True Blue
Page 1
Career Management Center
Summer Spotlight
Page 2
Volume II, Issue III Claire’s Corner
Alumni Newsletter Page 3
IMPS/Kappa Alpha Day at ODU
Page 4
Monarch Photo Album
Page 5
Rea Pearson ‘96
Kathy Gainey ‘78
NROTC Anniversary
Page 6
Sports Page
Page 7
Summer Happenings
Larchmont Block Party
Alumni Golf Tournament
The Career Management Center (CMC) Summer Spotlight
Has a New Face
•The University officially announced on May 31, 2006
plans for a University football team, Division I-AA, that
will begin playing on Foreman Field in Fall 2009.
Just as the face of the University is changing, so is the CMC. CMC has
come a long way in updating their programs and services in order to meet
•The University announced plans to open a three-and-a-
the needs of the populations that they serve. They are no longer the Career
half-story, 42,000-square-foot bookstore, complete with a
Center of the past. CMC has moved away from job postings on the hallway
café, a robust selection of merchandise and 5,400 square
bulletin board and the binder of listings in the office, as well as the message
feet of trade book space, in its University Village.
to alumni that services were only available for one year after graduation.
They have catapulted into the 21st century with a “high tech – high touch”
•Are you a Legacy Monarch? Did you and another genera-
philosophy and the ability to provide real time service to current students
tion in your family attend ODU? Or, are you an alumni
and alumni no matter where they are or when service is desired.
with a child currently attending ODU? If so, please contact
us at 757.683.3097 or 888.ODU.3435. Or, e-mail us at
Through the creation of the Alumni Advantage Program, the CMC
alumni@odu.edu.
is able to offer a full range
We have a legacy event in the works for Fall ‘06!
of job search services to
all Old Dominion
University alumni. These
services include
job search database and
eRecruiting, to one-on-one
career advice from Cyber
Career Coaches and
College Liaisons.
(Continued on Page 2)
Claire’s Corner Career Management Center... (Continued from Page 1)
Claire Ackiss ’99
You can review career resources for information on the job search process, or
Executive Director, Alumni Relations
view seminars online. If you are in need of personal and individualized
service you can contact a cyber career coach for real time career assistance
Hello everyone:
through instant messaging, video conferencing, and e-mail. CMC has been
able to upgrade their services and extend their hours by adding this
After 30 years at Old Dominion I have decided to
electronic component and extended hours of operation.
end this chapter of my life. Those of you who
know me know that ODU has been an extremely
One alumnus wrote after receiving assistance from a Cyber Coach, “I just
important to me. I leave with fond memories
want to thank [the Cyber Coaches] in the Career Management Center, for
and wishes for continued success and growth of
their kind assistance in helping me to re-format my employment resume. As
the university and especially, the Old Dominion
an alumnus of Old Dominion, it is wonderful to have this outstanding level
University Alumni Association.
of support.” As an employer, you can also participate in the CMC Recruiting
Advantage Partnership Program (RAP) and use this as a resource to assist
I began working at ODU in 1976. Since then I
you in meeting your recruitment needs, whether full or part-time, or
have worked in two departments, athletics and
somewhere in between. This program is a perfect match for alumni who own
alumni, worked under four university presidents,
their own businesses or who are in a position to recruit and hire new
worked with 22 alumni presidents, countless
employees. CMC has the students to fit all of your organizations
volunteers, faculty and staff and have seen this
employment needs. From undergraduate to graduate, in all majors, for entry
university grow to the fine, world class institution
level and professional level positions, including local and distance learning
it is now. The university has grown physically
populations, the Career Management Center is the link that connects em-
with the new village, the convocation center,
ployers to potential employees, and assists in making sure that Old Dominion
many new academic buildings and of course, the
University graduates are well prepared to enter the world of work, and have
wonderful alumni center. Academically, ODU
the appropriate tools and training to gain the greatest “Career Advantage”
has made a name for itself in the state, nationally
and internationally. We have alumni around the
The cornerstone of
world, this May reaching 100,000. The ODU
the Career Advantage
Alumni Association has grown from a small
Program is providing
advisory group for the alumni to a very active and
students with the
important component of the university. As alumni
opportunity to obtain
you can be very proud of your legacy and your
real-world work
diploma. Remember to stay a part of the ODU
experience related to
family and come back to campus often, especially
their major through an
now that we are finally going to have football here.
internship, cooperative
Go Monarchs! I wish you well!
education or other
practical experience.
