ODU Young Alumni and Student-Athletes to Host ODU Day at Local Elementary School

Volunteers from Old Dominion University's Young Alumni Advisory Committee and ODU Athletics will act as ambassadors for the university at a local elementary school on Friday, March 30.

The volunteers will host ODU Day at Richard Bowling Elementary School in Norfolk, featuring visits by ODU student-athletes and Big Blue, and an Easter egg hunt for students at the school.

The event is an effort by the ODU Young Alumni to showcase their alma mater to the young students. Wearing new "REP ODU" shirts, they will also organize class relay races with the ODU student-athletes. The athletes, representatives from the Student Government Association and Big Blue will have lunch with the young students, and lead the entire school in performing the "Ice Cream and Cake" dance, a tradition at Monarch and Lady Monarch basketball games. ODU students will also read the book "Big Blue Goes to School" in every classroom.

The committee felt the activity would be a fun way to showcase the university, give back to the community and encourage the students to do well in school. Additionally, it is seen as an early step toward promoting the benefits of a college education.

"I love that alumni and students are coming together in so many different ways to provide a fun day for one of our local schools," said Dana Allen, assistant vice president for alumni relations. "Our Young Alumni Advisory Committee has really put a lot of work into organizing this event and I hope we see more alumni start to get involved with ODU - it's a great time to be a Monarch!"

The event is one of many that the alumni committee has undertaken to encourage ODU graduates to get involved and give back. Next month the group will participate in ODU's annual Relay for Life celebration. Other activities planned include serving as volunteers during the university's spring commencement exercises and taking part in the annual Young Alumni Pre-Season Tailgate.

The ODU Young Alumni Advisory Committee assists the Alumni Association with developing programming and events for graduates ages 21-32. The group is open to all graduates. For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/ODUYoungAlumni or email oduyoungalumni@gmail.com.