Record attendance, thrilling overtime wins highlight Reunion, Homecoming 2025

Vanderbilt University hosted more than 5,700 alumni and guests on campus Nov. 6-9 for Reunion and Homecoming 2025. This year's attendance was the largest in university history-even surpassing 2022's Triple Reunion.

The weekend schedulefeatured more than 85 events showcasing the university's latest programs and initiatives, deepening connections among alumni celebrating milestone class years, and welcoming back all alumni for Homecoming.

Friday morning, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier gave an update on the state of the university, followed by an interview with Kelly Goldsmith, E. Bronson Ingram Professor and professor of marketing, in Sarratt Cinema. Diermeier covered a range of topics, including the Institute of National Security, the College of Connected Computing and Dialogue Vanderbilt.

He also shared a historic moment for the universitythat was cemented earlier in the week. "I'm very proud to let you know that three days ago, we received the final approval to operate our campus in New York's Chelsea neighborhood, which is an enormous accomplishment."

Beyond academic and programmatic updates, the chancellor emphasized that the positive leadership and momentous victories in Vanderbilt Athletics are a symbol for all that the university can achieve.

"The sense of excitement that our success on the field has generated teaches us that if we set our ambitions high, if we put the right team together, and we put them in an environment where they can succeed, we can do marvelous things."

Weekend celebrations began in true Music City form with the Quinq Welcome Reception and Downtown Kickoff Party Thursday evening. Candice Storey Lee, BS'00, MEd'02, EdD'12, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director, served as Reunion 2025 General Chair. Lee expressed gratitude for the community members who have made 2025 a significant year.

"The many ways you support Vanderbilt are evident, from volunteering your time, to engaging with the community and supporting our record-breaking Dare to Grow fundraising campaign through initiatives like the Competitive Excellence Fund, which allows my team to recruit and retain top student-athletes," she said. "Your efforts have a real and immediate impact on our campus and the lives of all of us in the Vanderbilt community."

Roughly $44 million was raised solely by classes celebrating their 5th through 60th Reunions this year-a major contribution toward the campaign goal.  

Friday afternoon, there was a live recording of the Quantum Potentialpodcast,during which Provost C. Cybele Raver and Matthew Johnson-Roberson, inaugural dean of the new College of Connected Computing, brought Vanderbilt's research momentum to life. Other weekend offerings included Commodore Classrooms on national security and volleyball's return; a Homecoming Block Party on Library Lawn featuring Nashville food trucks; and Community and Affinity Receptions highlighting belonging and connection. The rain cleared Friday evening just in time for class parties filled with music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres and decadent décor.

Gorgeous fall weather on Saturday made for a picture-perfect football tailgate on the Sports Club Field. The excitement in FirstBank Stadium began when skydivers made an epic entrance for the Anchor Drop and continued through the nail-biting 45-38 overtime win against the Auburn Tigers.

Sunday festivities started with a Bluegrass Brunch and a 50th Reunion brunch and induction ceremony for the Vanderbilt Quinqs. In the afternoon, Commodore fans gathered at Jackalope Brewery to watch Vanderbilt women's soccer defeat LSU to become the 2025 SEC Championsin another overtime victory for the Dores.

In a memorable finale to the weekend, the community gathered at The Pinnacle music venue on Sunday night in celebration of Vanderbilt's Sesquicentennial. The Strengthening Ties concert featured Brandi Carlile, SistaStrings and Alabama Shakes and benefited the Nashville Urban Debate League, a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for Metro Nashville Public Schools students to participate in competitive, research-based policy debate.

• Learn more about Reunion 2025 at reunion.vanderbilt.edu
• Discover the many engagement opportunities available to alumni through the Vanderbilt Alumni Association
• Learn more about Vanderbilt University in New York City