Claire
The Career
Management Center’s
goal is to link you to
Current student uses the CMC website to look for summer jobs
relating to her major.
everything you need
in order to have a
successful future.
Get started today!
CMC Job Fair for Students CMC Job Fair for Employers
Mid Summer’s Night Fair (7.20.06) Mid Summer’s Night Fair (7.20.06)
Fall 2006 Job Fair (10.5.06) Fall 2006 Job Fair (10.5.06)
Accounting Job Fair (10.21.06) Accounting Job Fair (10.21.06)
Local & Regional Fairs
(7.20.06; 10.27.06; 11.2.06)
For more information on CMC job fairs visit
www.odu.edu/ao/cmc/jobfair/index.shtml or call 757.683.4388
2 www.odualumni.org
IMPS/Kappa Alpha Day at ODU
IMPS/KA Day at ODU... (Continued)
When you browse the ODU webpage and look under student organizations
you will not find a listing for IMPS or Kappa Alpha. Both were profound It just seemed like the right moment and it was
individual fraternities who united together to form a cohesive bond that has time to come back home to our campus,” said
lasted over fifty years. It began in the 1940’s with a group of men who came co-organizer Dennis Kiser ’80. Kiser enlisted the
together and called themselves IMPS. The IMPS are a local fraternity that help of his close friend and fraternity brother
was started here on the campus of ODU. Today these men are well into their John Enright ’76, then talked with Alumni
sixties and above and still like to reminisce about the good old days of 1943. Relations Outreach Director, Hunter Brunick, and
a plan was developed.
In March 1965, the
Delta Gamma Chapter
of the Kappa Alpha
Order was established
on the campus of
ODU. This group of
men came together in
the spirit of athletics,
social involvement and
community service. It
is not known why, but
the IMPS and the KAs
decided to merge their
Bob Caruthers ‘73 points himself out in his KA composite.
fraternities to become Charlie Ballou ‘79 enjoying the food at the pig roast.
one, after all they did have several things in common-one being, hosting the After a warm welcome from University President
best parties on campus. Roseann Runte, the IMPS and KAs proceeded
with a picture taking session with the President,
In 1965 a few of the boys’ fathers decided to purchase the KAs their own trying to make her feel like part of the fraternity
fraternity house. The first house was located on the corner of 45th and family. This wasn’t just some “Animal House”
Hampton Blvd. This house was demolished in 1970 to make way for what is frat party from the 1980s era, but instead a social
now the Arts and Letters Building. In 1969 another house was purchased at gathering much like a family reunion.
701 Stockley Gardens. Finally, in 1971 the KAs moved into 1207 Colonial
Ave., what was then known as ODU’s Greek Rowe which included six other Joe Lee ’80 explained the KA philosophy on
fraternity and sorority houses such as the ATO house, Sigma NU and community service. “Nationally our focus is
TKE just to name a few. muscular dystrophy. I can remember in 1979 or
May 20, 2006, the IMPS 1980, sitting up in a chair that was perched on a
KA
and the KAs exchanged pole 15 feet high in the air out on Hampton Blvd.
hugs, cheers and pictures all in the name of MD-it’s a wonderful cause. We
of their hay-days during also had our Annual Spring Seafood Fest over on
an Alumni Reunion Powhatan Field…beer trucks lined up, seafood
Pig Roast at ODU’s piled high, this money was raised for our local
Beach
Whitehurst Beach. “I charity Children’s Hospital of Kings Daughters.”
was anxious to get the The men and their sweethearts were well-known
brothers together for a around campus for their charity work, studies and
reunion. their social activites.
ODU IMPS, 1945-1955
In attendance at the reunion pig roast were the
IMPS, the KAs, and their families, the Office of
Alumni Relations and President Roseann Runte.
