November 23, 2020

Dear Colleague:

As we enter a Thanksgiving holiday like no other, I want to thank you for your tireless contributions inside and outside the classroom. Your dedication coupled with your compassion have enriched our students and campus and also reinforced Old Dominion's reputation for caring and inclusion.

This year, in the face of the pandemic, you've gone the extra mile. Many of you were instrumental in our smooth transition to telework and virtual instruction. Others continued working on-site, ensuring that in-person instruction and other services remained strong. Faculty, staff and students alike followed health and safety guidelines, making our fall hybrid semester a success.

And once more, so many Monarchs looked beyond themselves to help others, whether by contributing to the Monarch Pantry or the Rise to the Challenge Fund, manufacturing PPE for health care workers or otherwise using their expertise to benefit the surrounding community.

Your selfless actions have made ODU's star shine brighter in Hampton Roads and, more importantly, strengthened the well-being of our neighbors.

Kate and I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick
President