Annual Events
There are many Annual Events that take place on campus. Learn more about each one below.
Faculty Awards & Retirement Dinner
A celebration held annually each spring honoring retiring faculty and faculty administrators and those who have made significant contributions to the University or in their field of study.
Faculty Welcome Back Reception
An annual celebration held at the start of the academic year to build morale and welcome new and returning faculty and faculty administrators. Held in conjunction with a service project.
Faculty & Staff Holiday Reception
An annual celebration held at the close of the fall semester as an appreciation event for all faculty, staff, and hourly employees. Held in conjunction with a service project.
Founders' Day
An annual event that is held in conjunction with Homecoming to celebrate the founders of the university and honor those on campus and in the community that impact and work in manners that exemplify the ideals of Old Dominion University. There are a number of awards that are presented and it is a partnership with Town-N-Gown.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance
This annual event is held each January to honor and reflect on Dr. King. It includes a reception, a full program, award presentation and a partnership with the Hugo Owens Family, who are the namesake of the award that is presented at this event. It can be held independently or in conjunction with the city-wide observance breakfast on a rolling basis.
State of the University Address
One of the most high-profile events that sets the stage for the goals and priorities for the academic year. The University President gives a 30 minute address. It is a free and open to the public event that attracts over a 1,000 guests annually.
Student Honors & Awards Dinner
This event is held twice a year prior to the Spring and Fall Commencement exercises. It highlights outstanding graduates and their inspirational faculty. The following awards are usually presented (however not all awards are presented in the fall): Alumni Awards, Evon-Broderick Award for Community Engagement, Kaufman Scholar Award and Provost's Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research are presented at this dinner.
Veterans Day Observance
This event is held in November and the observance pays tribute to our nation's veterans, but also celebrates the significance of ODU's military partnerships. With close to a quarter of ODU's student body having a direct connection to the military, Veterans Day takes on added significance at the university. It includes a musical component, a series of speaker(s) and the Old Glory Flag folding tradition. Held in conjunction with a service project.