A wreath hung up on McWhorter Hall at Belmont University, as captured on Nov. 25, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/George Albu)

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Wrapping up the year

Vanderbilt students wrap up the fall semester before leaving for winter break.

By Abby Hoelscher, Deputy Photography Director

Dec 18, 2023

With the conclusion of classes shortly after Thanksgiving break, sports and other activities also came to a close as final exams came and went.

2023 photo stories “wrapped”

The Hustler published 280 visual essays this year. That’s more than five stories weekly! The top five most popular stories were Jessie Murph’s “Drowning Tour,” spring break highlights, stray cats on campus, the Chabad and Hillel vigil for lives lost in Israel and community prayers for Palestinian lives lost.

Winter fashion

With shorter days and colder weather settling in, students are adapting their wardrobe to the season, from big puffer coats to intricate bracelets and custom blazers.

Editor’s picks

These past few weeks back on campus after Thanksgiving break included appreciating the remaining leaves on the trees, gifting for the holidays and bundling up as we say hello to December.

About the Contributors

Abby Hoelscher, Photography Editor

Abby Hoelscher (‘27) is from St. Louis and is an aspiring elementary teacher currently studying in Peabody College. She previously served as Deputy Photography Director. Outside of writing, she enjoys performing, learning Taylor Swift songs in American Sign Language and trying the seasonal lattes from the campus coffee shops. She can be reached at [email protected].

George Albu, Staff Writer and Photographer

George Albu (‘27) is majoring in medicine, health and society in the College of Arts and Science. When not working for The Hustler, he enjoys watching video essays, exploring Nashville and going to the Rec. He can be reached at [email protected].

Sara West, Deputy Photography Editor

Sara West ('25) is majoring in psychology in the College of Arts and Science and human and organizational development in Peabody College. Sara loves going to concerts, thrifting and exploring new places. She was previously Deputy Photography Director and hopes to enter the music industry after graduating. She can be reached at [email protected].

Ophelia Lu, Deputy Photography Editor

Ophelia Lu (’26) is from Los Angeles and is double majoring in biomedical and electrical engineering in the School of Engineering. She previously served as a staff photographer. When not covering events and sports games for The Hustler, you can find her listening to a lot of music, studying at Starbucks or lying on Alumni lawn. She can be reached at [email protected].

Alice Tang, Staff Photographer

Alice Tang (‘25) is from Columbia, Missouri, and is majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. She enjoys birdwatching and arts and crafts. You can reach her at [email protected].

Laura Vaughan, Senior Staff Photographer

Laura Vaughan (‘25) is a graduate student in the College of Arts and Science. When not out on an assignment for The Hustler, she can be found studying in the Schulman Center, having lunch at Frutta Bowls or trying to clean her file structure. She is available at [email protected].

Urmika Nandwani, Staff Photographer

Urmika Nandwani (‘26) is from South Jordan, Utah and studies biology and anthropology in the College of Arts and Science. When not taking pictures for The Hustler, she can be found cozied up with a good book or out and about on a run. She can be reached at [email protected].

Ankit Janamanchi, Staff Photographer

Ankit Janamanchi (‘26) is majoring in mathematics and minoring in data science and computer science in the College of Arts and Science. Aside from The Hustler, Ankit loves to rock climb, workout, hike and review movies and albums. They can be reached at [email protected].

Isabella Bautista, Senior Staff Writer and Photographer

Isabella Bautista (‘26) is double majoring in mathematics and biological sciences and minoring in psychology on the pre-medical track in the College of Arts and Science. She is from Easton, Pa., and previously served as Deputy Life Editor. When not writing for The Hustler, she can be found spending hours alone in a piano practice room, photographing Vanderbilt squirrels with her digital camera or reading up on penguin evolution in her research lab. She can be reached at [email protected].

Ava Aria, Staff Photographer

Ava Aria (‘27) is from Ellicott City, MD, and studies medicine, health & society in the College of Arts and Science. When she's not photographing for The Hustler, she is found slipping on a smoothie or doing pilates. You can reach her at [email protected].

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