2013
9/11 Candlelight Memorial
Sep. 10, 2013—Vanderbilt University continued to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001 with an open candlelight memorial in Benton Chapel. The memorial was open from 9 am until 5 pm. Inside, guests could light an electric candle and leave it upon the altar in memory of those who were lost....
50 Years Since the “I Have a Dream” Speech
Aug. 20, 2013—“I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We...
Welcome new Divinity School Dean Emilie Townes!
Aug. 20, 2013—The Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life welcomes the 16th Dean of the Vanderbilt Divinity School, Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes. As we enter the next phase of religious education and vocational training at our renowned Divinity School, we look forward to all the Dean Townes has to bring to Vanderbilt from her extensive...
The Righteous Mind with Jonathan Haidt
Aug. 20, 2013—September 9, 2013 we welcomed Jonathan Haidt to Vanderbilt to be the second speaker for the new Chaplain’s Speaker Series. Jonathan Haidt (pronounced “height”) is a social psychologist at the NYU-Stern School of Business. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, and spent most of his career (1995-2011) at the University...
Open House and Cookout!
Jul. 22, 2013— With the new building, new name, and new opportunities, the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life has a lot to share and be excited about as the new school year gets ready to begin. In order to let all of campus know where we are and give new and returning students an...
New Facebook Page
Jul. 19, 2013—With so many changes happening for our office this summer, we have created a place where you can stay current on all the happenings and interact with others who are involved with religious life at Vanderbilt. The Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life has put together its own Facebook page that you can...
Meeting Our Affiliated Chaplains – Heath Bradley
Jul. 15, 2013—This summer, the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life welcomes our new Affiliated Methodist Chaplain to campus, Rev. Heath Bradley. Rev. Bradley comes to us from Little Rock, Arkansas where he was the Pastor of Preaching and Christian Education at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Bradley received his MA in Philosophy from the...
New Name, New Building
Jun. 17, 2013—Our office has moved, and with this great transition comes a new name as well. In the re-establishment of the position of University Chaplain with our Rev. Mark Forrester, the department has been renamed the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life. With a renewed focus on ministry in addition to the spiritual life...
Chancellor’s Ashes at Benton
Jun. 17, 2013—One of the lesser known treasures of Vanderbilt’s campus can be seen when one walks down the side isle of Benton Chapel. Near the front, on the side wall to the left of the main altar, are two simple plaques that pay homage to a man and his wife who gave so much to Vanderbilt....
Wedding Season at Benton Chapel
Jun. 12, 2013— The Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life is always honored to be a part of a couple’s special day. The University opens up Benton Chapel, our largest chapel on campus to couples on Saturdays to hold weddings. With Vanderbilt holding a special place for many, and the historic feel and look calling...