Accompaning Letter the to Chancellor Gee

October 21, 2005

211 Kirkland Hall
Nashville, TN 37235

Dear Chancellor E. Gordon Gee, Vice-Chancellor David Williams and Vanderbilt Board of Trust:

Today we submit the signatures of 713 undergraduate students in support for changing the name of the Student Life Center (SLC) building. This petition is more than a statement of student opinion to the administration of Vanderbilt. We, as students, have shown that we truly care about the society in which we live.

Our concerns are twofold. First, we believe that there was a breakdown of communication between the student body and administration about the purpose of the Student Life Center. Secondly, through this petition, the student body has voiced concern about the lack of study space, social "hanging out" areas, student organization offices, 24 hour access, dining facilities, and offices for the Division of Student Life within the SLC. The current Student Life Center is not what Vanderbilt students conceptualize as a 'student life' center. Through research, it has been found that the Student Life Center was never intended to fulfill these assumed functions. This is why we, as students, are advocating changing the name and not the purpose of the building. The Student Life Center is a wonderful building, but it is not a "Student Life" Center. When comparing building with similar names to other universities, the Student Life Center is a misnomer. Student, faculty, parents, donors, and campus visitors are given an inaccurate representation of the purpose of the building.

What should the building be called, if the name of the building is a misleading misnomer? We, Michael Ward and Robert Proudfoot, suggest renaming the building the James Lawson Center. By naming the current building the James Lawson Center, the university can make a bold statement about its future by honoring one former member of the Vanderbilt community who has fought for positive change in the world. Rev. Lawson is a great man of moral character; by recognizing him in this manner we can encourage members of the Vanderbilt community to address injustices in our world today.

It is not our goal to dictate the name of any building. This petition first and foremost demonstrates the need for greater administration/student dialogue about Vanderbilt's future, especially College Halls. However, we believe Vanderbilt could make a bold statement by renaming the SLC the James Lawson Center. But this is only a suggestion. With student input and dialogue, Vanderbilt has the ability to positively change while addressing the concerns its students.

Thank you for creating an atmosphere to allow such a large portion of the student body to become directly involved in the direction of Vanderbilt. Michael Ward, the writer of the petition, and Robert Proudfoot, an active supporter, would be pleased to answer any questions or meet with anyone wanting more information. Please review and consider the recommendations of this petition at the next Board of Trust meeting on November 3. We simply ask for dialogue about an issue that 713 students have voiced is a problem, and urge consideration of a renaming of the Student Life Center. This January, Vanderbilt has invited Rev. Lawson to campus to speak on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While the there is not a definitive timeframe to resolve this issue, please be aware that Lawson will be present on campus in January of 2006, which could serve as an excellent opportunity to unveil a renamed Student Life Center.

Thank You For Your Time,

Michael Ward michael.ward@vanderbilt.edu
VU Station B 6120

Robert Proudfoot
robert.s.proudfoot@vanderbilt.edu
859 200 9803
VU Station B 0498

Petition attached