“It’s like we never left,” said one of the brothers
and someday soon, hopefully, we will be back.
Third KA house located at 1207
Colonial Ave.,
ident
ette ’77, Pres still standing today.
’76, Jay Bask
John Enright nte & Denni
s Kiser ’80
Roseann Ru
www.odualumni.org 3
Monarch Photo Album
lty, students Hampton’s Phoebus High Scho
tailgate party to get the facu ol leads the tailgate along
President Runte kicks off the all in 2009! with Big Blue.
and media geared up for footb
Barry M. Kornblau ’71 and Mar
k Benson, Dir. of Athletic Givi
hang out with Big Blue. ng,
after being
ker and writer Rae Pearson ’96
May ’06 seniors pose with spea Council.
inducted into the ODU Black Alumni
kfast. Helen Castulis & Hannah Olso
mother at the May Senior Brea n, two of ODU’s youngest fans
Trey Mayo ’06 smiles with his Tournament in Richmond.
at the CAA
Graduating senior Heather Eng
el ’06 gets pop quiz after rece ary with Big
diploma. Question: Will you iving her spend their wedding annivers
marry me? Answer: Yes. Heather and Joseph Brown ’99 ni Social.
Blue and other ODU alumni at a Busch Gardens Alum
4 www.odualumni.org
A “Rae” of Sunshine Spreads Knowledge & Wisdom ODU Alumni Katherine Gainey
Rakeisha “Rae” Pearson ’96 Promoted to Major General by
the United States Army
Rae Pearson, ’96, has been hailed as one of the most dynamic African-
American, inspirational speakers in the Hampton Roads area. Elected in 1995 as Along with the many service men and woman
the “National Communications Director” of stationed around the country and in the Middle
the National Network of Presbyterian East, ODU can proudly say that they have
College Women and author of the soul-food educated and trained many men and women and
novel, Still Standing, she is devoted to developed them into dedicated soldiers. The ODU
showing others a way to transform their lives Army
from negative to positive. Pearson’s novel, ROTC is
Still Standing, details the shocking, painful especially
experiences of women who managed to work proud
through their hard times and triumph to of their
emotional victory. According to Dr. Robert recently
Christin, former President of Marymount elected
College in Tarrytown, N.Y and guest Alumni
professor at the University of Notre Dame, Chapter
“Still Standing includes thirteen women President
describing in detail their gripping Kathy
experiences. Each woman tells her own story, Gainey
in her own words…it’s a dramatic ’78 who
presentation by a professional who will be is currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. In May
writing more good books in the future.” 06, Gainey was promoted to Major General by
the U.S. Army. This ceremony was particularly
There is no doubt that Pearson’s personal special to Gainey because although her family
experiences have given her profound insight into life. Speaking to an audience was in the United States, there were still able to
of graduating seniors at the Black Alumni Council Induction Ceremony this share in this special moment. “God blessed me
past May, Pearson gave us a glimpse of her life as a graduate of ODU’s class of in having my husband, Ed by my side...Mike and
1996. This outspoken, confident young woman walked away with a Bachelor of Tom connected via video teleconference from
Science in Speech Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Colorado and Mom and Dad connected via video
Broadcast. Pearson often expresses that “experiences such as winning Miss teleconference from Norfolk.”
Congeniality and Most Talented in ODU’s 1995 Miss Ebony Pageant, along
with [her] education at this prestigious university prepped [her] for the Jerome “JC” Brinker ’80, sent Gainey a
world.” She tells young high school students who are weighing which college to congratulatory email. “Promotion to Major
attend that “ODU not only has professors who teach, but professors and staff General is a big deal…you make us all look good
who steer you along the right path, who are there for you emotionally.” since we came through the same Army ROTC
program. We always knew we had one of the best
Currently, Pearson is a News Producer for Christian Broadcasting programs in the country and your success proves
Network/700 CLUB, Department of National and International News where it. This is well deserved!” Gainey, a Norfolk
she focuses on hard news, entertainment news and in-depth packages for CBN native is scheduled to return home in July. Gainey
NEWSWATCH. She is also a freelance reporter, producer and writer for the gives credit to her family for helping her to carry
City of Virginia Beach delivering thought-provoking stories to the residents out her achievements. “Thanks to all who have
within the city. According to Rae, one of her most rewarding job roles was made me a success through the years. [You] are
working as a television producer for NBC’s WAVY TV-10 where she produced the stars!”
