Building a University: Vanderbilt's Second Decade, 1885-1895

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Vanderbilt’s second decade, 1886-1895, was a time of rapid change for the fledgling university. There was a rising population of female and international students, as well as broadening of extracurriculars such as athletics, Greek organizations, and student clubs. Figures such as Charles Soong and Stella Vaughn created lasting legacies at the university during this decade for their prolific and influential work. The longest running student publications, the Comet (later renamed The Commodore) and The Hustler, Vanderbilt’s student newspaper, were founded in 1887 and 1888, respectively. The first form of student government – the West Side Court – was established a few years later in 1891 to adjudicate disputes between young men living in the six dormitory cottages which made up West Side Row. Modern student life harkens back to the student experiences first witnessed during this decade.

Francisco Ramiro Diaz [Medical School Class Composite]

Creator Mahon and Taylor Photographers

Date 1894

Source Vanderbilt University History of Medicine Library

Diaz, Francisco Ramiro was a medical student from Mexico (ordered the 15th on the first row from left to right) enrolling at Vanderbilt University. This composite photograph depicted the 1894 graduates and faculty of the Vanderbilt School of Medicine and University of Nashville School of Medicine.

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