The Ingram Scholars Program, founded in 1993 by then-Board of Trust Chairman E. Bronson Ingram, has led to transformative student experiences for many at Vanderbilt who, in turn, have given service to Nashville and communities around the globe.
Vanderbilt University has named the Class of 2021 Founder’s Medalists.
Since 1877, Vanderbilt has awarded a gold medal to the student graduating with first honors from each of the university’s 10 schools and colleges. The awards are named after the university’s founder, Cornelius Vanderbilt, who made a contribution to endow the awards in their first year.
Arts and Science
Dominic Cruz Bustillos
Dominic Cruz Bustillos, from San Rafael, California, is this year’s Founder’s Medalist for the College of Arts and Science. He is graduating with a bachelor of arts in history and Russian language. He attributes his success to the work ethic instilled by his family. His grandmother, who emigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, had a particularly strong impact on his appreciation for his opportunities in the United States. Bustillos earned triple honors: in the College of Arts and Science, in history and in Russian. After a year in St. Petersburg, Russia, he wrote two honors theses analy