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 »
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 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 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 »
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 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 »
The Barry M. Kornblau Alumni Center, located at the corner of 49th Street and Hampton Boulevard, is home to the Alumni Association at Old Dominion University (ODU). The building is named in honor of Barry M. Kornblau, class of 1971 and a member of the ODU Board of Visitors. History The building originally opened in 1984 as the Public… read more »
Leo Anthony (1940-2019) was an all-star basketball and baseball player at the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary from 1957-1961. He was the first All-American athlete in the history of Old Dominion University (ODU) and was a member of the first ODU Sports Hall of Fame induction class in 1980. Norfolk Division Athletics Born and… read more »
Homecoming is a tradition at Old Dominion University (ODU) where alumni return to campus and take part in a number of activities to connect with other alumni throughout ODU’s history. The current Homecoming celebration is chiefly organized by the Alumni Association and includes painting paws or crowns on Kaufman Mall, dyeing the water blue in… read more »
Kent Bazemore was an all-conference basketball star at Old Dominion University (ODU) from 2007-2012. A native of Kelford, North Carolina, Bazemore was recruited by head coach Blaine Taylor for both his shooting and defensive skills. Athletic Accomplishments A redshirt his freshman year, Bazemore moved into the starting lineup in 2009 and was a key player in… read more »