By Kenya Godette

Old Dominion University will observe Veterans Day with a week of celebratory events and ceremonies from Nov. 7-15.

The week will kick-off with the University’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Kaufman Mall from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin ’88, the 67th Inspector General of the U.S. Army, and Casey Barnes, Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter President and Navy veteran pursuing a master’s degree in Lifespan and Digital Communication, will serve as guest speakers.

Nov. 11, Veterans Day, will feature a Women’s Basketball Military Appreciation Game against Morgan State University at 6:30 p.m. at Chartway Arena. Fans are invited to cheer on the Monarchs while recognizing and celebrating veterans and military members in attendance.

The Military Connection Center (MCC) will continue the observance through the week with several programs for students and veterans. Beginning Nov. 12, the MCC will host the Operation BLUE Pumpkin Smashing event. The event invites students to combat stress and seasonal blues by smashing pumpkins from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Kaufman Mall. Student veterans can participate for free and non-military students can participate by contributing to care packages for deployed service members. Qualifying items include toiletries, nonperishable snacks and small games — or students can write heartfelt messages of encouragement and support. There will also be cake to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 249th birthday.

On Nov. 13, the MCC welcomes veteran faculty/staff to a luncheon from 12-2 p.m. in Broderick Dining Commons to honor and thank them for their military service.

The Fall 2024 Veteran Grad Cord Social will take place Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in S.B. Ballard Stadium. ODU student veterans who are preparing to graduate in December will be honored in a ceremony with friends, family and fellow Monarchs.

The week will conclude on Nov. 15 with a Men’s Basketball Military Appreciation Game against Maryland Eastern Shore at 7 p.m. at Chartway Arena, where ODU Athletics will once again honor the military service of veterans and active-duty members.

During this year’s Veterans Day week observances, the Student Veteran Association and Navy and Army ROTC will be key participants in scheduled events, providing support services and resources to attendees.

Beyond commemorative events, the University offers a variety of year-round services to the veteran and military community including:

  • The Military Connection Center, committed to assisting veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guard members and dependents in navigating the application, admission and enrollment process as well as getting involved on campus.
  • Operation BLUE: Bridging Life and University Experience, a yearlong active learning program where student veterans are guided through intentionally designed activities to gain practical experience, self-awareness and transferable skills.
  • Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE), a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans with student veteran peer advisors who provide ongoing support.
  • ODU Global Military Program Pathways, whose academic programs incorporate credit that may be earned outside the classroom through examinations, experience and/or training.
  • The Military Alumni Chapter (MAC), a group of veteran alumni whose goal is to establish and enhance relationships to increase alumni involvement through networking, service and social events.

ODU has been consistently recognized for its outstanding services and programs for veterans and military personnel. In April, the University earned a gold ranking as a 2024-2025 Military Friendly® School from militaryfriendly.com for the fourth consecutive year. In 2023, Old Dominion was ranked a "Best for Vets" school by Military Times.