The Vanderbilt Hustler - The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

Clark Lea celebrates a win in the Birmingham Bowl, as photographed on Dec. 27, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Commodore Brunch Birmingham Bowl: Cherry on top

Vanderbilt Football just won its seventh game of the season, pushing it over .500 for the first time in 11 years.

By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor • 2 hours ago

Alyssa Lokits in cap and gown on Commencement Day, as photographed on May 12, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Abby Lokits)

‘A ray of light’: Vanderbilt community remembers alumna Alyssa Lokits

The tag #runforalyssa has been used by people around the world since Oct. 14 to honor Lokits’ passing and raise awareness for women’s safety.

By Brina Ratangee, Editorial Director • 23 hours ago

Hanna Pinang stands by a Christmas tree following her acceptance to Vanderbilt, as photographed on Dec. 17, 2024. (Courtesy of Hanna Pinang)

‘Surreal and unreal’: Class of 2029 early decision applicants react to acceptances

By Charlotte Castle and Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu • Dec 19, 2024

Diego Pavia points up into the student section after the game against Tennessee, as photographed Nov. 30, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

UPDATED: Diego Pavia granted preliminary injunction, can play in 2025

By Barrie Barto, Editor-in-Chief • Dec 18, 2024

The audience watches Timothee Chalamet and Michael Gray engage in conversation, as photographed on Dec. 6, 2024. (Hustler Staff/Scarlett Mickel)

Vanderbilt Programming Board hosts Timothée Chalamet for a discussion of new movie

By Scarlett Mickel, Life Copy Editor • Dec 11, 2024

LIFESTYLE STORIES

Graphic depicting a campus tour. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

An inside look into life as a Vanderbilt Tour Guide

A veteran tour guide and a new tour guide share their guide stories from recruitment to reflection.

By Maya Schlessinger, Staff Writer • Dec 16, 2024

Front of the Frist Museum of Art with a banner for “Behold” in the center of the frame, as photographed on Oct. 27, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/George Albu)

‘Behold’ the Campos-Pons exhibition at the Frist Art Museum

By George Albu and Jocelyn Ni • Dec 15, 2024

A collection of Trader Joe’s seasonal holiday items, as photographed on Nov. 17, 2024. (Hustler Staff/Grace Asness)

Jingle all the way to checkout: A review of Trader Joe’s seasonal holiday items

By Maci Cohen and Grace Asness • Dec 14, 2024

Graphic of a first-place medal on a table setting. (Hustler Multimedia/Sofia El-Shammaa)

Taste of Nashville restaurants, ranked

By Emily Park, Charlie Pagan and Arabella Chen • Dec 14, 2024

SPORTS STORIES

Commodore Brunch Birmingham Bowl: Cherry on top

Vanderbilt Football just won its seventh game of the season, pushing it over .500 for the first time in 11 years.

By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor • 2 hours ago

Diego Pavia throws a pass over Georgia Tech defenders, as photographed on Dec. 27, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Football: Vanderbilt dominates second half, defeats Georgia Tech in Birmingham Bowl

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst • 17 hours ago

Vanderbilt huddles together, as photographed on Dec. 21, 2024. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

Memorial Minutes: Foot on the gas

By Henry Oelhafen, Deputy Sports Editor • Dec 26, 2024

Quincy Skinner Jr. dives for a pass, as photographed on Nov. 30, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Three Matchups to Watch: Birmingham Bowl

By Owen Chiss, Staff Writer • Dec 25, 2024

RECENT EDITORIALS

Graphic depicting a skeleton looking tiredly at a computer screen containing a chemical equation. (Hustler Staff/Jorie Fawcett)

GUEST EDITORIAL: Weed-out classes are the silent barrier for disadvantaged students

To even the playing field for students from all backgrounds, Vanderbilt needs to offer more in class resources to students without college course preparation.

