Moments That Matter

At Vanderbilt, our community thrives on connection, shared experiences and the sense of belonging that ties us all together. Whether you are a student, faculty member or staff member, each of us has moments that shape our journey here—moments that help us grow, build relationships and contribute to something greater than ourselves. These moments not only define our time at Vanderbilt, but they also reflect the spirit of our community.

Students at Move-In

Watch: Every experience at Vanderbilt starts with a moment of true belonging.

Reflecting on Our Journeys 

We all move through busy days, semesters and years—often without pausing to appreciate the significance of the experiences we are creating. But research shows that being mindful of these meaningful moments can deepen our connections and help us navigate challenges with greater resilience. 

Moments That Matter is an invitation to reflect on those times that have made a difference in your life at Vanderbilt. Maybe it was the day you received your acceptance or offer letter, the first time you set foot on our beautiful campus or when you formed a bond with someone who became a lifelong friend or mentor. It could be when you launched a project, overcame a challenge with the support of your team or celebrated a success that felt like it was shared with the whole community. 

These are the moments that remind us:

We belong at Vanderbilt.

  • Students wave to each other on campus
  • New faculty orientation
  • Staff welcome new students at Move-In

Belonging to One Another 

Our journeys at Vanderbilt are not just about the moments we create for ourselves—they’re about the moments we help create for others. Maybe you mentored a colleague, supported a fellow student through a difficult time or worked behind the scenes to make an event special for everyone. In those times, you contributed to the sense of belonging that makes Vanderbilt such a special place. 

Students greeting each other

Share Your Moments 

We want to hear about the moments that have shaped your time at Vanderbilt. Throughout the year, we will be collecting and sharing stories that highlight the moments that matter most to you. Let’s celebrate the moments that matter—big and small—that define what it means to belong at Vanderbilt.