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Festive atmosphere greets lawmakers at Vanderbilt Day on the Hill

Posted 4/1/2008

Black and gold balloons and 95 banners highlighting the impact of the university and medical center on every Tennessee county decorated the halls of Legislative Plaza for Vanderbilt’s fifth Day on the Hill. The annual event provides the opportunity for members of the Vanderbilt community to meet with state lawmakers.
   
This year lawmakers received a new booklet that provides a detailed “by the numbers” comprehensive analysis of what Vanderbilt contributes to each county – with figures ranging from the number of alumni and parents of Vanderbilt students living in each county to how much uncompensated care is provided by the medical center in that same county.
   
“Vanderbilt makes a very important difference across the state, not just in Middle Tennessee, and we want to convey that message to our state legislators,” said Christine Bradley, assistant vice chancellor for community, neighborhood and government relations. Bradley, who spearheaded the project, said lawmakers sometimes mistakenly view Vanderbilt as having an impact in only Middle Tennessee.
   
Lawmakers also had the opportunity to meet Vanderbilt’s leadership team as Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Harry Jacobson and others greeted lawmakers during breakfast in the legislative cafeteria. Zeppos also met with Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh.
   
The delightful jazz sounds provided by Blair School of Music graduate Lindsey Williams and Rod Pittman, a Belmont graduate, capped off another successful Vanderbilt Day on the Hill.         

Contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, 615-322-NEWS
Annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu

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