Folder 18: Traditional Events: Commencement/Graduation (I)

Smiles were in plentiful supply at ODU's 74th commencement on May 11 as graduates celebrated their latest accomplishment. The university's newest alumni hugged and mugged for the cameras and exchanged vociferous greetings and open-mouthed grins as they strode out of Foreman Field. Approximately 1,560 students were eligible for degrees this spring.

A graduate gets a hug from his mother during commencement exercises at Foreman Field.

Amid the pomp and circumstance at the December commencement ceremony, these latest Old Dominion University graduates paused to celebrate the occasion with smiles and hugs. Approximately 1,300 students earned their degrees. Former NBC newsman Edwin Newman was the commencement speaker.

Anita C. Branch, who is receiving a masters in Business, has her robes adjusted by a friend or family member.

Anxious graduates at the 1995 Commencement exercises at Foreman Field.

A graduate who is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, is with an unidentified fellow graduate. Beta Alpha Psi is an international honors business fraternity for accounting, finance, and information systems students.

Carolyn King, accounting instructor, holds Meaghan Doviak, infant daughter of Sue Doviak, who is a economics instructor at the university.

Charles O Burgess, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, finds a quiet spot to put his thoughts on paper prior to his college's ceremony for its newest graduates.

Relatives watch with smiles and cameras in hand as their favorite graduates get ready to make their way across the stage, during commencement exercises at the Physical Education Building.

Graduates spread some confetti and happiness during commencement exercises at Norfolk Scope.

From the processional to the college ceremonies, the campus was witness to smiling graduates everywhere celebrating their achievement, as confetti showers down on members of ODU's class of 1991.

Guest speaker, Dave Hogan speaking at the Fall 1996 Commencement exercises at Norfolk Scope.

Deirdre Ann Tobin (left) and a fellow graduate during commencement exercises at the Norfolk Scope.

This year's mortar boards carried references to everything from fraternities and sororities to South Africa. Among the most unique attachments to the caps, however were the cardboard teeth affixed by the dental hygiene and dental assisting graduates.

Former NBC newscaster Edwin Newman, addresses Old Dominion University's latest graduates during commencement exercises at the Norfolk Scope.

Graduates walking down Kaufman Mall on their way to the 1995 Commencement exercises at Foreman Field.

Below, a tripod and an automatic timer allows a proud dad to join the rest of the family in the picture following commencement.

Michele Hensley, student body president, shares a laugh with her fellow graduates. She advised her classmates not to get discouraged if they don't get their dream job right away or aren't selected by the graduate school of their choice on the first try.

A future Old Dominion University graduate, perhaps, gets fitted with a mortar board prior to the Darden College of Education college ceremony on the floor of the Norfolk Scope. In all, 2,150 students were eligible for degrees at the December 1993 commencement.

Former Virginia Governor Gerald L. Baliles delivers his commencement address during Commencement exercises at the Norfolk Scope.