a current affairs program called “The Bottom Line.” In this role, she had the
opportunity to sink her teeth into topics that paralleled local and national The NROTC Hampton Roads Alumni Association
headlines such as naval homecomings and deployments and local reactions to would like to publish a 25th anniversary booklet.
the political, social, and economic aftermath of the 9-11 terror attacks. Alumni, please provide an updated biography
telling us what you are doing now, major
Pearson strongly believes that any person has the potential for success no milestones you have achieved, memories and
matter their race, socio-economic background, or gender. She uses her own life stories from your time with the NROTC Unit and
as an example of triumphing over the odds. She has spoken to several with Old Dominion University.
thousand students at schools, youth organizations, and college campuses. Her
topics include personal excellence, unrelenting determination, goal setting, Please mail your information to:
and the importance of a solid education. When giving one of her motivational Commanding Officer
speeches, Pearson says her greatest desire is for people to know who they are NROTC Unit Hampton Roads
from the inside out and to use that knowledge as a tool of empowerment and 5215 Hampton Blvd
love. Norfolk, VA 23529
Attn: Alumni Association
Or email your information to: dvnash@odu.edu
www.odualumni.org 5
Monarch Baseball Keeps Janelle Engle & Mary Cate Gordon Earn Academic
Forging Ahead All-American Honors by ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA
The Monarchs compiled its best season since Old Dominion University field hockey seniors Janelle Engle (Mt. Joy, PA)
1999, breaking or tying eight school and and Mary Cate Gordon (Oreland, PA) have been selected to the ESPN The
individual records. With a blend of veterans and Magazine Academic All-America Women’s At-Large Team by CoSIDA.
youth, ODU earned a ranking as high as 15th Engle was Selected to the first team and Gordon to the second team.
nationally, and the Monarchs finished second in
Engle helped lead the Lady
the CAA. Head coach Jerry Meyers was named
Monarch field hockey squad to
Coach of the Year in the Colonial Athletic the Colonial Athletic Association
Association, and five Monarchs earned All-CAA championship with a 19-6 record
honors. and the semi-finals of the NCAA
National championships. Engle
ODU appeared in the top 25 by all four major was named CAA Player of the
collegiate baseball polls: Year, and earned first team
COLLEGIATE BASEBALL, BASEBALL All-American honors by the
AMERICA, ESPN/USA TODAY coaches National Field Hockey Coaches
and the College Baseball Writers Association. Association. She led ODU and
the CAA in scoring with 20
ODU was ranked nationally from March 27 to
goals. She was selected by the
May 15 with April 3rd and 10th being the ODU Alumni Association as
highest at #15 by BASEBALL AMERCA. That the Female Athlete of the Year,
is the highest national ranking since 1986. and the Norfolk Sports Club
presented her with the Tom
hockey field. Scott award as the university’s
in for a goal on the
Janelle Engle leans top senior athlete.
In the classroom, Engle is a three-time National Field Hockey Coaches
Association All-Academic selection and was chosen to the USA TODAY All-
USA College Academic team. She was also the CAA’s Scholar Athlete of the
Year. She and Mary Cate Gordon were co-winners of the prestigious Jack
Wilkins/James Howard Female Scholar Athletes of the Year at ODU with
the highest cumulative averages.
A music major, Engle is first violinist in the Deihn String Quartet and
concertmaster of the ODU Symphony. She graduated with a perfect 4.0
grade point average.
Gordon posted seven shutouts along with a .702 save percentage and a 1.47
goal against average in leading ODU to the CAA crown and its 16th
appearance in the NCAA semi-finals. Gordon is a four-time NFHCA
All-Academic selection, graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average in
English and was a Rhodes Scholar nominee.
Dan Hudson pre
paring for a strike
-out throw.
