Alumni happenings

Atlanta Chapter

More than 100 hearty alumni and friends braved cold and drizzling weather to celebrate the official chartering of the Atlanta Chapter on April 26, held in conjunction with a Braves vs. Padres game. Guests were treated to a buffet dinner prior to the game in Atlanta's new stadium.

Charlie Roddy, assistant vice president for institutional advancement and director of alumni relations; Christy Japp, alumni programs manager; and Nancy Coberly, director of the capital campaign; were on hand to represent the university.

Congratulations to John Pecore '87, chapter president, and his hard-working crew on a job well done.

The Black Alumni Council celebrated its 10th anniversary in record-breaking style with a successful Black Alumni Reunion Weekend, April 26-28. More than 500 alumni and friends answered the council's call to "Get on Board," the theme for the weekend.

Activities included a dinner dance, comedy show, breakfast with university President James V. Koch, prayer service and networking reception with prospective African-American students. Kudos to Christine Handy '85, past interim president of the council, and her committee for their efforts.

Old Dominion's annual trip to recruit students, meet with local legislators and community leaders and stay in contact with alumni was another success.

Led by President James V. Koch, faculty taught classes at no less than 18 high schools in four days in early March, and alumni receptions were held in Springfield, Fredericksburg and Richmond. The tour reached more than 4,000 potential students.

New York City area alumni interested in revitalizing this chapter met on April 20 with Old Dominion President James V. Koch and Charlie Roddy, assistant vice president for institutional advancement and director of alumni relations. Plans for an organizational meeting are in the works. For more information call Andrea Mantel '81 at 212-505-5686.

The capitol area chapter is back, led by Chris Worley '71, Daryl Mishoe '83 and Kay Henley '82. A full calendar of events is being planned. For details or to find out how you can become involved, call Chris at 703-256-0033.

A group of dedicated alumni braved Boston Marathon street closures April 21 to join university President James V. Koch and Charlie Roddy, assistant vice president for institutional advancement and director of alumni relations, to discuss ways Boston-area alumni can stay involved with their alma mater. Interested alumni in the area should call the alumni office for further details at 888-ODU-3435.

The chapter is collecting school memorabilia from the early days of Old Dominion to be included in a "Memory Lane" display at Founders' Day on Oct. 17. Alums are asked to send in books, newspapers, photos, pennants, beanies and any other items that recall the days of the Norfolk Division. Those who send in memorabilia will be recognized as part of the display. Wells Gresham '42 is heading this effort.

Items may be mailed to or dropped off at the Office of Alumni Relations, 129 New Administration Building, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. 23529. The alumni office would like to hold onto donated items as part of its archival materials for future generations, but items will be returned if requested.

Alumni and friends from across the country gathered to cheer on the Monarch and Lady Monarch basketball teams as they headed into NCAA postseason play. More than 150 attended a dinner and celebration prior to the men's first-round game against the University of New Mexico.

From West Lafayette, Ind., to Cincinnati, Ohio, alumni came out to support the Lady Monarchs. A crowd of 150 was at Purdue and more than 300 came to the Final Four in Cincinnati for pregame festivities sponsored by the Alumni Association and the athletic department.

A steering committee headed by Terry Durkin '82, Alumni Association vice president for alumni organizations, has been hard at work making plans to revitalize the Young Alumni Council.

The committee sponsored a business card exchange June 10 at Kokoamo's Island Bar and Grille in Virginia Beach. More than 70 young alumni (graduates from the past 10 years) attended.

Those interested in future activities should call Terry at 757-683-4283.