FROM HYDE PARK TO MUSIC ROW

With twists, turns, and an against-the-odds theme, it is a life story worthy of a country song. The son of a tailor, Daniel Diermeier was born in divided Berlin and was the first in his family to attend university. After completing West German civil service, a government fellowship led him to the United States. Once here, he embarked on a string of remarkable academic roles, including a first job at Stanford, 17 years at Northwestern, and the role of provost at the University of Chicago. In the summer of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Diermeier became the ninth chancellor of Vanderbilt University. His diverse background has proved ideal for leading an American institution through an era of rapid political, economic, and technological change.

Sheridan Road sat down with Chancellor Diermeier as he explained what makes Vanderbilt special, provided counsel to students and families, and considered Chicago’s impact on his life.

“The great universities have a very strong sense of self, of their own identity,” Diermeier says, reflecting on his path. He describes the University of Chicago as a place where everything is debated. He jokes, “You walk outside your office and say, ‘Good morning.’ And the answer is ‘What’s the evidence for that?’”

Vanderbilt, according to Diermeier, is defined by a holistic approach to growth. It’s academically rigorous and one of the great private research universities, but the school emphasizes collaboration and community. “The first pillar is creating an environment where every member of our community can realize their full potential academically or professionally, but also as a human being. And the second pillar is that we believe that people grow best if they’re members of a community that is supportive and challenging.”

Given some of the tumultuous images and stories from university campuses in recent months, his point of view may be surprising. Yet Diermeier, who has been an advocate for university neutrality (a philosophy often traced to the University of Chicago and the Chicago Principles), sees clear connection points between academic research, campus community, and the role of unfettered debate.

“You need to have an environment where ideas can be freely pursued without being worried that people are going to be censored,” Diermeier says. “Institutional neutrality means that the university leadership will not take a position on the policy issue unless the policy directly affects the operations of the university. This leaves the most possible space for students and faculty to form and speak their own opinions. Equally important is a commitment to civil discourse.

We’re members of one living, learning community that treats each other with respect, that wants to make sure that the better argument wins, and that those arguments are based on facts and deliberation.”

With the end of another school year upon us, thousands of North Shore area graduates are preparing to head to college and thousands more are beginning the collegiate search. Chancellor Diermeier has some words of advice for these North Shore students and their families.

“Our motto in Latin is ‘Crescere Aude,’” says Diermeier, “which in English means ‘dare to grow.’ We believe that growth, flourishing, or realizing potential is a lifelong pursuit. It doesn’t stop when people graduate. We encourage our students to have the courage to put themselves in situations that are challenging and never stop growing.”

For those who are about to graduate high school, Diermeier suggests embracing what’s special and irreplaceable about this time in life.

“Enjoy your last high school days as much as you can. They’re very special. And don’t worry too much about being prepped for this or that. It’s better to spend the summer with friends from high school to travel or do something like that, rather than trying desperately to be ready for calculus.”

For those about to embark on a college search, Diermeier has this advice.

“Fit is the most important thing. And I would always recommend a visit if possible. The intangibles, the culture, the feel are very important.”

Diermeier is keenly aware of how everyday experiences and culture shaped him during his decades-long stint in Chicagoland. He singles out the symphony, the Art Institute, and baseball games as favorite memories. And like so many of us, he saves some of his highest praise for our city’s most magical season.

“The summer in Chicago is really special. It’s wonderful to have this great metropolis right next to the lake—with the beaches and the beautiful Chicago River, which is just astonishing. That was always very special.”