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WELCOME TO "Save the Shield", my tribute to the golden boys and girls of the Southeastern Conference, the Vanderbilt Commodores. I am an undergraduate at VU (as of this writing, in Spring 2003, a sophomore), and I have put this site up to share a little bit about my passion for all things Vandy.
I hope you will find that Vanderbilt is way more than just one of the nation's Top 20 universities--in fact, Vanderbilt could well be one of the most special and unique places in America.
See for yourself, and "save the shield"!
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QUICK FACTS ABOUT VANDERBILT
- Mascot: Commodore -
The Vanderbilt mascot, the Commodore, comes from the history of the University. Vanderbilt was founded by our namesake, Cornelius Vanderbilt, in 1873. One of Cornelius's nicknames as a shipping magnate was 'Commodore', and so, to honor the founder, the University and its students chose to call their athletics teams after Vanderbilt.
The actually term 'Commodore' was used by the United States Navy during the mid and late nineteenth century. A commodore was the captain of a task force of ships, and therefore higher in rank than a captain but lower in rank than an Admiral. The closest parallel to the now-defunct rank of commodore is Rear Admiral.
Because the term was used most during the late-nineteenth century--and it was then that Cornelius received his nickname--Vanderbilt's mascot is always portrayed as a naval officer from the 1880s-1890s, complete with chops, cutlass, and nineteenth century naval reglia.
- Colors: Black and Gold -
- Founded: 1873 -
By Bishop Joseph McTyiere with a founding investment by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt.
- Undergraduates: 6,500 -
- Conference: Southeastern (SEC) -
Vanderbilt is a founding member of the SEC and desires to continue its long and successful history with the institution.
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DYNAMITE - The Vanderbilt Commodore Fight Song
Dynamite, dynamite,
when Vandy starts to fight!
Down the field
with blood to yield,
if need be save the shield!
If vic'try's won
when battle's done,
then Vandy's name
will rise in fame;
But win or lose,
the Fates will choose,
and Vandy's game
will be the same!
Dynamite, dynamite!
When Vandy starts to fight!
--Francis Craig, 1941
In practice, students continue the fight song--with the sanction of the drum corps of the Spirit of Gold Marching Band--by spelling "Vandy" and cheering "Vandy, Vandy, oh hell yeah!!"
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ALMA MATER
On the city's west'rn border,
reared against the sky,
proudly stands our Alma Mater
as the years roll by
Forward! ever be thy watchword,
conquer and prevail!
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater,
Vanderbilt, all hail!
--Robert F. Vaugh, 1907
The 'Alma Mater' is sung to the tune of 'Annie Lisle', which also serves as the tune to several other college songs, most notably Cornell and the University of Florida (not sure about UF, but I think so).
In practice, students--and many fans--remain at football and basketball games immediately following the conclusion of the game, lock arms together, and sing the 'Alma Mater', regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard. This tradition began as a way of reconciliation, for losses, and celebration, for wins.
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CHEER FOR OLD VANDY - Vanderbilt's First Fight Song
Cheer for old Vandy,
Cheer for the gold and black!
Cheer for the team when it wins,
Cheer for them through thick and through thin!
Let's give a cheer for old Vandy,
Cheer for her forevermore,
Sons and daughters let's give a yell
for the Commodore!
--Unknown (if you know, email
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VANDERBILT COMMODORES
National Football Champions
1904 - 1906 - 1910 - 1911
National Mascot Champions
2003
Official Website of the Black and Gold
Unofficial Home for all Vandymaniacs - people who bleed gold
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