ODU College of Arts & Letters

06/01/2026

Ladies and gentlemen … a standing ovation for Chris Hanna!

A major creative force the region’s theatre community for decades, he was celebrated by friends, collaborators, colleagues and former students on Saturday, May 30, during a retirement celebration held at Goode Theatre.

Hanna retired from Old Dominion University during the 2025-2026 academic year after teaching at the University for more than three decades. Part of that time, he led the school’s theatre program. A production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” from Spring 2025 was his final turn as a director for ODURep.

Hanna also served as artistic director for Virginia Stage Company from 2005 to 2015.

He influenced generations of area theatre professionals.

Many who sharpened their theatrical skills under Hanna’s direction expressed gratitude on Saturday. Admirers from Push Comedy Theater offered some improv in tribute, but there was no shortage of serious expressions of emotion.

“I’ve gotten to go do a career in comedy and I do owe a lot to you, Chris Hanna,” said Brad McMurran, a University alumnus and co-creator of Norfolk’s Push Comedy Theater. “I know there are all these faces right here that feel the same way. I just want to say, thank you.”

Photos by Sam McDonald

Old Dominion University Department of Communication and Theatre Arts Old Dominion University

05/21/2026

While tech may imitate human storytelling, it can never replace it. The future's in good hands thanks to people like Jerome Newsome, who recently earned his master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Old Dominion University. ODU English Department

By Joy Vann A fascination with orcas first drew Portsmouth native Jerome Newsome toward zoology. But, during college, he realized his true passion was not studying animals; it was writing about them. That realization set him on a new path, one that will culminate this month when he earns a Master of...

05/19/2026

Your education, your timetable. Case in point is history major George Degaraff, who returned to college years after earning his GED. His studies led to an internship at public radio station WHRO.

By Robyn Sidersky Twenty years after earning his GED, George Degaraff decided it was finally time to bet on himself. After years of physically demanding jobs – from construction sites to delivery routes – too many moments that left him feeling underestimated, George found new motivation watching...

05/18/2026

Here’s one last look at College of Arts and Letters graduates during Saturday’s commencement at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Farewell, Class of 2026! ❤️

05/16/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Old Dominion University's College of Arts and Letters! We can't wait to see you make your Monarch's mark on the world!

05/15/2026

Thursday night, the College of Arts and Letters honored academic stars from its Class of 2026, students who achieved AMAZING things during their time in our midst.
We can’t wait to applaud them tomorrow as they accept diplomas the undergraduate commencement exercises. We know that’s just the start of great things coming their way.

Here’s to these remarkably nimble Monarch minds!

The following images show just some of the award winners.

Photo No. 1: Natalie Hillinger (with Laura Delbrugge, dean of the College of Arts and Letters)
-- Outstanding Student in Asian Studies
-- Outstanding Student in English
-- College of Arts and Letters Alumni Award

Photo No. 2: Eryn Anderson (with Liz Groeneveld, chair of Women’s and Gender Studies)
-- Outstanding Student in Women’s & Gender Studies

Photo No. 3: Douglas Broadfoot (with History faculty member Robert Del Corso)
-- Academic Award in History

Photo No. 4: Ashlyn Doak (with Nancy Klein, chair of Diehn School of Music)
-- Outstanding Student in Music – Sound Recording Technology

Photo No. 5: Catherine Metzger (with Kevin Moberly, program director, game design, development and criticism major)
-- Interdisciplinary Studies Outstanding Student in Game Studies & Design

Photo No. 6: Elizabeth Modrall (with Tim Anderson, chair of Communication & Theatre Arts)
-- Outstanding Student in Communications

Photo No. 7: Katherine Proffitt (with Timothy Kidd, Political Science & Geography faculty member)
-- Outstanding Student in International Studies

Photo No. 8: Audrey Redford (with Vic Colaizzi, Art faculty)
-- Outstanding Student in Studio Art

Photo No. 9: Ash Thomas (with Veronica Watson, chair of English)
-- Outstanding Student in English

Photo No. 10: Myah Yancey (with Tim Anderson, chair of Communication & Theatre Arts)
-- Outstanding Student in Dance

Photos by Sam McDonald

05/13/2026

Jordan Narcisse, who on Saturday will graduate from Old Dominion University, hopes to one day work as a civil rights attorney. She's certainly on the right track. Old Dominion University Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University

Born into a family of helpers, college student Jordan Narcisse carries forward a tradition of caring. “On my mom's side, they're all big on volunteering,” said the 22-year-old sociology major from Richmond who is set to graduate from Old Dominion University in May. “My mom and aunt would volun...

05/12/2026

A monumental Monarch cheer for graduating art majors who shared work for this year’s senior art exhibition! Your creativity and vision made us think, sparked awe, and put smiles on faces.

And this is just the start. Congrats to these members of Old Dominion University’s Class of 2026. Good luck will all that comes next!

To everyone else: Do yourself a favor and go see “Waypoint: Spring 2026 Senior Art Exhibition” at Gordon Art Galleries through Saturday, May 16.

It’s challenging. It’s uplifting … and it’s free.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Photo No. 1: Mohammad Aslam poses with his work during a May 7 opening reception.
Photo No. 2: A viewer considers “Hold the Fort Down” by Heather Nguyen.
Photo No. 3: Kathleen Alice Grimes with her work.
Photo No. 4: Talking about “Why Did You Make Me Choose?” by Heather Nguyen.
Photo No. 5: Theodore Mayberry with his work.
Photo No. 6: A piece by Wilmesha Griffin.
Photo No. 7: Odelia Handy with her work.
Photo No. 8: Colten Taylor with his work.
Photo No. 9: Audrey Redford with her work.
Photo No. 10: Visitors interact with “MCSR” by Odelia Handy.

Photos by Julian Robbins