Margaret Simmons was the first African American to earn a degree from Old Dominion University (ODU). A student in the Master of English program at Old Dominion, Simmons received her degree in 1966 among the first graduates to received their master’s degrees. After graduation, Simmons received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and was… read more »
When Old Dominion University (ODU) became independent in 1962, one of the first orders of business was to create a seal, or coat of arms, for the new college. Adopted in 1963, the seal incorporates the history and origin of Virginia. The central portion of the seal is a modified version of the royal arms… read more »
The Alumni Association of Old Dominion University (ODU) serves over 140,000 members by connecting alumni around the world with one another by sponsoring programs, activities, and other events throughout the year. It was established in 1936. Alumni Association Presidents 1946-1956: Donald G. Griffin ’38 1956-1957: Douglas L. Roberts ’56 1957-1958: Kenneth E. Brown ’56 1958-1960: Robert… read more »
Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium, located off 49th Street, is home to the Old Dominion University (ODU) football team. The stadium is named after S.B. Ballard Construction Company, and the field is named after Barry Kornblau, class of 1971. Both are long-time benefactors of ODU. History Backing for a sports stadium at the Norfolk… read more »
Located on Hampton Boulevard between William B. Spong, Jr. Hall and Foreman Field, Alfred B. Rollins, Jr. Hall, or simply Rollins Hall, is currently home to several offices including the Office of Finance, University Registrar, Financial Aid, and Office of Admissions. The building is named after Alfred B. Rollins, Jr, third president of Old Dominion University (ODU). The building… read more »
The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies is one of the colleges at Old Dominion University. Located in the state-of-the-art Education Building at the corner of 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard, the college is named after Colgate Darden, Jr., U.S. Representative from Virginia (1933-37, 1939-1941), Governor of Virginia (1942-1946), Chancellor of the College of William & Mary (1946-1947),… read more »
Appointed the first director of the Norfolk Division, H. Edgar Timmerman was just 29 when he came to Norfolk in the fall of 1930. Prior to the appointment, Timmerman was a doctoral candidate at Columbia University and an instructor in the History Department at New York University. He was well liked by both students and faculty… read more »
John R. Broderick became the eighth president of Old Dominion University following the resignation of Roseann Runte in 2008. President Broderick was a champion for inclusiveness at Old Dominion. He implemented a reorganization of the Office of Affirmative Action into the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, created the Office of Intercultural Relations, and set up the President’s… read more »
Roseann Runte, Ph.D., president of Victoria University in Toronto, Canada, became Old Dominion University’s (ODU) seventh and first female president following the retirement of James V. Koch in 2001. After several attempts had failed over the years, President Runte led a successful campaign to revive the football program after a more than 60-year absence. Dr…. read more »
James V. Koch, Ph.D., president of the University of Montana, became the sixth president of Old Dominion University in 1990 after William B. Spong Jr.’s 18-month term as interim president. In the realm of academics, President Koch raised admissions standards, increased enrollment and retention, established the university’s innovative TELETECHNET distance learning program, and developed niche… read more »