When you think of powerhouse universities in Virginia, the mind usually drifts toward the lawn at UVA or the tech-heavy sprawl of Virginia Tech. But honestly, Old Dominion University (ODU) has been quietly churning out some of the most influential people in American culture for decades. It’s kinda wild when you look at the list. You’ve got Hall of Fame athletes, NASA pioneers, and even the guy who hosts Cash Cab.
It isn't just a regional school in Norfolk.
From the sidelines of the NBA to the lunar surface of the moon, the reach of these graduates is massive. If you’ve ever watched a 100-mph fastball or sat through a legendary ESPN broadcast, there is a very good chance an ODU alum was behind it.
The Sports Legends Who Put ODU on the Map
Justin Verlander. That’s usually the first name people drop, and for good reason. Before he was winning World Series rings and Cy Young awards, he was a kid in Norfolk striking out everyone in sight. He’s arguably one of the greatest pitchers to ever live. Basically, if ODU only ever produced him, their sports legacy would be secure. But they didn't stop there.
The basketball program is arguably even more legendary, specifically on the women’s side.
Nancy Lieberman is a name that carries serious weight. She’s "Lady Magic." She didn't just play; she revolutionized the game and later became a pioneer in coaching. Then you have Anne Donovan, a 6-foot-8 force of nature who won Olympic gold as both a player and a coach. It's rare for a single school to have two different women in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, but ODU pulls it off.
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On the hardwood for the men, you’ve got Kent Bazemore, who turned a solid college career into a decade-long run in the NBA. And let’s not forget the guys off the court. Tony Brothers is one of the most recognizable (and sometimes controversial, depending on who you root for) referees in the NBA. He’s been officiating the Finals for years.
Taylor Heinicke is another name that ODU fans shout from the rooftops. He was a sensation in Norfolk before becoming a "cult hero" quarterback in the NFL. Watching him go from a mid-major star to starting playoff games for the Washington Commanders was a trip for everyone who watched him play at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Breaking Barriers in Science and Space
It’s not all just jerseys and sneakers.
Old Dominion University notable alumni include people who literally left the planet. Michael Bloomfield is a big one. He was a NASA astronaut who flew on three different Space Shuttle missions. He even served as the pilot for STS-92, which was a critical mission for the International Space Station. Then there is Karen Nyberg. She earned her master's at ODU and spent a combined 180 days in space.
Ever see those viral videos of astronauts washing their hair in zero gravity? That was her.
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Beyond the stars, ODU grads are running things at NASA Langley and other major research hubs. Tahani Amer is a senior executive at NASA who has been a vocal advocate for women in STEM. She’s won the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. It’s a pretty big deal.
Entertainment and the "Wait, They Went There?" Factor
This is where things get fun.
Ben Bailey, the comedian who drove the Cash Cab, is an ODU alum. It’s hard to imagine him cruising through the streets of New York City without thinking about his roots in the 757. Then there’s Chad Hugo. While he’s famous as one half of The Neptunes (alongside Pharrell Williams), many people don't know he actually attended ODU on a music scholarship before the music industry swallowed him whole.
You’ve probably heard Bruce Hornsby’s "The Way It Is." It’s a classic. He’s an ODU guy, class of '74.
The list of creatives goes on:
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- Derrick Borte: The director behind films like The Joneses and Unhinged.
- Tom DiCillo: An acclaimed cinematographer and director who worked on Stranger Than Paradise.
- Tommy Newsom: He was a fixture on The Tonight Show for years, serving as the assistant music director.
Business Titans and Political Power Players
If you’ve ever used a Wells Fargo credit card, you might be interacting with the legacy of Elizabeth Duke. She was the Chair of Wells Fargo’s Board of Directors and even served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. She graduated from ODU with her MBA in 1983.
In the political world, the university has deep roots in Virginia’s leadership. Mills Godwin, a former two-term Governor of Virginia, is a notable name from the school’s earlier days. More recently, Elaine Luria represented Virginia’s 2nd district in Congress. She’s a Navy veteran who used her ODU education to help navigate the complex world of federal policy.
Why the ODU Alumni Network Matters Now
The university is currently in a massive growth phase. In 2025 and 2026, we’ve seen a huge push toward strengthening the alumni network through things like NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) collectives. Alums like Adam Lutsky and Patrick Walsh actually launched a national company specifically to help Monarch athletes navigate this new era of college sports.
They aren't just looking back; they're building the infrastructure for the next generation of "notables."
When you look at the sheer variety—from NASCAR crew chiefs like Bootie Barker to Pulitzer-worthy historians—the common thread is a sort of "gritty" excellence. ODU isn't an Ivy League school where things are handed to you on a silver platter. It’s a place where people work.
Actionable Insights for Current Students and Alums:
- Use the Lion’s Den: The official alumni portal is actually useful. Don't just ignore the emails. It’s how you get in touch with people in high places who actually want to hire fellow Monarchs.
- Check the 40 Under 40: Every year, the university highlights young achievers. If you’re looking for a mentor, that list is a goldmine of people who are still "in the thick of it" and likely to respond to a LinkedIn message.
- Attend Homecoming: It sounds cliché, but the networking that happens at the tailgates in Norfolk is where the real connections are made.
Old Dominion University has evolved from a small division of William & Mary into a powerhouse that stands on its own. Whether it’s on a movie set, in a boardroom, or 250 miles above Earth, Monarchs are everywhere.