Semi-centennial program – This program from Vanderbilt’s Semi-centennial in 1925, which marked the 50th anniversary of the university’s opening, lists four days of events, including a formal academic convocation, lectures and alumni gatherings. A highlight of the celebration was the formal dedication of Alumni Hall, the university’s first student center, built in memory of the Vanderbilt men who gave their lives in World War I.



Mortarboard – Harvie Branscomb, Vanderbilt’s fourth chancellor from 1946 to 1963, wore this cap as part of his academic regalia for Commencements during his tenure. The tassel is made of metallic gold threads.







Diploma – This diploma on parchment was granted to John Malcolm Chapman by the University of Nashville medical department on April 30, 1899. Written entirely in Latin, the diploma bears an image of George Peabody, whose name had been connected to the University of Nashville since 1875, when the state normal school became funded by Peabody philanthropy. Vanderbilt’s medical department was connected to the University of Nashville until 1895.















Commencement announcement – The cover of this leather-bound pocket-sized booklet from 1937, which may have been mailed out or produced as a memento, features an image of the statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Inside are images of Chancellor James Kirkland as well as those of campus buildings. Class rolls and a Commencement-week schedule of events also are included.
















Plaster casting of Vanderbilt seal – This casting was made in the early 1950s by Puryear Mims, who was commissioned by former university Secretary Robert McGaw to create an enlarged replica of the Vanderbilt seal to be used as a model for honorary medals awarded by the university and Alumni Association. Mims substituted ivy leaves for the oak leaves of the actual seal, and did his own stylizing of the founder’s profile. As a result, McGaw chose not to use it.



Posted 05/01/08