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 »
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, a long-time ODU benefactor. History Backing for a sports stadium at the Norfolk Division was approved in 1935 from municipal funds, the Virginia Emergency Relief Administration, and the Works… 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 »
There have been Commencement exercises at Old Dominion University (ODU) since 1945, when the institution was known as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. History Students would complete their first two years of study at the Norfolk Division and then transfer to either the Williamsburg campus of the College of William & Mary or Virginia… read more »
The Student Government Association (SGA) is the student government at Old Dominion University (ODU). The SGA recommends, promotes, and advises on programs and issues related to the student body to the administration of ODU. History When Old Dominion was a part of the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, there were separate Women’s and Men’s student… read more »
Anne Donovan (1961-2018) was a member of one of the most prolific women’s basketball teams ever at Old Dominion University (ODU). A highly sought after recruit in high school, Donovan chose ODU over 200 other schools and led the Lady Monarchs to the 1979-1980 Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) championship and was the first female recipient… read more »
Football at Old Dominion University (ODU) is currently played on Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. History Football was played at the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary shortly after it began in the fall of 1930. The athletic team was nicknamed “The Braves” and played games against other junior colleges and high schools in the… read more »
The Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta was the local history honor society at Old Dominion University (ODU). History The Theta Xi chapter of the national history society Phi Alpha Theta was established at Old Dominion College in 1962. One of the charter members was Jack Temple Kirby who is now an historian of the twentieth-century South…. read more »