The Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences is one of the departments that make up the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University (ODU). Most of the classes take place in the Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building. History The oceanography program began as the Oceanography Laboratory in 1960. In 1965, the Institute of Oceanography was… read more »
To help with eliminating duplication of programs between Old Dominion University (ODU) and Norfolk State College, the federal government suggested the merger of the two institutions in 1978. History During segregation in Norfolk, African American students were sent to Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now Norfolk State University, to complete their undergraduate education. After… read more »
The Women’s Center at Old Dominion University (ODU) offers programs and events that promote gender equality and addresses the unique challenges women face when pursuing higher education. History The Women’s Center was established at ODU in 1976, making it one of the first of its kind in the nation. The original purpose of the center… read more »
The Eta Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi was chartered in 1975 at Old Dominion University (ODU), making it the first African American fraternity on campus. Resources Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at ODU Timeline, Old Dominion University Libraries Digital Exhibit, 2016-present. Fraternities and Sororities at ODU. References Bookman, Steven and Jessica Ritchie. Old Dominion University:… read more »
The Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was established in 1974 as the first African American sorority at Old Dominion University (ODU). The chapter was suspended in 2012 and returned to good standing in January 2020. Resources Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at ODU Timeline, Old Dominion University Libraries Digital Exhibit, 2016-present. References Bookman, Steven… 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 »
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary denied admission to African American undergraduate students to comply with the Virginia laws of segregation. History During World War II, there were several instances of African American Naval officers taking classes offered by the Norfolk Division at Naval Station Norfolk…. 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 »
Superdance was an event sponsored by Old Dominion University (ODU) to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. History In the fall of 1975, in an effort to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the student body organized a danceathon at the Webb University Center. Later known as Superdance, the danceathon became an ODU… read more »