May 9, 2013
Vanderbilt’s Commencement ceremony will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, May 10 on Alumni Lawn. The class of graduating seniors have accomplished a great deal during their time at Vanderbilt and will depart campus with many individual and team accolades. The group has won SEC titles, NCAA Tournament games, a bowl game and earned All-SEC and All-America honors. For all of their accomplishments on the field, what was done in the classroom is even more impressive.
Before the seniors received their diplomas, VUCommodores.com caught up with a number of them to discuss their future plans and reflect on some of their favorite memories.
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Alan Ash Men’s Cross Country Degree: Human and Organizational Development Plans for next year: Secondary Social Studies Teacher in Alabama with Teach For America Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Breaking two minutes in the 800m at our home meet Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Camping out with friends at Percy Priest Favorite professor and/or class: Religion and Sports In one word what does it feel like to be graduating: Exciting Favorite place on campus: Locker room Favorite place in Nashville: Percy Priest Lake What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: Teammates and friends |
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Paige Cahill Lacrosse Degree: Educational Studies, Child Studies Plans for next year: Masters in Education at Peabody Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Beating Duke first game of 2012 season Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Fall break 2012 with Gulf Shores crew Favorite professor and/or class: Professor Neely and Professor Wadsworth In one word what does it feel like to be graduating: Surreal Favorite place on campus: Children’s literature section of Peabody library Favorite place in Nashville Centennial Park What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: All of my friends and teammates. |
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Kim Carper Bowling Degree: Human and Organizational Development Post-graduation plans: Attend graduate school at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College in Leadership and Organizational Performance;. Work as a Management Trainee with Enterprise. Intern with Athlon Sports Publishing. Favorite memory at Vanderbilt: The comeback our team made throughout the year my sophomore year (2010-2011 season) to rise at nationals and make the finals. Also, the 2012 match against Nebraska on television, and the atmosphere we felt/had afterwards was amazing and I’ll never forget the feeling going into the last match where we finished NCAA runner-up. Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Doing interviews for any of the videos I put together while interning with the athletics communications department and editing them together! I met and got to know a lot of athletes from other sports while making those videos and I had a great time doing it. I had some really interesting and/or hilarious responses to questions I asked in the Trendz series and it was awesome getting to see personalities shine through from the individuals I spoke with. Favorite professor and/or class: Joseph Murphy, HOD Leadership. Hands down, one of the coolest guys and professors I’ve ever met. In one word what does it feel like to be graduating: Serene Favorite place on campus: My room Favorite place in Nashville: Centennial Park and Parthenon What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: How tightly knit the athletic community is with each other, and all of the opportunities available through involvement with Vanderbilt. |
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Tiffany Clarke Women’s Basketball Degree: Bachelor of Arts Plans for next year: Professional basketball Favorite athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Beating Tennessee Favorite non-athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Meeting lifelong friends Favorite professor: Professor Pitt In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Surreal Favorite place on campus: WBB locker room What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The friends I have made What is your favorite place in Nashville: Demo’s Steak and Spaghetti House |
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Erika Deardorf Swimming Degree: Human and Organizational Development; Child Development minor Plans for next year: I plan on going back to Texas to continue my studies to become a physician’s assistant. Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: The SEC Swimming and Diving Championships every year. It is such a fun and exciting atmosphere to compete in and it is definitely something that I will never forget. Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: My favorite memories involve the times I have spent with friends outside of swimming. I have met some incredible people from all over the nation, and I realize that I would have never had the opportunity to meet such a great group of diverse people if I had not gone to Vanderbilt. Favorite professor and/or class: It is so hard to choose one favorite professor. Because my classes were in the Peabody School, the classes were smaller in size and I was able to get to know professors on a more personal level. I want to shout out to Professor Leigh Gilchrist, Hoover-Dempsey, Sandler, Van Schaack, and Kristen Tompkins. I feel blessed with the opportunity to have known and studied under each and every one of them. In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Bittersweet. Although I am ready to move on to the next chapter of my life, I cannot help but feel sad that I am leaving Vanderbilt and Nashville behind. Nashville is a fun, beautiful city and I have met so many wonderful, fascinating people at Vanderbilt who I will truly miss. Favorite place on campus: One of my favorite places is Grins café. It is one of my favorite spots to sit and study. Nothing beats getting a cookie and a coffee to get me through the long hours of schoolwork. What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The people, of course. What is your favorite place in Nashville: This is so hard to choose!I just love the city in general – the people, the atmosphere and the scenery.It is a big city with a small-town feel. |
