ODU President John R. Broderick Attends Global Family Cookout

September 09, 2013

ODU President John R. Broderick plays chess at the Global Family Cookout. ODU President John R. Broderick speaks with students at the Global Family Cookout.

From presenting ODU's Employee of the Month awards, to attending lectures, concerts and sporting events, to popping in at events like the Office of Intercultural Relations' recent Global Family Cookout, President John R. Broderick gets around the campus week in and week out.

The Global Family Cookout revolves around food, fun activities and games that are intended to foster a sense of community which is increasingly important for ODU's students, faculty and staff, as well as their families.

It is held as part of the Division of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services' Week of Welcome. The picnic offers an opportunity for all members of the Old Dominion community to reconnect and to make new connections.

At past cookouts, hundreds of members of the Monarch family have come together to enjoy music, ethnic cuisine, children's activities and global games in the spirit of building an inclusive community.

The annual event began in 2010.

Lesa Clark, executive director of the Office of Intercultural Relations, said the 2013 Global Family Cookout exceeded the projected number of 600 attendees with a final count of 950 Monarchs and family members.

"It was an awesome event for all," she said, emphasizing that Broderick's attendance at the event captured ODU's commitment to having an inclusive university community.

The Office of Intercultural Relations is committed to creating a campus community that values and supports the cultural identities of each of ODU's students, faculty and staff. To learn more about events and services that are offered, visit the Office of Intercultural Relations website.

In keeping with his commitment to open communication, Broderick will again host his popular Monarch Mornings sessions this fall - giving employees throughout the campus updates on happenings at ODU from an administrative perspective and listening to comments and concerns they may have.

The sessions, which will be announced at a later date, are scheduled from Oct. 22 to Nov. 15.