Date Time Diermeier commends Class of 2021 for leadership during year of adversity Chancellor Daniel Diermeier thanked the Class of 2021 for leadership that “sets the bar high for future generations of Vanderbilt students” during his first Commencement address at the university’s in-person and virtual ceremony on May 15 at Vanderbilt Stadium. Chancellor Daniel Diermeier commends the Class of 2021 for their commitment to the greater good during his first Commencement address May 15. (Vanderbilt University) “At the start of this historic year, I challenged each and every one of you to do your part to make this our university’s finest hour,” Diermeier said. “You have done that and more. You not only have stepped up amid unknown-and unknowable-circumstances, you made this year a resounding success.”