Old Dominion University’s Top-Viewed News Stories for Spring 2017

May 12, 2017

A graduate celebrates during Old Dominion's 126th commencement exercises

With Old Dominion's spring 2017 semester at a close, it's a good time to revisit the top stories on the ODU News homepage highlighting the University as well as achievements of its students, staff and faculty.

Ranked by number of website visitors, the following 10 stories were the most viewed so far in 2017:

ODU Named one of the Top 15 Universities in the Nation for African-American Student Success

The Education Trust, an organization that promotes high academic achievement for students at all levels, recently recognized Old Dominion University as one of the nation's top 15 higher education institutions with African American student graduation rates that were significantly higher than averages for comparable higher education institutions. More

Former ODU Coach Jeff Capel, Whose ALS Diagnosis Was Revealed in January, Remembered by Monarch Family

Twenty-two years ago, with its best player sidelined by an injury, Old Dominion University stunned college basketball, beating Big East powerhouse Villanova, 89-81, in the NCAA Tournament.

Coach Jeff Capel persuaded the Monarchs they could do it, recalled Jim Corrigan, then an assistant coach. "He did such a good job with our players," said Corrigan, now an assistant for the ODU Lady Monarchs. "We believed we could win that day."

Capel made an impact on the program, its players and fans as head coach from 1993 to 2001. That's why recent news about Capel's health also made an impact on the Monarch athletic community. More

Dance Program Director, Amanda Kinzer Remembered for Vibrancy and Dedication

Amanda Kinzer, remembered by her colleagues for her love, passion and dedication, died March 9 surrounded by family.

Kinzer, Old Dominion University's dance program director and an associate professor in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, was 44. More

Broadcaster Michele Norris Talks Frankly About Race and Culture in President's Lecture

Former Peabody Award-winning broadcaster Michele Norris began her President's Lecture at Old Dominion University Feb. 2 with a warning. "We're going to talk about race and identity tonight," she said. "Let's just say that out loud."

After a pause, Norris added with a smile: "And no one left the room," bringing laughter and applause from the crowd of nearly 500. More

Snowstorm Nutrition: A Message from Old Dominion's Dietitian

A coastal winter storm is expected to hit Virginia and other parts of the Southeast this weekend. In advance of the storm, Old Dominion University's campus dietitian, Tracy Conder, says it's important to make sure your cabinets have the right foods. Aside from the standard purchases, she suggests stocking up on such items as sports drinks and dried fruit.

Shoppers should look beyond the traditional staples such as milk and bread, Conder says. Milk is a great source of protein, but it can spoil if the power goes out. More

Darden College of Education Opens Dazzling New Building

Jane Bray is beaming.

The dean of Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education, Bray is about to start the latest of many tours she has led of the college's recently opened Education Building. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

"Everything you're going to see here is unreal and amazing to us," Bray says. "To have a president and administration support us to this degree is the most affirming thing ever." More

Graduation: Lessons on Mentorship, Curiosity, Teamwork and Zombies

Spring 2017 graduates of Old Dominion heard lessons about mentorship, curiosity, teamwork and even zombies during the University's 126th Commencement exercises.

As Friday storms gradually gave way to sunshine, nearly 3,000 Old Dominion students received bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees during four ceremonies held May 5 and 6 at ODU's Ted Constant Convocation Center. More

Construction Begins on Barry Art Museum, a Showcase for Glass Art

Old Dominion University broke ground April 18 on the Barry Art Museum. Set to open in the fall of 2018, the 24,000-square-foot facility will showcase sculptures that document the rise of the American glass art movement and will enhance Norfolk's growing international reputation as a fine arts destination.

The museum was made possible by a $35 million donation from Richard and Carolyn Barry - the largest in Old Dominion University's history. The majority of the museum's inventory comes from the Barrys' personal collection. The two-story building will be constructed with room for expansion. It will provide galleries for the permanent collection, as well as a large changing gallery for faculty and traveling exhibitions. More

An Emotional Journey to the African American History Museum

WASHINGTON - Montae Taylor was one of the few people on the bus who had already been to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The junior didn't say a word about his previous visit to any of the 60 Old Dominion University students, staff or faculty members on the field trip to the museum Feb. 18. More

Cuban Resilience on Display for Old Dominion Visitors on Study Abroad Trip

Cuba survives.

Despite a decades-long trade embargo by the United States, the collapse of its financial parent - the Soviet Union - crushing poverty, natural disasters and state-enabled corruption, a group from Old Dominion University found the Caribbean island a testament to the human spirit during a spring break visit in early March. More