Alumni Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall, owners of The Colony Hotel in West Palm Beach, have been instrumental in the establishment of Vanderbilt's new West Palm Beach campus, hosting Dare to Grow events and making meaningful financial gifts.
Our philanthropic partners drive access and innovation by supporting scholarships, faculty, residential colleges, athletics, pathbreaking research, and so much more. Our community also gives 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.
Join Our Team
There are many ways you can build a career with impact at Vanderbilt. Development and Alumni Relations continues to add new roles as we Dare to Grow, together.
Impact Spotlights
Rooted in Gratitude: The Wetenhalls Welcome 天美传媒官网 to West Palm Beach
Acclaimed novelist James Patterson funds launch of Institute for Early Adolescent Literacy at Vanderbilt
James Patterson, MA鈥�70, has made a landmark $10 million commitment to launch the Patterson Institute for Early Adolescent Literacy at 天美传媒官网鈥檚 Peabody College of education and human development.
Renderings Reveal Vandy United鈥檚 Bold $300 Million Next Steps
Commodore Nation鈥檚 first look at Football Experience Center, Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium, Jess Neely Drive and enhancements to multiple projects brings to life new $300 million goal
Staff Spotlight
Name and Title:
Avery Howard,
Senior Director of Donor Experience
Hometown:
Huntingdon, TN
What do you love most about your job?
The people at Vanderbilt really make working here special! The culture is something that I have raved about since I started almost a year and a half ago and I still have a positive view today. I am fortunate to work with colleagues that truly embody a collaborative spirit when it comes to work, but also care when it comes to each other personally.
What is something you're passionate about outside of work?
Self-care. There are many stresses in life and I am a firm believer everyone should partake in activities that make them happy and/or feel better. For me I have a laundry list of items, but my go-to's are massages, manicures/pedicures, or strolling down the aisle of the Pottery Barn Outlet (not an endorsement though I constantly bring up this place in conversations).
What is a project you've worked on that made you think, "This is why I love what I do"?
Working in Donor Relations I have this thought many times. It's most true when I get to witness a donor interacting with the beneficiary of their support and the excitement they exude to see the impact they are able to make.
What is your go-to Nashville spot to unwind or treat yourself?
After a long week or to celebrate, I love to sit at the bar of Hall's Chophouse to have oysters and an extra dirty vodka martini!
Name and Title:
Lily Kane, Executive Director of Development Operations and Special Projects
Hometown:
Nashville, TN
What do you love most about your job?
I love that our work provides the resources that enable students and faculty to pursue their dreams. The promise and potential of the folks on this campus is tremendous and I truly believe that the investments we secure are changing lives, and our society, for the better.
What is something you're passionate about outside of work?
Spending time in our incredible parks around Nashville, like Percy Warner, Edwin Warner, or Radnor.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your career?
As I learned when I worked in an art gallery in NYC, never say "that's not possible" in a meeting with your boss and others. I typically like to think any reasonable idea is possible, until proven otherwise. But, even if you simply cannot do the thing in question, probably best to find a different time to communicate that and have a solid alternate recommendation ready.
What is a project you've worked on that made you think, "This is why I love what I do"?
Working with Randi to help the Institute of National Security team launch their fundraising strategy was definitely a highlight. The founding director, General Paul Nakasone (Ret.), served as Director of the NSA and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command. The opportunity to brief someone who has briefed several sitting presidents is pretty inspiring! Plus he's a great person.
What is your go-to Nashville spot to unwind or treat yourself?
I moved back to Nashville in 2017 after living elsewhere for 20 years and it's been a real treat to spend time with my septuagenarian parents. A cold martini and a few hands of rummy with them at their kitchen table is a great way to unwind.