Freshman Alex Howard
"There just seems to be a lot of activism on campus. It just seems like there are always things going on that reach beyond the Vanderbilt Community. Even if we aren't extremely active, we try to be."

Sophomore Gian Rossi
"I think Vanderbilt is involved. We started Alternative Spring Break, which has become a national organization, impacting thousands of people. That is a big contribution to Vanderbilt, Nashville and other communities."

Senior Allison Musto
"I would say we are very active, as evidenced by organizations like Alternative Spring Break. Even if people aren't particularly active, they are at least socially aware."

Sophomore Broderick Stewart
"I don't think Vanderbilt students are aware. Vanderbilt is a bubble and I think we don't know what is going on outside of it. We are so busy we don't even notice our own social problem, which surprises me because this is the most boring campus on the planet."

Junior Franklin Defelice
"We are infrequently a socially aware campus, but I think that is coming around with organizations like LIVE. Most people don't give a damn, or they just don't know what's going on. There are a few kids that are trying to make a difference, though."

Freshman Seth Harkins
"I think it is a very peripheral part of the campus. Most students are satisfied with their wallets, income, and standard of living. People at Vanderbilt don't need very much, so they don't do very much. I think this is sad because since we don't need so much, we have more ability to change things than other people."

Related stories in this month's Focus section:

Vanderbilt's Biodiesel Initiative seeks following
Do you think Vanderbilt is a socially active campus?
Instigator of Vanderbilt desegregation teaches students
Vanderbilt alumnus draws from experience to author activism handbook