Without warning, the @vanderbiltu Instagram account posted a photo of a limited-edition enamel pin, followed by the release date and time. If you’re like me, you added this event to your calendar and made the attempt to collect every limited-edition pin possible. But if you haven’t heard of this campus craze, I’ll clue you in.
To draw attention to different campus offerings, Vanderbilt social media accounts have partnered with in-person events to incentivize foot traffic with a fun reward. Katherine Keith, director of campus communications at Vanderbilt, spoke with The Hustler about the pin drop series.
“The goal from the start was to create small moments of pride that also help students discover different programs and communities,” Keith said.
She works with a team of eight, co-designing pins with campus partners, as well as developing promotional strategies. After trekking across campus, attending alumni events and dashing from class to the bookstore, I have collected every pin from the first semester. Here’s how it happened.
As first-years arrived on campus, they found a university branded backpack atop their desk. Inside was the first pin, with the phrase “Home Sweet Home” written across it. Before all my bags had been unpacked, I got to hold a little reminder of where home would be for the coming years. Then on the first day of school, I walked by Rand Wall at the perfect time and collected the second pin drop celebrating the first day of class. Having collected the first two pins, I did what any sane person would do and decided to collect all the rest.
The VU Cares Pin, of a blue hand “anchoring-down” while holding a heart, was made in collaboration with the Student Care Network. Students who collected this pin learned about health and wellbeing resources on campus and pledged to “stand against violence, spread hope and support those who struggle.” In an accompanying Instagram reel, students shouted out those who have helped them feel seen and gave advice to their fellow students. The most feel-good pin, and my personal favorite design, allowed first-years to know they were supported on campus early on.
The events covered by the pin drops are far-reaching. The 150th anniversary pin shows how long the institution has prevailed and reminds both students and faculty of the school’s history. Meanwhile, the Vandy libraries pin focuses attention on the spaces students use to study every day, encouraging us to recognize the vast array of texts and resources available, as well as follow them on social media. However, the food which fuels academic success is also important, so the iconic Rand sandwich, known as the “Randwich,” was recognized with a pin on national sandwich day.
To draw attention to the undergraduate research symposium, a duck pin was developed. Attending the symposium allowed me to see what real undergraduate research looks like while I ate some uniquely flavored popsicles with friends. Giving the student researchers an audience for their work highlights the real impact the pin drops have, as students entered looking for a pin but stayed to support fellow Commodores.
During Reunion Weekend, some alumni-exclusive pins were announced. Since I had collected every pin so far, I was dedicated to keeping the effort going. However, the reunion pin was dropping at an event downtown, so I ended up convincing my friend to take a bus to Broadway with me. Twenty minutes later, we were downtown and walking up to a booth outside the event. After a couple of minutes of conversation, I met with some of the staff behind the drops who were essential to both collecting the pin and offering points of contact for further questions. It was exciting to connect with the people behind the pins and to learn more about the creation process. They were also able to grab the other reunion pin from the alumni-only tailgate for me.
The National Security pin drop promoted the university’s new academic program, the holiday pin promoted new clothing styles at the bookstore and the transportation pin reminded me of how grateful I am for the free public transit (which allowed me to collect all the pins in the first place!)
The last pin drop of the semester was also the biggest hit, celebrating the announcement of the New York City Vanderbilt campus with a pin of a squirrel dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Even after arriving to the pin drop early, I was among over a hundred students who were also seeking the pin.
“The series has taken on a life of its own with students lining up before events,” Keith said. “Pins run out within hours.” Nothing fits that description more perfectly than this particular pin drop, and after polling her team of eight, there was a consensus that this was the favorite pin of the semester.
Capturing different facets of the school in stylish enamel pins is not an easy feat, and the team behind the pin drops has done a fantastic job focusing social media attention toward everything the school has to offer. As you walk around campus, look for the pins from last semester on students’ backpacks, celebrating every part of the campus culture. And if you are feeling like you missed out on some of the drops from last semester, keep an eye on the Vanderbilt social media because the team has more exciting pin drops up their sleeves.
