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Guest apartment at The Commons named in honor of Wiltshire

Posted 12/17/2007

The germ of the idea that became The Commons came from a young teacher who spent a week in 1974 living in a Branscomb Quadrangle apartment and mixing informally with students.

In recognition of how far her inspiration has spread more than three decades later, the guest room at The Commons will be named in honor of Susan Ford Wiltshire.

The Vanderbilt Board of Trust voted to bestow the honor on Wiltshire on Dec. 11.

“An award-winning teacher, department chair, accomplished scholar and the author of six books, Susan’s academic career is exceptional and impressive,” said Interim Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “But it is her genuine affection for undergraduates and natural gifts for teaching and mentoring that truly distinguish her 36 year tenure at Vanderbilt.”

After spending a week living at Branscomb in 1974, Wiltshire became convinced that Vanderbilt could enrich the educational experience it offers by creatively addressing the hours students spend out of classroom. Twenty-five years later, she served on the exploratory committee on residential colleges.

The fall of 2008, the first freshman class will live and learn at The Commons.

“The Commons is a direct reflection of Susan’s dream,” Zeppos said. “This dedicated space, as the Susan Ford Wiltshire room, will forever honor her role as an enthusiastic, wise and very patient leader who knew Vanderbilt had the imagination and courage required to redefine its undergraduate experience.”

Contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
 jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu
 

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