CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF "FUN WITH PURPOSE"
ABOUT US
The History Of Old Dominion University Monarch Community Alliance
ODUMCA was established in 1950 as the Faculty Wives Club of the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary – Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Twenty women met to socialize in the Trophy Room of the Old Administration Building. Each member brought ten cents to purchase “Nabs” and a “Coca Cola”.
Lifelong friendships were nurtured, and soon, with 40 members, the group moved to larger quarters in the Old Academic Building (formerly the original Larchmont School). The organization's first president was Virginia Rice Webb, wife of ODU’s first President, Lewis W. Webb Jr.
ODUMCA evolved with its members’ changing times and needs, always focusing on friendship and ties to the University. The name of the organization changed, but the focus to serve the interests of the ODU community remained, acting as a connector between the university and the surrounding cities.
In the 1960s, Bylaws were established as were Interest
Groups: a Handbook was published as well as a Newsletter, the “Furbelows”. In 1979, the organization changed its name to the ODU Women’s Association to encourage female faculty and staff to become members. In 2015, to further develop its focus, the organization became Old Dominion University Monarch Community Alliance, and membership was opened to women and men.
Through its many years, the organization has combined friendship with fundraising, always focusing on the support of the University. In recent years, fundraising events have been held for members and guests to raise money for scholarships at ODU. The proceeds of these events, as well as individual contributions from members, have exceeded $100,000. Interest from an Endowed Scholarship through the ODU Educational Foundation provided $2,000 scholarships for women returning to university studies. In addition, ODUMCA directly contributes to other ODU entities, from early Recording for the Blind to direct support of various University endeavors, including contributions to Women’s Studies, the English Department, Theatre Department, School of Nursing Annual Fund, the Barry Art Museum, and Student Services.
In 2023, ODUMCA formed a corporation and established its credentials as a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization.
To fulfill our Purpose Statement ODUMCA members enjoy large and small group activities on the ODU campus and throughout the community. A typical academic year includes the Fall Welcome Reception, the Annual International Dinner, Kissing Winter Good-bye party, Annual Spring Luncheon, and a themed scholarship fundraising event. In addition, Adventures on Campus, the "Interest Group for all members" invites members to attend museum openings, tours, lectures, plays, musical performances, ODU Monarch women’s sports, and other special events on campus.
In 2025 ODUMCA is supporting the ODU Monarch Clothes Closet and Food Pantry with monetary gifts and donations of clothing and food which are made available to ODU students at no cost.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The organization brings together individuals committed to Old Dominion University and furthers opportunities for friendship among its members. ODUMCA encourages participation in the activities of, and thereby promotes, its educational mission and community leadership of the University. The organization works to stimulate interest in the University through its programs. Among these programs are volunteer activities, financial contributions and pro bono services to benefit the University's faculty, staff and students. A traditional activity is student scholarship funding.