Plans for new residential colleges at Vanderbilt University were officially announced in October 2024, marking a significant shift in the campus landscape. These colleges will be located in a newly developed Central Neighborhood, aimed at enhancing student life and fostering a sense of community. The initiative highlights the importance of residential spaces where students create lasting memories, form friendships, and engage in meaningful conversations.
To pave the way for these new buildings, several existing structures have been dismantled. The University Club and the Community Partnership House have already been removed, and the Branscomb Quad is currently undergoing demolition. Meanwhile, the McTyeire dormitory has transitioned to office space and is no longer housing students, reflecting the evolving nature of the Central Neighborhood.
Many alumni and current students have taken to social media to express their sentiments about the changes. For some, Branscomb and McTyeire were more than just residence halls; they were integral to their college experiences.
Dana Winbush Taylor, a graduate from the class of 1998, fondly recalls her mornings at Branscomb, where she enjoyed homemade breakfast sandwiches from the Munchie Mart. “I loved those steak, egg and cheese sandwiches with mixed fruit jelly!” she reminisced, illustrating how the small details of campus life left a lasting impact.
Another alumnus, Brett Barfield, who graduated in 1985, shared how McTyeire shaped his college journey. “I lived in McTyeire for two and a half years. It changed my life and trajectory,” he noted. He fondly remembered the vibrant international community in the dorm, where cultural exchanges flourished during dance parties and communal meals.
The nostalgia surrounding these dorms is palpable. Erin Pfaff, who completed her studies in 2003, expressed her appreciation for the late-night meals at Branscomb. “No matter what you did on a Saturday night on campus, everyone ended up at breakfast at Branscomb by 1 a.m.,” she reflected.
The emotional ties to these residences extend beyond individual experiences. Marisa Hudson-Arney, a member of the class of 1996, highlighted a special connection as her daughter, Claire Arney, now a student in the class of 2027, is set to move into Scales 3, the same dorm where her parents began their journey together. “We are thrilled that our daughter chose to attend Vanderbilt,” she remarked.
In a similar vein, Rebecca Dupuy, a graduate from 1995, credits her time in McTyeire for developing her language skills. “Because of my time in McTyeire, I became truly fluent in French and married a Frenchman that I dated during my time in Aix-en-Provence,” she explained.
The memories shared by alumni emphasize how much these spaces have contributed to their personal growth. Amy LaFrentz, a graduate from 1991, reminisced about the surprise birthday party her hallmates organized for her, showcasing the supportive community that formed within those walls.
As Vanderbilt prepares for the construction of its new residential colleges, the stories of past residents serve as a reminder of the profound impact that campus living can have on students’ lives. The new developments promise to continue this tradition of fostering connection and community, ensuring that future generations of students can create their own treasured experiences in their home-away-from-home.
