An anonymous alumnus will match qualifying gifts and pledges from alumni, up to $20 million, to support the basketball operations center and practice facility.
Our philanthropic supporters help fuel Opportunity Vanderbilt-our renowned need-based financial aid program-and support our faculty, residential colleges, athletics, pathbreaking research, and so much more. Our community also supports one another by giving back through gifts of time and expertise-serving as volunteers, mentors and beyond, to ensure all Commodores have the tools they need to flourish.
Inspired by our university motto, Dare to Grow, we are excited to expand our team, enhance our impact and set even bolder ambitions for the future.
Impact Spotlights
Ingram Scholars Program Celebrates 30 Years
The transformative Ingram Scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, all required fees and the value of on-campus housing each year.
Levy Gift Supports Undergraduate Internships
A $5 million gift from the Levys will provide internship stipends for deserving undergraduate students and seek additional giving through a challenge match.
Staff Spotlight
Name and Title:
Nicky Disbrow,
Executive Director,
School of Medicine/Basic Sciences
Hometown:
Dayton, OH
Why Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt offered me the opportunity to grow my career in higher education fundraising at a world-class institution that continues to excel in every way.
Tell us about your Vanderbilt/DAR journey?
I started at Vanderbilt five years ago on the same team I’m currently on (School of Medicine/Basic Sciences) in a development officer role that focused on leadership annual giving. I’ve been grateful to receive various promotions and take on new responsibilities that have led me to my current position where I’m now leading the School of Medicine/Basic Sciences fundraising team.
What do you love most about your job?
It’s incredibly rewarding to build relationships and help people make an impact and difference in an area they’re passionate about through philanthropy. The people I get to work with, from alumni to DAR colleagues to faculty, all make this job even better.
What do you like about Vanderbilt’s campus or working at Vanderbilt?
I find it very unique that Vanderbilt’s campus is also an arboretum that’s home to many different types of trees, in addition to the beautiful plants and flowers. Because of this, campus feels like a special, secluded area nestled right in the heart of the city.
What do you like to do in Nashville?
Nashville always has new restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars opening around town, and I like trying out all of these new places. I also enjoy going on walks and hikes with my husband and our 9-year-old Australian Shepherd at different parks and areas in and around Nashville.
Name and Title:
George Smith
Assistant Director, Black & Gold Club
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Why Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt is home for me. I am a Vanderbilt alumnus and former student-athlete. During my time at Vanderbilt, so many professors, coaches and peers helped to shape me and contributed to the man I am today. I met my wife and many of my best friends here. I am keenly aware of the role philanthropy played in making my Vanderbilt experience as a student possible. Working here offers an opportunity for me to give back to a place that has given me so much.
Tell us about your Vanderbilt/DAR journey?
I recently celebrated one year as the Assistant Director of the Black & Gold Club. Over the past year, I’ve had the great pleasure of connecting with hundreds of other former student-athletes and helping to strengthen their engagement with Vanderbilt. Highlights include planning a special weekend that honored the 2008 Music Bowl Championship football team I was on; traveling to Guatemala with student-athletes to serve children in the communities there; and forming strong relationships with the DAR and Athletics colleagues.
What do you love most about your job?
I love connecting with fellow alumni and current student-athletes in an effort to strengthen our Black & Gold Club network.
What do you like about Vanderbilt’s campus or working at Vanderbilt?
I enjoy seeing all the growth Vanderbilt is experiencing. From new Athletics facilities and residential colleges to new programs and initiatives, it is exciting to see all the progress. It is also special to be able to work with and learn from great people who were a part of my journey as a student athlete.
What do you like to do in Nashville?
I enjoy attending Vanderbilt sporting events with my family and showing our two young sons my old stomping grounds. I also enjoy exploring new restaurants in the city.