In September of last year, shortly after the agreement to lease the Close was signed, Vanderbilt University removed or covered all General Theological Seminary signage across the campus.

This action caused considerable distress for many within the GTS community, and especially among alumni, whose deep connections to General are rooted in its physical presence on the Close. In particular, the covering of the historic The General Theological Seminary sign at the 20th Street entrance, replacing it with signage reading “Vanderbilt University. The historic home of The General Theological Seminary”, was profoundly upsetting. Alumni shared that it felt as though General no longer existed or no longer had a visible presence on the Close.

We shared these concerns. In fact, discussions with Vanderbilt about revising the signage were already underway, prompted by the same unease expressed by alumni.

Thanks to the careful efforts of Senior Vice President The Rev. Dr. Michael DeLashmutt, the Vanderbilt sign at the 20th Street entrance has now been removed, and the historic GTS sign is once again fully visible. While the sign did sustain some damage as a result of having been covered, Vanderbilt has committed to making the necessary repairs. In addition, a large sign in GTS colors, bearing the GTS shield, has been installed on the railings at the 20th Street entrance.

Interior signage across the Close remains in Vanderbilt’s brand colors, in accordance with the lease agreement. However, beneath the Vanderbilt logo, the signage now clearly states: “Home of The General Theological Seminary, Est. 1817.”

We know how deeply upsetting this episode was for many of you, and we are grateful to those alumni who raised their voices so clearly and passionately. We are pleased to share that the situation has now been resolved in a way that affirms General’s continuing presence on the Close.