Rand Hall — constructed in 1952 — is likely one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. Organizations from all across campus set up tables by its wall, hundreds — if not thousands — of students eat there daily and countless conversations have occurred within its walls. Let’s just say, Rand is practically the watering hole of Vanderbilt, bringing in decades of history.
Rand Hall — being a central location on campus — has been a central spot for student life since its conception. While the outdoor newspaper stands and furry friends might be gone, much of campus culture has remained the same. From students resting during their breaks to now gone rider boards for organizing holiday-break carpooling — now replaced by online group chats — the watering-hole culture of Rand has remained persistent throughout the years.
Arguably one of the most iconic spots on campus, the Rand Terrace has been the heart of Vanderbilt. From sideshows to preachers spreading the gospel, the maroon bricks of Rand Wall have been at the forefront of campus for decades. Furthermore, the back patio has long been a popular site for lunchtime, with staff and students alike using the space for their breaks. In the original construction of Rand Hall — due to Sarratt Student Center not being constructed yet — you were able to see Cole Hall from the back patio.
Introduction of Sarratt Student Center
Opened in 1974, the Sarratt Student Center was developed as two spaces in one building— a cinema on one side and the baseball glove lounge on the other — completely disconnected from Rand Hall. It was not until 2000 that Sarratt Center became connected to Rand and another renovation in 2012 made the connection more seamless, while also relocating the Vanderbilt bookstore that was originally in Rand.
Named after the late Charles Madison Sarratt, the student center has been a site of student expression since its creation. Its gallery has showcased generations of students’ work, alongside an outdoor courtyard adorned with statues. Before the gallery, the space used to be an entry hall complete with plush chairs reminiscent of the current Baseball Glove lounge, allowing students to converse with one another in an open forum.
Sarratt is also known for its cinema, which has hosted many Vanderbilt community events for decades. In recent years, it has included a visit from Timothée Chalamet, a posthumous Chadwick Boseman movie marathon and an off-Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The cinema was also a venue for double platinum band George Thorogood & The Destroyers in 1978, years before the 1981 tour that made the band mainstream.
Dining throughout the years
Being first and foremost a dining hall, Rand has had an expansive history adjusting the menus. In recent history, this was the transformation of Local Java in Sarratt Student Center into Wasabi alongside the old Munchie Mart becoming a Blenz location. Campus Dining has also adjusted its locations as well, moving in and recently out — in the fall of 2024 — the allergen-free smoothie bar 2301. As another example, before 2301, there used to be Pi and Leaf. Opened in 2012 after the renovations, Pi and Leaf offered handmade pizzas and fresh salads, much akin to the modern-day Commodore Pizza Kitchen. Before Local Java entered Sarratt, the Last Drop Coffee Shop was there. Last Drop had a unique style of 60s futuristic Americana, with beloved coffee to match.
Delving into the past, we explore the Pub at Overcup Oak. Only recently reallowing the sale of alcoholic beverages within its walls, the history of the Pub is quite literally written on the walls. From the site of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to a viewing deck for jammed-out concerts, the Pub has been a — nevertheless boozy — watering hole for the Vanderbilt community for generations.
Vanderbilt’s Rand Hall has hosted the Vanderbilt community for generations, and it continues to serve its legacy to students today.
