Homecoming 2023

Old Dominion University marked its Homecoming with a wide range of activities catering to both students and alumni. The festivities featured events such as paw painting, a distinguished alumni dinner, tailgating and a football game. Photos by Chuck Thomas and Nicholas Clark/ODU

Members of ODU’s Operation Smile claim their crown on Kaufman Mall. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

ODU Young Life members show off their crown. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Members of Theta Chi fraternity and Zeta sorority paint windows outside of Webb Center for Homecoming. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. (center), stands proudly alongside the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honorees. This year's distinguished individuals are, from left to right: Dr. Surena F. Matin, Ticha Penicheiro, Capt. Janet Days and The Honorable Dr. Kenneth Cooper Alexander. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Big Blue's Boardwalk event was relocated indoors due to weather, but ODU students still enjoyed playing games and socializing. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Although inclement weather pushed tailgaters indoors, ODU alumni enjoyed a pre-game event in Webb Center. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU alumna Randy Dalton proudly displays a caricature created by an artist at the alumni tailgate. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Nearly 300 Monarchs assemble for a group photo after packing food items at the second-ever Monarchs Give Back event. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Ph.D., takes the lead as nearly 300 Monarchs come together to fill grocery bags with food items to donate around Hampton Roads. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU women's lacrosse team members help at the Monarchs Give Back packing event. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Jacob Nabinett dances as his friends hold up signs promoting him for “Mr. ODU” as part of the University’s Homecoming festivities. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

ODU cheerleaders celebrate as the Monarchs close in on their Homecoming victory. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Big Blue joins Homecoming Royalty Kennedy Jones and Jaden Reed on the football field. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU wide receiver Kelby Williams secures a 37-yard pass for a crucial third down conversion. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Devin Roche, a true freshman wide receiver making his first career start, skillfully dodges tackles. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

The ODU swim team shows their school spirit during the Homecoming game. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

A group of students kneel in front of the crown they've painted on a sidewalk on ODU's campus.

A couple of students pose for a photo on the sidewalk of ODU's campus.

A group of student pose for a photo on a bench.

Five people pose for a photo at an alumni honors dinner.

A group of close to 300 people pose for a photo in a gym.

A woman holds out a plastic bag to collect food items for a food drive.

A group of students hand out plastic bags at a food drive packing event.

A group of students dance and celebrate as part of ODU's homecoming festivities.

ODU's mascot stands next to two students on the football field.

A football player runs past an opponent on the field.

A group of students cheer from the stands at an ODU football game.