6 www.odualumni.org
Golf Tournament Raises Funds for
Alumni Scholarship & Continues to
Summer Build Monarch Pride and Tradition
Friday, April 28, eighty golfers teed-up to support
Happenings the 5th Annual ODU Alumni Golf Tournament
sponsored by Monarch Bank. “We couldn’t have
asked for better weather,” said Kathy Kaplan, ODU
Director of Donor Relations, and player for the day.
Let’s welcome first year students and their parents to “I am new to the world of golf, but I am out here
the Monarch family... giving it my best and supporting the Alumni
Scholarship….its all in fun.” The Riverfront Golf
Northern Virginia Hail and Farewell Reception Club in Suffolk, Va. seemed to be the ideal location
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 for this year’s tournament. Golfer Joe Carter ’82
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. remarked, “…it’s a great course for any level of
Brion’s Grille, Fairfax player. Not necessarily the easiest to score on, but
certainly forgiving enough for the high
handicappers.” Participating as teams in the day’s
Richmond, Virginia Hail and Farewell Reception Four Man Captain’s Choice were alumni board
Thursday, August 10, 2006 members, campus faculty, business and community
Time: TBA leaders and above all, alumni from various
Place: TBA graduation years.
The Alumni Office was excited to have Monarch
Suffolk, Virginia Hail and Farewell Reception Bank donate a large
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 gift that future
Time: TBA students will truly
Place: TBA find beneficial. Dan
Campbell, Assistant
Virginia Beach Hail and Farewell Cookout Director for Special
Thursday, August 17, 2006 Events spearheaded
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. this event. Dan
Mount Trashmore Park, Virginia Beach encouraged
sponsors such as
For more information on the Hail and Farewells, contact the Geico, Ainslie-Widener, Inc. and
Office of Alumni Relations by phone, 757.683.3097 or e-mail, Griffin Investment Group to jump on board. This
alumni@odu.edu. year the Alumni Office initiated a new tradition, the
helicopter ball drop. Players watched in
exhilaration as 91 golf balls dropped from the sky.
Golf ball number 61 was deemed winner, edging out
Attention residents who live in the another golf ball by just two inches from the
predetermined hole. The winner was awarded $500.
Larchmont area of Norfolk, VA Raising a little over $7000, the day was a huge
success. According to the Alumni Office, this is the
You and your family are largest sum of money ever profited from the
invited to join Big Blue tournament. The proceeds from the tournament
along with Monarchs support the Alumni Association’s board scholarship
young and old for a which is awarded annually to an eligible student.
fun-filled afternoon on According to Claire Ackiss ’99, Executive Director
Brick Field of the Alumni Office, “Each year this scholarship
for the endowment will grow. Alumni not only want to
obtain their degree and walk away from the
First AnnuAl
campus, but want to leave a legacy for those of the
lArchmont oDu
next generation.” The Alumni Office says they
Alumni Block PArty continue to look every year for new players to join
them, as well as new volunteers. If you would like
saturday, August 12, 2006 to be a part of the 6th Annual Alumni Golf
Tournament in April 2007, call 888.ODU.3435
1 P.M. - 4 P.M.
or email alumni@odu.edu.
Brick Field
Corner of Hampton Blvd. & Bolling Ave.
www.odualumni.org 7
Prsrt Std
U.S. Postage
PA I D
1AM00 Norfolk, VA
Permit No. 49
Old Dominion University
Office of Alumni Relations
Barry M. Kornblau Alumni Center
Norfolk, VA 23529
True Blue
The official newsletter of the
Old Dominion University Alumni Association
President
Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Ed Shelton ’69 (M.B.A. ‘79)
Executive Director
Office of Alumni Relations
Claire Geiger Ackiss ’99
Senior Director
Office of Alumni Relations
Ashley Privott ’97
Editor/Assistant Director for Communications
Office of Alumni Relations
De’Laine Goodman
True Blue is published by the Old Dominion University Alumni
Association. To submit comments or questions about
True Blue, please contact the Alumni Office at 757.683.3097 or
e-mail alumni@odualumni.org.
Stay up to date on Alumni Association and University news
and events at www.odu.edu.
June 2006