HISTORY BOOKS FLY OFF THE SHELF & UNDER THE TREE

Many members of the Old Dominion family likely will find 70 years of history under their tree this Christmas. According to officials at the University Bookstore, the newly published "Old Dominion University: From the Great Depression to the New Millennium, 1930-2000" is one of the hottest selling items this holiday season. The initial shipment of books sold out in just three weeks, but more books already are on the shelves.

The book tells the story of Old Dominion University's evolution from a single schoolhouse that was a branch of the College of William and Mary to a 200-acre campus with several off-site and distance learning locations. The 231-page text features a stunning array of photos from the university archives, as well as timelines that provide a short trip back in time. The four-color hardback book includes chapters on the break from William and Mary, the tumultuous '60s and '70s, the physical growth of the campus, partnerships between the university and the Hampton Roads community, diversity, distance learning, student life through the decades, athletics, culture and the people who shaped the school.

The brainchild of Old Dominion President James V. Koch and Vice President for Institutional Advancment John R. Broderick, the publication was produced in-house with freelance writers and artists hired as needed.

"The university's history was 70 years in the making, but the last three years have been particularly busy for those who worked on the actual publication," said Broderick. "I'm proud of the work they have done to create a truly first-class look at the institution through the eyes of those who have helped it grow."

Local writer Maggie Brydges served as the primary author, and Beth Vandekerckhove Harders of Old Dominion's Office of University Relations was the book's managing editor. Julie Hale, a 2000 graduate of Old Dominion's master of fine arts in creative writing program, not only conducted the majority of research for the book, but also wrote the chapter on culture. Former Daily Press sportswriter Bob Moskowitz handled the chapter on Old Dominion's storied athletic program. Keith Lanpher was hired to photograph the campus of today. University photographer Chuck Thomas also contributed photographically, as did Danny Holcomb and L. Todd Spencer. Karen Smallets of the Office of University Publications designed the book, which was printed by Liskey & Sons Printing Inc. in Norfolk.

Others who assisted with the project include: Victoria Burke, director of University Publications; copy editors Beth Cooper and Steve Daniel; research assistant Jay Gaidmore; and G. William Whitehurst, Kaufman Lecturer in public affairs at Old Dominion.

"Old Dominion University: From the Great Depression to the New Millennium, 1930-2000" retails for $29.95 and is available in the campus bookstore.