Community Relations

The walls of Salama Urban Ministries came alive with color and meaning as students unveiled a new mural they had helped to create. Gathered with families, teachers and community members, the students pointed proudly to each vibrant panel, sharing stories of how the images reflected their identities and experiences. Read More

As the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt prepares for a new chapter, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of two individuals who have been key to OLLI’s success. We are also excited to announce the search for the next Director of OLLI at Vanderbilt. The new director will lead efforts to engage and inspire the OLLI community while continuing to provide high-quality educational and cultural experiences. Read More

The Vanderbilt University Community Relations team plays a crucial role in extending the university's reach into the Nashville area, partnering with local communities and organizations to make a tangible difference in our city and region. Read More

Community leaders, university partners, and local funders recently gathered for the second iteration of Vanderbilt’s “Power in Collaboration” series, aimed at enhancing community engagement and fostering inter-organizational collaboration. Read More

Vanderbilt University is excited to announce a significant enhancement to the application process for the Community Impact Fund. Effective June 2024, all funding requests must be submitted through our new online portal. This streamlined approach aims to provide a more efficient and accessible experience for our dedicated local nonprofit partners. Read More

In celebration of Juneteenth, a new mural honoring Black country music artists was unveiled on June 19 at the site of the former Vanderbilt Printing Services building. The mural, created by local artist Elisheba Israel Mrozik, draws inspiration from stories and history featured in Vanderbilt professor and award-winning songwriter Alice Randall’s latest book, My Black Country. Read More

For over 24 years, the Civic Design Center has stood as a beacon for community-driven urban planning projects and programs. Based in downtown Nashville, this nonprofit organization draws expertise from diverse professional and academic sources, including Vanderbilt University, to engage community members in the envisioning and shaping of the city. Since its formation in 2000, the Civic Design Center has maintained a strong bond with Vanderbilt. Read More

Vanderbilt and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center concluded their 2023-2024 InsideOut series with an impactful event showcasing The Color Purple on Apr. 12. InsideOut is a free community learning program sponsored by Vanderbilt. Throughout the series, Vanderbilt faculty and staff engaged in panel conversations with cast, crew, directors and community members to discuss the important role of the arts in shaping our communities and personal experiences. Read More

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory welcomes astronomy enthusiasts to its 2024 season, marked this year by the unveiling of a new logo. Nestled in the scenic hills of Brentwood just a short drive from campus, the observatory invites the community to attend a series of exciting events including open house tours, telescope nights, Meet the Astronomer evenings, and concerts under the stars. Offering field trips and space science summer camps tailored for young students, Dyer aims to inspire curiosity about the cosmos. Read More

Nashville, a city with a vibrant history, is taking a deep dive into its diverse roots through a compelling event series hosted by Vanderbilt University and Nashville Public Library Special Collections. This initiative, titled "Then and Now: The History of Minority Communities in Nashville," delves into the history of various communities that contribute to the rich tapestry of Nashville. Read More