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Jessica Earnest Bowling Degree: Women and Genders Studies Plans for next year: I am moving to Nashville. I’m not sure what I want to do as far as a career, but I am excited to start the next stage of my life. I’m excited to find out what my other interests are besides bowling, and I hope being able to explore introduces me to my future career. Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Both times making it to the NCAA Championship finals. The journey with both of those teams was a difficult process, but a rewarding ending. It showed hard work can pay off, and I’ve applied it to other parts of my life outside of bowling. Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Experiencing international traveling last summer. Getting to visit Thailand (and winning a gold medal), Paris, and Italy was something few get to experience. To be able to travel the way we did was truly a blessing. It opened my eyes to many possibilities, and it’s made me want to continue traveling the world. Favorite professor and/or class: Professor David Rubin for WGS 150W and WGS 201. He is a huge reason I chose WGS as my major. His classes always improved my writing, and has made me want to continue writing outside of college. In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: No words of happiness can describe the feeling that I have to be done with school. Favorite place on campus: The new part of Rand Dining. I’ve spent many late nights there studying this year. What is your favorite place in Nashville Green Hills Mall. The mall is my happy place I go to relax, and forget about school and bowling. |
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Jess Eccher Swimming Degree: Art History and Corporate Strategy Post-graduation plans: Marketing Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt football games Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Mat Kearney at Rites of Spring Favorite class and/or professor: Professor Folgarait’s “Modern Architecture” In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Denial Favorite Place on campus: Alumni Lawn Favorite Place in Nashville: The Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: All the friends I’ve made along the way. |
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Betsy Galenti Swimming Degree: Medicine, Health and Society Post-graduation plans: Dental school Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Training trip in Puerto Rico Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Spending time with friends Favorite class: Organic Chemistry … said no one ever. Medical Ethics In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Grateful Favorite place on campus: Rand Dining Hall Favorite place in Nashville: Jamaica Way and Frothy Monkey What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The people. That’s why I’ve decided to stay in Nashville next year. |
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Olivia Goodman Lacrosse Degree: BA in Spanish, Italian & European Studies Post-graduation plans: Moving to Andalusia, Spain, to teach English as a foreign language Favorite athletic memory: Running through the sprinklers before practice Favorite non-athletic memory: Mud-sliding freshman year at the Commons Favorite professor and/or class: Elsa Filosa, Italian One word to describe your feelings about graduation: Amazing Favorite place on campus: Buttrick Hall Favorite place in Nashville: Hillsboro Village What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: Friends |
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Megan Gornet Women’s Tennis Degree: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Minor in Sociology Post-graduation plans: Medical School (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) Favorite athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Win over UT in Knoxville to go to Sweet 16. Favorite non-athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Being elected vice president of the honor council. Favorite professor and/or class: Ronnie Steinberg, Men and Women in American Society In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Weird Favorite place on campus: The Speyer Family Court at the tennis center Favorite place in Nashville: The Pharmacy. Best burger in Nashville and I can never get enough of it. What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: I will miss being able to walk into dinner (in the Hendrix Room) and know everyone I see. |
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Andrew Harris Baseball Degree: Interdisciplinary: Communications in marketing Post-graduation plans: Graduate school at Peabody Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Storming the field after winning Super Regional at Hawkins Field Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Lazy days at the pool after summer practice Favorite professor and/or class: Advanced Marketing – Art Johnsen In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Old Favorite place on campus: Rand Favorite place in Nashville: The Gulch What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: Leaving behind so many great friends |
