Across Campus - A Photo Essay

Nearly 2,000 students received degrees at Old Dominion University's 135th Commencement Exercises on Dec. 18 in Chartway Arena at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 2,000 students received degrees at Old Dominion University's 135th Commencement Exercises on Dec. 18 in Chartway Arena at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Two Old Dominion alums were the featured speakers. Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin ‘88, the 67th inspector general of the U.S. Army spoke at the 9 a.m. ceremony for the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Batten College of Engineering and Technology, College of Sciences and School of Cybersecurity. Scott Cooke '93, '96, group vice president and chief financial officer for Toyota Financial Services, spoke at the 2 p.m. ceremony for the College of Arts and Letters, Strome College of Business and College of Health Sciences. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Scott Cooke '93, '96, group vice president and chief financial officer for Toyota Financial Services, spoke at the 2 p.m. ceremony for the College of Arts and Letters, Strome College of Business and College of Health Sciences. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

To stand out amid a sea of caps and gowns, some graduating students decorated their mortarboards with messages, images and even 3D creations. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Students are excited to walk over the seal on Kaufman Mall, a tradition that has not happened since 2019. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Old Dominion University's commencement exercises are filled with inspiration and moments of joy as the bagpipers walk across the seal on Kaufman Mall. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Students could not contain their excitement as they walk off the stage. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Many first-generation college graduates wear "First in the Family" pins they received from ODU faculty and staff who themselves were first-generation students. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 2,000 graduates attended the fall commencement ceremonies. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

An ODU rite of passage is moving the tassel from the right side of the mortarboard to the left. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Students could not contain their excitement as they walk off the stage. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 2,000 graduates attended the fall commencement ceremonies. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Students are excited to walk over the seal on Kaufman Mall, a tradition that has not happened since 2019. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Students could not contain their excitement as they walk off the stage. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 2,000 students received degrees at Old Dominion University's 135th Commencement Exercises on Dec. 18 in Chartway Arena at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 2,000 students received degrees at Old Dominion University's 135th Commencement Exercises on Dec. 18 in Chartway Arena at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Two Old Dominion alums were the featured speakers. Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin ‘88, the 67th inspector general of the U.S. Army spoke at the 9 a.m. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

An ODU rite of passage is moving the tassel from the right side of the mortarboard to the left. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin ‘88, the 67th inspector general of the U.S. Army spoke at the 9 a.m. ceremony for the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Batten College of Engineering and Technology, College of Sciences and School of Cybersecurity. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 2,000 graduates attended the fall commencement ceremonies. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

To stand out amid a sea of caps and gowns, some graduating students decorated their mortarboards with messages, images and even 3D creations. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Old Dominion University's commencement exercises are filled with inspiration and moments of joy as graduates walk across the seal on Kaufman Mall. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Excited, soon-to-be-graduates make their way to Chartway Arena. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

To stand out amid a sea of caps and gowns, some graduating students decorated their mortarboards with messages, images and even 3D creations. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Students make TikTok videos while crossing the seal. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Excited, soon-to-be-graduates make their way to Chartway Arena. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Graduates pose for one final group shot before they go their separate ways. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Old Dominion University's commencement exercises are filled with inspiration and moments of joy as graduates walk across the seal on Kaufman Mall. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU