In the fast-paced world of BlackBerrys and online communities, one item traditionally used for networking may not be getting as much attention these days – your business card.

Not to worry. The Office of Alumni Relations has come up with an idea for putting them to good use: as a means to help recruit Old Dominion students.

The office is asking alumni from all professions, at all levels, to mail in five of their business cards. Of these, four will be placed in individual “job books” that ODU admissions counselors display as part of their materials at college fairs.

“This way, prospective students (and their parents) will see that an ODU education can prepare them for a variety of careers,” said Alice McAdory, associate vice president for enrollment management.

“By presenting a wide spectrum of professions that our alumni have pursued, we can show that the ODU experience has something for everyone, be it preparing future nurses, bankers, teachers, scientists, business leaders, or any number of other career paths,” adds Dana Allen, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “I would love to hear from at least 500 alumni – more would be great!”

Allen said she hopes to see cards come in from alumni across the country – even across the globe.

And what about that fifth card? “We’ll turn it into a laminated luggage tag, courtesy of the Dominion Fund, and mail it back as our way of saying thank you for participating,” Allen said.

Cards should be mailed to: Job Book, Office of Alumni Relations, Barry M. Kornblau Alumni Center, Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA 23529.