ODU Alumni

Samantha Salvia

Samantha Salvia became the first Rhodes Scholar at Old Dominion University (ODU) in 1995. History When Samantha Salvia arrived at ODU in 1992, she was an all-star standout in field hockey and lacrosse. During her field hockey career at ODU, Salvia earned CAA Scholar Athlete of the Year and first team All-CAA honors, was a… read more »

Women’s Basketball at ODU

Women’s Basketball at Old Dominion University (ODU) has been a part of the institution since 1931, when it was known as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. The nickname for the women’s basketball team is the Lady Monarchs. Home basketball games take place at Chartway Arena at the Ted Constant Convocation… read more »

Ronald Horne

Ronald Horne was the first African American to receive a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University (ODU). Old Dominion Accomplishments Ronald Horne came to Old Dominion College in 1965, making him one of the first African Americans to enroll at the college after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened the doors for more African… read more »

Arthur “Buttons” Speakes

Arthur “Buttons” Speakes was the first African American athlete to be recruited by and receive a scholarship from a predominately white college in Virginia. Old Dominion Accomplishments Speakes was one of the best all-around athletes who ever came to Old Dominion University (ODU). Speakes excelled at both baseball and basketball from 1965 to 1969. An… read more »

Ruth Wilson James

Ruth Wilson James was the first female student to register for classes at the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, later Old Dominion University (ODU), in 1930. Student and Personal Life In the summer of 1930, Ruth Wilson James was one of three students to register for classes at the Norfolk Division,… read more »

Mace & Crown

The Mace & Crown is the student newspaper at Old Dominion University (ODU). The newspaper covers campus news and athletic events, issues in pop culture, as well as regional and national news and events. History Before there was the Mace & Crown, the High Hat was the student newspaper at the Norfolk Division of the… read more »

Imps

The Imps was a local fraternity at the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary from 1930 until the early 1960s. Most of the social organizations at the Norfolk Division did not have any affiliations with national Greek organizations. Resources ODU Photographic Collection, Old Dominion University Libraries Digital Collections, Old Dominion University Libraries…. read more »

Duc Rules

Duc rules were a set of guidelines for first-year students at the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary and Old Dominion College from the 1930s through the 1960s. History Like students at William & Mary in Williamsburg, freshmen at the Norfolk Division were given beanies, called duc caps, to wear and had… read more »

Alma Mater

The Alma Mater of Old Dominion University (ODU), along with the Fight Song and Football Fight Song, is one of the songs commonly sung at ODU. The song is traditionally sung during athletic games as well as during special events such as Founders’ Day, Commencement, and Convocation. Words and videos of the ODU Songs are… read more »

A. Rufus Tonelson

A. Rufus Tonelson was a student, teacher, administrator, and benefactor of Old Dominion University (ODU). Tonelson was among the first three students to register for courses at the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary in the fall of 1930. A start athlete in baseball and basketball, Tonelson was a member of the… read more »

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