An Open Letter to Vandy Nation

Dear Vandy Nation:

I'm embarrassed and disappointed in the way some of you have acted over the last 2 weeks.

I'm a proud Vanderbilt alumna, and I fly our flag and proclaim my blood of black and gold far and wide. I graduated in 1998 so I'm part of the class that saw 3 football coaches within my 4 years as a student.

I believe in our school and our team. I've cheered through many a lean year and many a 2 win season, and I've been delighted in the huge strides our team has made under Coach Franklin. I believe in following through on commitments, but I also know that sometimes choices and opportunities present themselves, and then plans change. Life happens.

What should NOT change is one's character.  Integrity? Honor? Yes, these should remain even in the face of hard choices.

I can't speak to Coach Franklin's choice to leave us for PSU other than to say he believes it is right for his family. I can't speak to our recruiting class members' choices. Some may stay with us. They believe in Vanderbilt and what we can offer. To those recruits, I'm thankful you've decided to stay. I've not regretted for one second the choice I made to pursue my education at Vanderbilt. Some recruits may choose to follow Coach Franklin to PSU, or to choose another school altogether. To you, I wish you the best with your choice. It's one of the biggest decisions you will ever make - I hope it is the right one for you.

But to you, Vandy Nation.... The alumni and fans who make us what we are, take heed. Before you throw Coach Franklin's words "men of honor" back in his face, consider how you do that. Consider how you interact with our recruits. Consider how you interact with the media. Consider how you interact with the nation.

When you tweet flaming words of anger and hatred, are YOU acting like the "man of honor" you are so blatantly accusing those others of not being? I'm not sure you are. There are lots of ways to express your displeasure without being rude. There are lots of ways to wear the chip on your shoulder without being hateful.

I've got that chip, too. I believe in our school and this program. I believe in Vandy Nation. But I also believe in showing grace, in treating people first like human beings. Respecting their feelings  and their choices. Recognizing that while they may not show their honor by staying where they made a commitment, that doesn't mean I should ever lay mine aside. Even if it is to tell them just that.

Man Up. And Anchor Down.

Jen Kamin Underwood
Class of 1998