Old Dominion President John R. Broderick will kick off the University's 85th anniversary year with his annual State of the University address at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

President Broderick will speak about the dramatic ways Old Dominion has grown since its 1930 founding into an internationally-recognized champion of research and innovation, as well as an economic engine worth more than $2 billion to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In 2010, the format of Broderick's State of the University Address was transformed into a breakfast gathering at the Ted Constant Center. Now, the annual event attracts more than 1,000 political, business and community leaders, as well as many Old Dominion faculty and staff.

The doors for the State of the University will open at 7:30 a.m. for registration, with breakfast starting promptly at 8 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to be in their seats at that time because of the large attendance. Parking will be available in the 43rd Street garage.

The address will also launch an academic year full of events that will mark the University's eight and a half decades of operation by kicking off Old Dominion's "85 Hours of Service" - a charge being issued to Old Dominion faculty, staff, students and alumni to perform 85 hours of service in the upcoming school year.

President Broderick asks all attendees to the event to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. The agency, which serves over 56,000 children struggling with hunger annually, has distributed more than 19 million pounds of food in its 11-community service area in the past fiscal year.

Serving the more than 182,000 residents of the region who struggle with hunger, the Foodbank's stores of supplies are at a critical level. Foodbank staff will be onsite at the Constant Center to collect food and cash donations. A $10 cash donation will provide 30 meals, and will result in the distribution of up to $60 worth of grocery products.

Broderick has served as the eighth president of Old Dominion University since 2008.

In that role, he guides the University's six colleges, more than 10 economic development and research centers, and numerous partnerships with government, military and business organizations and agencies. President Broderick oversees an operating budget in excess of $526 million and more than 3,000 faculty and staff members.

More than $338 million capital projects have been authorized or completed on his watch, including academic buildings, research centers, residence halls, athletic facilities and arts venues. Under his leadership, the university completed an ambitious master plan and two strategic plans to guide its growth over the coming years.

President Broderick has been recognized for his contributions to higher education and the Hampton Roads community with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' Humanitarian Award, the Urban League of Hampton Roads' Marian Palmer Capps Award, the College Communicators Association Distinguished Service Award, Lead Hampton Roads' Julian F. Hirst Award for excellence in community, civic and professional leadership, and a 2011 Visionary Award from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. In December 2013, Old Dominion's Diversity Champion Award was renamed in his honor for his leadership and efforts to encourage a culture of inclusion and diversity.

In addition, President Broderick currently serves as chairman of the Conference USA Board of Directors and the Virginia Council of Presidents.

To confirm attendance at the State of the University address, respond by Aug. 12 to www.odu.edu/stateoftheuniversity. Or call 757-683-5759 for more information.