chapter events, or help with your class Reunion committee.
- Explore our new alumni career resources where you’ll find job postings, a resume/ cover letter/interview preparation program, career coaching, webinars and more. Also check out the official Vanderbilt Alumni LinkedIn group.
Like most things in life, the more effort you put into making connections, the more you’ll get out of it. So, I hope you’ll attend events, make meaningful connections and volunteer your time.
More than anything, stay connected—you’re the living brand of Vanderbilt, and your fellow Commodores are proud of your achievement.
Every class of graduating students stands on the shoulders of generous alumni who have come before. Their support has enriched your experience here and now it is your time to pay it forward. It takes all of us to help make this Vanderbilt community thrive.
Commencement may seem like a conclusion, but it also is a beginning—and it is one for which you are ready. And remember, you are not alone out there. Welcome to the alumni family & your global Alumni Association. Vanderbilt is for Life, indeed!
Todd M. Graham, PE, BE’96
President, Vanderbilt Alumni Association