By Olivia Ryan, Guest Writer • Dec 18, 2024

Graphic depicting a person running in front of a person on a scooter. They both move across from a building. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

WEINER: We need to end our unethical scooter riding

Dec 10, 2024

Graphic depicting a gavel shattering a metal chain, with the scales of justice in the background. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

GUEST EDITORIAL: Vanderbilt let my sexual abuser off the hook

Dec 8, 2024

Clark Lea and players line up after their game against Tennessee on Nov. 30, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

RUTMAN: December is the month of the portal, not the bowl

Dec 6, 2024

TRENDING STORIES

Vanderbilt players celebrate a win over Virginia Tech, as photographed on Aug. 31, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

BREAKING: Vanderbilt Football selected for Birmingham Bowl, set to play Georgia Tech

Taste of Nashville restaurants, ranked

Vanderbilt's offensive line huddles up. (Hustler Multimieda/Lexie Perez)

Vanderbilt Football transfer portal tracker

Allie Schwartz poses with her acceptance letter from Vanderbilt. (Photo courtesy of Allie Schwartz)

A steady decline: Class of 2028 regular decision admission rate drops to 3.7%, overall admission rate to 5.1%

Hailey Weiner in Vanderbilt merchandise after being admitted EDII. (Photo courtesy of Hailey Weiner)

Vanderbilt early decision acceptance rate dips slightly to 15.2%

RECENT MULTIMEDIA STORIES

PODCAST: The Ultimate Birmingham Bowl Preview
On this week’s episode, Aiden and Jonah preview Vanderbilt Football’s upcoming bowl against Georgia Tech.
Dec 24, 2024
By Aiden Rutman and Jonah Barbin
Memorial Minutes: Impressive is an understatement
Women’s basketball has had one of the most impressive starts in program history, thanks to overwhelming wins and dominant individual performances.
Dec 16, 2024
By Connor Campbell, Senior Staff Writer
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: A jolly good finale
Students and staff work to better both emotional and academic well-being at the end of the fall semester.
Dec 14, 2024
By Abby Hoelscher, Photography Editor
IN PHOTOS: Katie Gavin’s solo debut is ‘As Good As It Gets’
Katie Gavin delivered a powerful performance of her first solo album, “What A Relief,” at The Blue Room.
Dec 12, 2024
By Abbie Bobeck and Sarah Nipper
Vanderbilt Football transfer portal tracker
Clark Lea and Vanderbilt Football have a busy offseason of transfer recruiting and retention ahead of them.
Dec 4, 2024
By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor
IN PHOTOS: Giving thanks for a week off
Check out how Hustler photographers captured the beauty of break on camera.
Dec 4, 2024
By Ophelia Lu, Jo Anderson, Sabrina Downey, Rachel Koh, Alondra Moya, Leanne Park, Royce Yang, Isabella Bautista and Jocelyn Ni
IN PHOTOS: Vitality lights up the stage with their ‘Incandescence’ showcase
Vitality Dance Company’s fall showcase focused on the theme “Incandescence,” featuring unique dances related to the meaning of light.
Dec 2, 2024
By Urmika Nandwani, Staff Photographer
PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football’s regular season ends, soccer earns a signature win and basketball keeps on rolling
On this week's episode, Aiden is joined by Henry and Connor to break down soccer's win over Florida State, basketball and Vanderbilt Football's loss to Tennessee.
Dec 2, 2024
By Aiden Rutman, Henry Oelhafen and Connor Campbell
VU History: From Vanderbilt to the New York Times: A Conversation with Neil Vigdor
Vigdor ('99) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and English.
Dec 2, 2024
By Jaylan Sims, Podcasts Editor
IN PHOTOS: I ‘found a little piece of heaven’ at Jonah Marais’ show at The End
Jonah Marais performed his recently-released singles and hit throwbacks from his previous band, Why Don’t We, at The End on Nov. 21.
Nov 29, 2024
By Paula Legisima, Staffer-in-Training

Navigate Left

Navigate Right

NEWS

Vanderbilt Programming Board hosts Timothée Chalamet for a discussion of new movie

The event featured discussions on Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” the folk revival and his creative process.

