ODU announces May 2024 commencement speakers
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Old Dominion University has announced its May 2024 commencement speakers.
Captain Janet H. Days, commanding officer for Naval Station Norfolk, will deliver the commencement address at the undergraduate ceremony
Days graduated summa cum laude from ODU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in business and received her commission through the ROTC program.
In February 2023, she assumed command as the 51st commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk. She is also the first Black woman to hold that position.
“Old Dominion University is excited to welcome Captain Days, a passionate and proud Monarch, as well as an impactful and trailblazing alumna, as our featured speaker this May,” said ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. “I know that her inspiring message of service will especially resonate with Monarchs as many of our graduates and their family members have military affiliations. As our graduates take the next step in their personal and professional journeys, Captain Days will challenge each of them to make a profound mark on the world and continue a lifelong connection to their beloved alma mater – just as she has done with such determination and distinction, as well as grace and grit!”
The undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 4 at Kornblau Field in S.B. Ballard Stadium. In the event of inclement weather, the undergraduate ceremony will be held at Chartway Arena, and times will be announced 24 to 48 hours prior to the ceremony.
Lawrence Weinstein, Ph.D. will deliver the commencement address at the advanced degree ceremony.
For more than 30 years, Weinstein has taught in the College of Sciences’ Physics Department at ODU. His scholarship focuses on nuclear physics and working with the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility on how protons and neutrons behave in the nucleus of an atom.
“For more than three decades, Dr. Weinstein has served as a model to ODU students on how to find their passion through learning,” President Hemphill said. “I look forward to hearing his words of encouragement to our graduate students as they close an important chapter in their academic careers. I know that his message will be insightful and one to remember!”
The Advanced Degree Ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 3 at Chartway Arena.
For more information about ODU’s commencement ceremonies click here.
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