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Carly Linthicum Lacrosse Degree: Human and Organizational Development Post-graduation plans: Human Capital Federal Consulting at Deloitte Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Beating Duke, 7-5, junior year as our season opener Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Fall tailgates and football games Favorite professor and/or class: Professor Gilchrist – Health Services in Diverse Organizations / Laurie Woods – Criminology In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Bittersweet Favorite place on campus: The Pub Favorite place in Nashville: Downtown/Broadway What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: Strong sense of community on campus and have 30 best friends/teammates surrounding me at all times / Huge support system |
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Courtney Morgan Bowling Degree: Bachelor of Science in Child Studies Post-graduation plans: Pursuing my masters in education in child studies at Peabody Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Competing for the national championship, twice. Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Spending quality time with my friends and teammates. Favorite professor and/or class: It’s so hard to choose professors because I have encountered so many amazing individuals. I think my favorite class has been The Civil Rights Movement Depicted in Children’s Literature. In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Accomplished Favorite place on campus: The Peabody library Favorite place in Nashville: I love driving around Franklin, and I also really like Hillsboro Village What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The culture of being on a team and the friendships I have made. |
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Dana Schwartz Soccer Degree: Economics Post-graduation plans: Play soccer overseas Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Hearing the news that we were going to Brazil. Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Creating the “This is Vanderbilt Red Rover” video for Amelia Winger-Bearskin’s class Favorite professor: Steve Buckingham In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Weird Favorite place on campus: The Pub or Hawkins Field Favorite place in Nashville: Centennial Park What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The tightly-knit athletic community, my friends from all teams and administration and the beauty of the campus |
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Gabby Smith Women’s Basketball Degree: Cognitive Studies and Sociology Post-graduation plans: University of Denver – Sport and Performance Psychology Master’s Program Favorite athletic memory: Playing in the NCAA tournament in my hometown of Cincinnati during my sophomore year Favorite professor and/or class: Dr. Richard Pitt – SOC 272: Gender Identities, Interactions, and Relationships In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Confusing Favorite place on campus: Our locker room Favorite place in Nashville: Demo’s Steak and Spaghetti House What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The camaraderie amongst all of the athletes |
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Will Snipes Men’s golf Degree: Medicine, Health, & Society Post-graduation plans: Getting involved in sports business/administration Favorite athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Experience at Carmel Cup in 2012 & 2013 Favorite non-athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Enjoying the camaraderie of my teammates and hanging out with them Favorite professor and/or class: Professor: Gary Kimball. Class: Sports Ethics (sad that professor who taught is no longer here) In on word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Bittersweet Favorite place on campus: Dudley Field on a Saturday in the fall Favorite place in Nashville: The Golf Club of Tennessee What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The guys on my team and going to VU sporting events. Anchor Down! |
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Lauren Stratton Women’s Golf Degree: Economics Post-graduation plans: Professional golfer Favorite athletic memory at Vanderbilt: My sophomore year at regionals we had to play in a team playoff for the last spot to make it to the National Championship. Playing in a team playoff is something that I will never experience again, so I will treasure that moment forever. Favorite non-athletic memory at Vanderbilt: Having Nerf gun wars during finals as study breaks Favorite class: Urban Economics In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Humbling Favorite place on campus: My room Favorite place in Nashville: Mike’s Ice Cream What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: Living in the same building as friends, and being able to walk to Vanderbilt sporting events |
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Johnell Thomas Football Degree: Human and Organizational Development Post-graduation plans: Graduate school at Vanderbilt Favorite athletic memory from Vanderbilt: Beating long time Vandy rival UT for the first time in my collegiate career on Senior Night in front of my family, friends and an unbelievably supportive fan base. Also, on the same night getting my first and only career interception to help lead the team to victory. Favorite non-athletic memory from Vanderbilt: My very first day/summer on campus and in class realizing that I beat the odds and would have the opportunity of a lifetime to make something of myself. Realizing that the next 4-5 years would begin to shape the rest of my life. Favorite professor: Laurie Woods In one word, what does it feel like to be graduating: Bittersweet Favorite place on campus: Dudley Field Favorite place in Nashville: Crosspoint Church What will you miss most about Vanderbilt: The experience of being a student athlete and the opportunity to play the game I love on the field with my brothers. |