By Scarlett Mickel, Life Copy Editor • Dec 11, 2024

Panelists discuss Trump’s victory in the 2024 election cycle, as photographed on Dec. 2. (Hustler Staff/Shayda Oliaei)

Dialogue Vanderbilt hosts roundtable discussion on Donald Trump’s election victory

By Scarlett Mickel and Shayda Oliaei • Dec 10, 2024

Diego Pavia scrambles while looking for a receiver down-field in the Tennessee game, as photographed Nov. 30, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Federal judge takes Diego Pavia’s preliminary injunction request under advisement following hearing

By Alison Winters, Deputy News Editor • Dec 5, 2024

Peabody Lawn in the fall, as photographed on Nov. 20, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Izabela Bisiak)

‘Take it global’: Q&A with reappointed Dean of Peabody College Camilla Benbow

By Alessandra Salvini, Staff Writer • Nov 25, 2024

RECENT STORIES

Commodore Brunch Birmingham Bowl: Cherry on top

Vanderbilt Football just won its seventh game of the season, pushing it over .500 for the first time in 11 years.

By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor • 2 hours ago

Football: Vanderbilt dominates second half, defeats Georgia Tech in Birmingham Bowl

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst • 17 hours ago

‘A ray of light’: Vanderbilt community remembers alumna Alyssa Lokits

By Brina Ratangee, Editorial Director • 23 hours ago

Memorial Minutes: Foot on the gas

By Henry Oelhafen, Deputy Sports Editor • Dec 26, 2024

Three Matchups to Watch: Birmingham Bowl

By Owen Chiss, Staff Writer • Dec 25, 2024

LIFE

An inside look into life as a Vanderbilt Tour Guide

A veteran tour guide and a new tour guide share their guide stories from recruitment to reflection.

By Maya Schlessinger, Staff Writer • Dec 16, 2024

‘Behold’ the Campos-Pons exhibition at the Frist Art Museum

By George Albu and Jocelyn Ni • Dec 15, 2024

Jingle all the way to checkout: A review of Trader Joe’s seasonal holiday items

By Maci Cohen and Grace Asness • Dec 14, 2024

Taste of Nashville restaurants, ranked

By Emily Park, Charlie Pagan and Arabella Chen • Dec 14, 2024

SPORTS

Film Room: Georgia Tech’s offensive outlook
By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst | Dec 24, 2024
Football: The last time Vanderbilt defeated Georgia Tech
By Grace Hall, Deputy Sports Editor | Dec 24, 2024
Press Conference Notes: Clark Lea gears up for Birmingham Bowl and reacts to Diego Pavia ruling
By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor | Dec 24, 2024
PODCAST: The Ultimate Birmingham Bowl Preview
By Aiden Rutman and Jonah Barbin | Dec 24, 2024
Film Room: A stinging defense
By Adam Burns, Staff Writer | Dec 23, 2024
Behind Enemy Bylines: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
By Dylan Tovitz, Staff Writer | Dec 23, 2024
UPDATED: Diego Pavia granted preliminary injunction, can play in 2025
By Barrie Barto, Editor-in-Chief | Dec 18, 2024
Memorial Minutes: Impressive is an understatement
By Connor Campbell, Senior Staff Writer | Dec 16, 2024
Memorial Minutes: Exceeding expectations
By Henry Oelhafen, Deputy Sports Editor | Dec 14, 2024
Langston Patterson: The power of brotherhood
By Ashleigh Provoost, Sports Copy Editor | Dec 14, 2024
Football: Vanderbilt players and coaches earn several SEC awards
By Henry Oelhafen, Deputy Sports Editor | Dec 11, 2024
BREAKING: Vanderbilt lands former Alabama EDGE Keanu Koht
By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor | Dec 11, 2024

PHOTOGRAPHY

Students walk into Hobbs Hall, as photographed on Nov. 20, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Izabela Bisiak)

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: A jolly good finale

By Abby Hoelscher, Photography Editor

Dec 14, 2024

Katie Gavin smiles affectionately at her audience at The Blue Room, as photographed on Dec. 8, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Abbie Bobeck)

IN PHOTOS: Katie Gavin’s solo debut is ‘As Good As It Gets’

