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.

Portrait of Tchi Ho Yun

Creator Thuss Studio

Date May 30, 1891

Source Vanderbilt University Photographic Archives

Yun, Tchi Ho, a South Korean student, graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1891. Later in 1895, he returned to South Korea for the position of vice-president of Education in government and held many other important roles in his political career in his country.

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