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Old Dominion College
Old Dominion College, the Norfolk Division of the University of William and Mary was founded in 1930. Its first building was the Old Larchmont Elemnentary School, located Hampton Boulevard and Bolling Avenue. The school, along with 12 acres of land adjacent to it, were purchased from the city of Norfolk. -
ODC Football
Old Dominion College had a football team, known as the Norfolk Division Braves, until 1941. The program dissolved due to monetary issues and rules against freshmen players. The football program was reinstated in 2009 and the Old Dominion University Monarchs took the field. -
ODC Student Body
A division of the University of William and Mary, Old Dominion College's student body was reletively small in the beginning. Today, however, the university has over 24,000 enrolled students. -
ODC Women's Basketball
The women were not left out of sports at Old Dominion College. The women's basketball team was founded with the college and later developed into the Old Dominion Lady Monarchs. Over the years, these women have won three National Championship titles, five Sun Belt Conference championship titles, and 17 CAA championship titles. -
Red Scare at ODC
The High Hat, the original name for the student paper at ODU, mirrored the suspicions of communists in America during the Red Scare. A photograph of students raised the question of a communist group on campus, but no evidence of such a group was ever confirmed. -
ODC Racing Car
The automotive school at Old Dominion College built and maintained a racing car as part of their education. The car, number 13-A, was a modified stock car and raced at a number of locations, including Richmond. -
ODC Radio
The Old Dominion College Technical Institute operated the radio station WMTI-FM. The station was operated by students, who wrote, rehearsed and aired their programming. Today, WODU continues this tradition as the university's student radio station. -
First African American Graduates
In May 1966, Margaret Simmons graduated from Old Dominion with a master's degree in English. She enjoyed her time at Old Dominion, making friends and avoiding many of the things other African American students at other universities encountered. She then went on to become a professor in English at Hampton University. -
Homecoming: ODC v. Washington and Lee
Following the end of the ODC football program in 1941, basketball became the focal point of ODC sports. The much loved teams became the Monarchs after ODC became an independent university, and student and community support followed behind. Although the reinstated football program has gained much support, the students and community at ODU continue to love Monarch basketball. -
First African American Graduates
In 1969 Ronald Horne graduated form Old Dominion with a bachelor's degree in political science. Horne felt the pressure of being one of the first African American students on campus, but quickly made friends and became actively involved in campus life. Following his graduation, Horne obtained an internship in a congressman's office. -
Batten Arts and Letters Building
The Batten Arts and Letters Building openend its doors to students and faculty in 1972. It offers classes, a large lecture auditorium, computer labs, and most of the offices for the College of Arts and Letters. In 1976 it was named for the first rector of Old Dominion College, follwed by a reopening ceremony and an unveiling of Mr. Batten's portrait. -
1980s: Big Blue
Big Blue has long been a staple of Old Dominion life. The beloved mascot is a must for games and campus events. In 2010, Big Blue was voted Capital One's Mascot of the Year by his fans, beating out bigger name schools. Although the ensemble may change over time, Big Blue will always have a space in hearts of students and faculty at ODU. -
1995 Commencement
While students at Old Dominion University enjoy thei time at school, they look forward to graduation with much anticipation. This photo of the Spring 1995 graduating class shows the excitement that students have each year as they go from ODU students to ODU alum. However, today's graduations are held at the Ted Constant Convocation Center instead of on Forman Field. -
Students Give Back: Canned Food Drive
ODU students constantly give back to the surrounding community. This canned food drive is just one of many efforts to help those struggling in our community. Throughout the year, the organizations on campus promote book drives, clothing drives, food drives, charity fundraisers, and many other events to benefit the surrounding community. -
9/11 Memorial Service
On Spetmeber 11, 2001, the United States was shaken by terrorist attacks. The students and faculty at Old Dominion came together as family, leaning on one another for support. A memorial service for those who lost their lives was held in reaction to the tragic event. -
Life Goes On
Although many students leave ODU each year, having completed their education, many new students begin their journey. The university offers them much more than an education. It offers them a chance to meet new people, try new things, and to find their own dreams to pursue after graduation. Although these students may go very different ways, they remain connected by their life and experiences at Old Dominion University.
