Commodores on Board: Support the National Commodore Club

Dear VSL Nation,

If you are reading this site, chances are you a passionate Vanderbilt fan who desperately wants the Commodores to succeed. That, or you are a relative of either Stanimal, Douglas James, Seamus, or Bobby and have become conditioned to logging onto the site in order to help us maintain our "unique visitor" goals. Whatever your reason, we, and more importantly, the National Commodore Club (the athletic association for Vanderbilt University) need your help.

This is a very exciting time to be a Commodore. There is little doubt that Vanderbilt, as a university, is on the ascendancy: no where is this more true than with athletics. There is a strong case to be made that the athletic program as a whole is as successful and strong as its ever been, and there is reason to be optimistic about the future. Not surprisingly however, competing (or attempting to compete) at a high level this isn't cheap. This is where you come in. We at VSL are asking our readers to contribute to the NCC and show their support for the program. The best, and easiest way to contribute is by clicking here, or clicking on the prominently displayed National Commodore Club link on the right-hand side of the page.

Besides being the right thing to do, your contribution will actually get you things. Contributing to the National Commodore Club can help you get better season tickets for football and men's basketball games, the opportunity to purchase tickets for away football games, a really neat NCC lapel pin and auto decal, and the chance for priority seats to such events as Vanderbilt bowl games, as well as SEC and NCAA tournament appearances, just to name a few. As an added incentive, the NCC is launching the "Commodores On Board" Program this year, where NCC members who entice their friends to join the National Commodore Club, can earn additional prizes (like a stadium photo or an autographed ball signed by a coach of your choosing), as well as NCC credit (dollar-for-dollar) based on how much money you help raise. If you earned an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt within the last 5 years and give a minimum of $100, you will have the chance to buy two football and/or basketball season tickets for the price of one. Unfortunately for the VSL Braintrust, we are now outside this window, but just because we're aging doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage.

In days and weeks ahead, VSL will be working with the NCC to develop some programs and events specifically for VSL readers. We'd love to hear some of your ideas on what these opportunities or events might be. Athletics is focusing a lot of attention on building growing the NCC both in terms of money raised, and perhaps more importantly, membership, and now is a great time to get involved.

VSL's goal is to add 40 new members and $5,000 to the National Commodore Club by May 31st. Ambitious? Yes, but certainly achievable. As part of our efforts to raise money, we at VSL will be working with the NCC to help put together events and special opportunities for VSL readers. But that can only work if you all contribute. We know you're passionate; we know you care; now we're asking you to put your money where your mouth is. Contribute to the National Commodore Club today.