Reign - the ODU Mermaid
Watch the Making of Reign the ODU Mermaid
For more than 20 years, mermaids have been the iconic symbol of the City of Norfolk. In 1999, local attorney and ODU alumnus Peter G. Decker Jr. and his wife, Bess, introduced the idea of Mermaids on Parade to Norfolk civic leaders. Students selected Reign's name, and the statue's presence on Old Dominion University's campus creates a tradition connecting students and alumni to Norfolk's history.
Student Government Association leaders and art students collaborated with local artist and former ODU student Georgia Mason on the design and creation of the statue. Reign was unveiled and dedicated on October 28, 2020 at Brock Commons, joining a fleet of more than 100 mermaid sculptures in Norfolk.
Claim Your Crown
Visit Reign at Brock Commons, W. 47th Street, and take a picture standing underneath the sculpture's crown. Use the hashtag #ODUmermaid to share your photo.
Fun Facts
FIBERGLASS SCULPTURE
10 FT
PIECES OF MOSAIC TILE
2000+
HOURS OF LABOR
300+