By Abbie Bobeck and Sarah Nipper

Dec 12, 2024

A bend in the Tennessee River viewed from Snooper's Rock and covered in fiery-colored trees, as photographed on Nov. 28, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Jocelyn Ni)

IN PHOTOS: Giving thanks for a week off

By Ophelia Lu, Jo Anderson, Sabrina Downey, Rachel Koh, Alondra Moya, Leanne Park, Royce Yang, Isabella Bautista and Jocelyn Ni

Dec 4, 2024

OPINION

GUEST EDITORIAL: Weed-out classes are the silent barrier for disadvantaged students

By Olivia Ryan, Guest Writer • Dec 18, 2024

WEINER: We need to end our unethical scooter riding

By Hailey Weiner, Staff Writer • Dec 10, 2024

GUEST EDITORIAL: Vanderbilt let my sexual abuser off the hook

By Juneau, Guest Writer • Dec 8, 2024

RUTMAN: December is the month of the portal, not the bowl

By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor • Dec 6, 2024

TRENDING

BREAKING: Vanderbilt Football selected for Birmingham Bowl, set to play Georgia Tech

Taste of Nashville restaurants, ranked

Vanderbilt Football transfer portal tracker

A steady decline: Class of 2028 regular decision admission rate drops to 3.7%, overall admission rate to 5.1%

Vanderbilt early decision acceptance rate dips slightly to 15.2%

Daryl Hall on the guitar, singing out to the packed Ryman Auditorium, as photographed on Nov. 19, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Harmony Wang)

IN PHOTOS: Bringing it back to the ’70s and ’80s: Daryl Hall and Howard Jones perform at the Ryman

Jingle all the way to checkout: A review of Trader Joe’s seasonal holiday items

‘Surreal and unreal’: Class of 2029 early decision applicants react to acceptances

ACLU President Deborah Archer speaks to the audience in the Flynn Auditorium, as photographed on Oct. 22, 2024. (Hustler Staff/Alison Winters)

Dialogue Vanderbilt hosts ACLU President Deborah Archer for First Amendment rights discussion

“It Ends with Us” promotional movie poster. (Courtesy of Wayfarer Studios)

Not all books need a screen adaptation: ‘It Ends with Us’ film review

PODCASTS

PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football’s regular season ends, soccer earns a signature win and basketball keeps on rolling
By Aiden Rutman, Henry Oelhafen and Connor Campbell | Dec 2, 2024
VU History: From Vanderbilt to the New York Times: A Conversation with Neil Vigdor
By Jaylan Sims, Podcasts Editor | Dec 2, 2024
PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football falls to LSU, both basketball programs stay hot and Vanderbilt Soccer pulls off an incredible upset
By Aiden Rutman and Jonah Barbin | Nov 26, 2024
The Vanderbilt Shelf: ‘Jim the Boy’ by Tony Earley
By Josie Pitt and Melina Angeledes | Nov 23, 2024
PODCAST: Previewing Vanderbilt Football’s matchup with LSU, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball remain undefeated and Vanderbilt Soccer faces a daunting NCAA Tournament test
By Aiden Rutman and Jonah Barbin | Nov 20, 2024
PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football has sobering loss to South Carolina, Men’s Basketball looks shaky in win and Women’s Basketball continues to dominate
By Aiden Rutman, Jonah Barbin and Brandon Karp | Nov 11, 2024
PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football jumps back up to No. 24 and Vanderbilt Men’s and Women’s Basketball begin the season with a bang
By Aiden Rutman and Jonah Barbin | Nov 6, 2024
PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football falls to No. 5 Texas, looks to rebound against Auburn
By Aiden Rutman and Henry Oelhafen | Oct 28, 2024
PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football is ranked for the first time in-season since 2008, setting them up for a ranked SEC clash with No. 5 Texas
By Aiden Rutman and Jonah Barbin | Oct 23, 2024
VU Stem Spotlight: Unveiling tomorrow’s frontiers
By Salma Elhandaoui, Staff Podcaster | Oct 20, 2024