Common Reference Questions
When
was Vanderbilt University founded?
There were attempts to establish a university in Nashville as early as 1857.
Finally, under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, a charter
to found a university was signed August 6, 1872. Originally destined to be called
Central University, the Board of Trust voted to change the name to Vanderbilt
University when Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, of New York, offered an initial
endowment of $500,000. Later this endowment was increased to nearly $1 million.
Who was the first university president?
Bishop Holland McTyeire was the chief executive of the university from its founding
until his death in 1889.
What is the oldest building on campus?
The oldest building is Old Central, built in 1859 as the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Foote.
Who is buried in the fenced square near the Divinity Quadrangle?
Bishops William McKendree, Joshua Soule, and Holland McTyeire and Chancellor Landon Garland. Bishops William McKendree and Joshua Soule were reburied on the campus in 1876 by order of Bishop McTyeire, because their graves were being neglected. When McTyeire himself died in 1889, he was buried in the same area. Finally, when Chancellor Landon Garland died in 1895, he was buried among the bishops near the Divinity School.
Did Commodore Vanderbilt ever visit the university?
Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt never visited the university he helped establish.
Other Vanderbilts have visited the campus. Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, great-grandson
of the Commodore, served as President of the Board of Trust for thirteen years.
Over a hundred Vanderbilt descendants visited Vanderbilt in 1973 when the university
hosted a family reunion in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Commodore's
endowment. 
Who was the first graduate? The first woman graduate?
The first Vanderbilt University graduate was Henry William Morgan, Doctor of
Medicine, March 1, 1875. The first woman graduate was Kate Lupton, daughter
of chemistry professor Nathaniel T. Lupton, who was awarded a Master of Arts
in 1879. Because women were not officially recognized, Lupton received her degree
through a special vote of the faculty and Board of Trust but was given her diploma
in private.
When did Vanderbilt first open for classes? What was the enrollment at Vanderbilt during its first year?
Vanderbilt University contracted with the Nashville Medical College, a branch
of the University of Nashville which had been in existence since 1850, to serve
as a medical branch of Vanderbilt in April of 1874. Graduates of this program
had the option of accepting a University of Nashville degree or a Vanderbilt
University degree. By October 1875, the fledgling university had added law,
biblical, and academic departments to its curriculum. Total enrollment for 1875
was 307. Current enrollment is now over 10,000.
Who was the first Chancellor?
Landon Cabell Garland, who was Chancellor from 1875-1893.
When did Vanderbilt University institiute its own campus police?
Vanderbilt had a one-man police force as early as 1887, when James "Cap"
Alley served as the campus police. He served on campus until mid-1927.
Where was the first dorm?
The first dorm was near West End Avenue. Called West Side Row, it opened in
1886 and consisted of six cottages named Alpha, Belleview, Cumberland, Delphi,
Euclid, and Franklin. Each cottage accomodated sixteen students, two per room.
When was the first Vanderbilt football game? Has it ever had an undefeated
season?
Unofficial games began as early as 1886. The first official Vanderbilt football
game occurred on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1890, between Vanderbilt University
and Peabody Normal College. Vanderbilt won the game 40 to 0. Vanderbilt had
undefeated seasons in 1897, 1904, 1910, and 1922.
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