When Vanderbilt Football defeated Alabama on Oct. 5, 2024, students stormed the field and carried the goalpost all the way to the Cumberland River. The celebration seemed to last all weekend, with the victory making national headlines. In the opposite direction of the river, four Vanderbilt alumni also celebrated the monumental win. Gathered in the dining room of the Brookdale at Home Cumberland senior assisted living center in Belle Meade, Betty Smith Dobson ‘43, Martha E. Templeton ‘53, Rachel Gardner Smith ‘54 and Maryann Cook ‘62 laughed and cheered, singing the fight song and proudly wearing black and gold regalia. With ages spanning 93 to 103, they exclaimed at the fact that they had to live this long just to see such a Commodore victory.

Dobson, the oldest Commodore of the group, passed away on Nov. 7, 2024 at age 103. Her daughter, Jean Farris, filled us in on Dobson’s impressive time and accomplishments as a Vanderbilt student. Dobson studied business and navigated college life during World War II when most male students were away. She lived in McTyeire Hall and attended West End Methodist Church.

Templeton, a member of the Tri Delta sorority, is a Nashville native and has a strong family legacy at Vanderbilt. She met her husband while at Vanderbilt, and he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve while they were both students.

Smith, also a Nashville native, studied math and psychology. She fondly remembers her junior year, which she described as her most fun semester living off campus.

Cook graduated from The Harpeth Hall School before attending Vanderbilt. She studied education and later taught in Georgia.

Last but certainly not least, Elaine Lacoure Brown (‘70, ’71, ’73) was not present for the Vanderbilt vs. Alabama game, but ran into us in the lobby of the assisted living center and gladly joined in on the interview. Brown came to Vanderbilt at a pivotal time in history — during the Civil Rights Movement. She was the first Black woman to join a sorority within Peabody College and played a critical role in the founding of Vanderbilt’s Black Alumni Association.

A changing Vanderbilt

Though each of these women attended Vanderbilt during vastly different eras, they found common ground in the traditions, challenges and campus experiences they shared. For some, like Dobson and Templeton, Vanderbilt in the mid-20th century was largely a family affair, with legacies spanning generations. For others, like Brown, it was a time of social transformation, as Vanderbilt took gradual steps toward racial integration and gender equality.

Curfews, dress codes and dormitory restrictions defined much of their college experience. For example, Brown recalled how female students were not permitted to wear pants on campus until 1971, requiring a student-led movement to push for the change.

Bishop Joseph Johnson, the namesake for the Black Cultural Center on campus, was admitted as Vanderbilt’s first Black student in 1953. He came to campus as a special student in the School of Religion as a married father of three and pastor, and pursued a Ph.D. in theology. Other Black students were slowly admitted in the following years, but mainly for graduate programs. Finally in 1964, Vanderbilt admitted its first class of Black undergraduate students. Following soon was Brown, who didn’t know at the time that she too would make history.

“I remember watching and learning about Perry Wallace, the first Black basketball player in the SEC,” Brown said. “You never really think about making history until it happens and you look back on it.”

Vanderbilt Athletics: Then and now

Despite these differences, there was one common thread that united them — a love for Vanderbilt sports. Watching Vanderbilt’s football victory over ‘Bama was a surreal moment — one they never imagined witnessing in their lifetimes.

“I never turn the games on,” Brown said. “But I just happened to go by and saw where Vanderbilt was leading [against] Alabama. And I hollered to my brother, ‘Wait a minute, is this [happening] now?’”

The group agreed that seeing Vanderbilt’s name in national headlines was a special moment.

“We didn’t have much [of a] chance to do that back in our day,” Templeton said.

While Templeton played intramural tennis and Brown was a basketball fan, sports were not always a big part of their Vanderbilt experience. Yet, decades later, it was sports that brought them together again, giving them something to rally behind and celebrate.

Keeping the Vanderbilt spirit alive

Even decades after graduation, these alumni have remained deeply connected to their alma mater. Through alumni groups, Vanderbilt events and friendships, they continue to cherish their time at the university.

“There are so many communities like [Brookdale] in Nashville full of Vanderbilt alumni — it’s important to bring people together and keep those connections alive,” Brown said.

Students don’t typically think about being amongst generations of alumni until after graduation. However, all of the women agreed on the importance of intergenerational relationships — especially for Vanderbilt students past and present. Some of us will only be in Nashville for four years, while others will spend a lifetime. The next time Homecoming rolls around and you find yourself as an alumni reflecting on the “good old days,” be sure to strike up a conversation with the alumni around you — you’ll never know the stories they’re ready to share.

Words of wisdom

As Vanderbilt’s admission rate continues to drop, the alumni offered words of wisdom for today’s students. They emphasized the importance of community, relationships and remembering the history that shaped the university.

“Anything you can do in the world these days to knit people together is a good thing,” Brown said.

More than anything, the alumni encouraged students to take advantage of the relationships they build at Vanderbilt — both with their peers and with those who came before them.

“There’s a heritage that connects Nashville and Vanderbilt,” Templeton said. “And it’s up to students and alumni to keep that connection strong.”

As the conversation wrapped up, the women reflected on their lifelong bond with Vanderbilt. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains the same — their love for their alma mater.

“We’re blooming,” Templeton said. “And that’s just wonderful.”

This story was originally published on The Vanderbilt Hustler on February 23, 2025.