ODU Alumni Association

At ODUGlobal, your journey doesn’t end at graduation—it’s just the beginning! 🎓💙 As an ODU alum, you’re part of a supportive, global community filled with networking opportunities, lifelong friendships, fun events, exclusive discounts and so much more. No matter where you studied, you’re a valued member of the Monarch family. We’re grateful for our incredible alumni who continue to connect, inspire and support each other. Explore our online programs today and become part of the ODU legacy. (link in bio) https://bit.ly/3CzgECN #ODUAlumni #MonarchPride #ThankfulForYou #ODUGlobal #LifelongConnections

Meet David Borges, a proud #ODU alum, Physical Scientist with NASA’s Earth Science Division and member of the College of Arts & Letters Executive Advisory Board! With a bachelor’s in Geography & GIS from ODU, David’s career spans 10+ years at Booz Allen, work with the NASA Disasters Program, and now leading CEOS systems engineering. #MonarchPride #ODUAlumni

Check our November e-news. In this issue, you’ll find that we still have tickets for the last home game on November 23rd, a reminder that Giving Tuesday is on December 3rd, and a save-the-date for ODU Basketball Day. Plus, don’t miss the latest episode of the 'Ice Cream and Cake Break' podcast. To learn more, visit odualumni.org.

Congratulations to Alonzo Brandon '85, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of Foundations at Old Dominion University, on receiving the Outstanding Nonprofit Leader Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Hampton Roads! As a key fundraising resource for professionals, AFP Hampton Roads fosters learning, collaboration, and growth, contributing to a vibrant Hampton Roads community. Your dedication and leadership, Alonzo, continue to inspire and uplift us all. Thank you for being such a remarkable and inspirational leader! #ODUPride #LeadershipExcellence #Inspiration #NonprofitLeadership #AFPawards

Introducing the Big Blue Smash Burger! In partnership with Ghost Kitchen Norfolk, Old Dominion University will unveil its premiere burger at Saturday’s Kaufman Mall tailgate prior to ODU Football’s matchup against Marshall. Following Saturday’s game, the burger will be available year-round at both Ghost Kitchen and Smartmouth Brewery in Norfolk, where the food truck has a permanent location. 📰 : bit.ly/40Y66qN

Exciting Event Highlight! Two weeks ago, CREW Coastal Virginia, sponsored by the ODU Real Estate Foundation, had the incredible honor of hosting Captain Janet Days, an ODU alum, as their Premier Speaker. Captain Janet Days is a trailblazing officer in the U.S. Navy, recognized for her significant achievements and leadership. In February 2023, she was installed as the 51st Commanding Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. As the first Black woman to hold this position, Captain Days shared her experiences in this role as well as lessons learned throughout her impressive Naval career, which includes a series of leadership roles both at sea and ashore. In the spotlight with Captain Days were Tara Saunders, Dan Genard, and Rob Wilber, along with our Association Treasurer who joined the celebration to honor Captain Days' remarkable journey. Kudos to organizations like CREW Coastal Virginia for their unwavering support in advancing women in commercial real estate. Your dedication to business networking, industry research, leadership development, and career outreach is truly inspiring. #ODUAlum #CREWCoastalVirginia #WomenInRealEstate #Networking #Leadership #Inspiration

As we count down to Giving Tuesday on December 3, we invite you to be part of a global movement that has inspired millions to make a difference since it began in 2012. Giving Tuesday has grown into an internationally celebrated day of giving, harnessing the power of generosity to change lives across over 70 countries. At Old Dominion University, Giving Tuesday is a powerful opportunity to come together in support of the programs that directly meet our students’ most critical needs. Each of our focus funds makes a transformative impact on their experiences and success: - Monarch Pantry: Ensuring no student has to choose between food and their education, providing essential support to those facing food insecurity. - Student Scholarships: Easing financial burdens and expanding access, so financial barriers don’t hold back our students’ dreams. - Study Abroad: Broadening horizons by making international learning experiences accessible, helping Monarchs stand out with unique global perspectives. - University Library Fund: Supporting learning resources and collaborative spaces where students can excel academically and creatively. Why Your Early Giving Matters When you choose to give early, you help us build momentum toward our Giving Tuesday goals and show ODU students that their community stands firmly behind them. Your early contribution will immediately begin to support these vital programs, allowing us to share inspiring updates on how your gift is already making a difference. Join us in building a legacy of generosity that will create a positive ripple effect across our campus and beyond. Every dollar given to these funds strengthens our students and empowers their future. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/emgZnfzj Together, let’s set the stage for a memorable and impactful Giving Tuesday. Give early, and make an impact that lasts!”

Meet Fiona Alexander, a proud ODU alumna and valued member of the Executive Advisory Board for the College of Arts and Letters! With a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master’s in International Relations from American University, Fiona brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role. As co-founder of Salt Point Strategies, she provides public affairs advice and advocacy to clients in the high-tech sector. She also serves as Distinguished Policy Strategist in Residence at American University’s School of International Service and is a Senior Fellow with the Digital Innovation Initiative at CEPA. With nearly 20 years of experience in international affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA, Fiona continues to champion connectivity and innovation. We’re proud to have such an accomplished alumna as an ambassador for the college, helping students secure internships, job placements, and arts sponsorships! 🎓💼 #ODUAlumni #ArtsAndLetters #MonarchPride

We are thrilled to announce that G. Cagatay Ozseker, an ODU alumnus, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Charles Hutchins Educational Grant by the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA)! 🎉 Çağatay's innovative project, "Additive Manufacturing of Fine-Resolution Trace and Interconnects for 3D Heterogeneous Integration," impressed the SMTA Grant Committee. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern, Çağatay graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University in 2022. The Charles Hutchins Educational Grant, established in memory of Dr. Charles Hutchins—a dedicated SMTA past president, educator, mentor, and industry icon—has been awarded since 1998 to full-time graduate students conducting research in electronics assembly, packaging, or related fields. This $8,000 grant was presented during the 2024 SMTA International Conference, held in Rosemont, IL, USA. Congratulations, Çağatay! 🎓✨ We are so proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the world of electronics innovation!

Introducing Greg Tomchick, an inspiring addition to the ODU Alumni Association Board of Directors! A former professional baseball player turned cybersecurity coach, Greg has worked with over 250 global companies like American Airlines and Caterpillar. Now, as CEO of Valor Cybersecurity and host of The Connected Mindset Live Show, Greg helps leaders build trust and cultivate successful mindsets for life and business. We’re excited to welcome Greg’s expertise and passion! #ODUAlumni #Cybersecurity #Leadership #ReignOn