Degree: Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems
Profession: Delivery Manager, Allegis Group
Board tenure: Third year on the board, second as vice president
Why I joined the Alumni Association: When I moved back to the Hampton Roads area in early 2021, one of my goals was to get more involved at Old  Dominion University. The Alumni Association seemed like a great way to participate, engage and give back to the University.
What’s a favorite memory from your time as a student that still makes you smile?
My freshman year, I lived in Gresham Hall and had a hallmate, now named Christine Handy ’85, Ed.D. Christine was in the pep band and close to a couple of the basketball players. By being friends with her, I attended the basketball games and got to know several of the players. Spending time with Christine and with the players during meals at Gresham, getting picked on by some of them (you know who you are!) and attending games at Scope Arena are some of my fondest memories.
How did ¹ú²úÂ×Àí help shape who you are today?
I was extremely driven to get my degree so I could move on to bigger and better things. I built the determination, commitment and dedication needed to get that degree, which has served me well in my life and career. Getting my degree was not easy, nor has life been easy, but knowing you can make it through tough, challenging times early in life truly prepares you for the many challenges you face along the journey.
Who at the University had a lasting impact on you, and what did you learn from them?
During the summer of my junior year, I took a programming class taught by a graduate assistant named Bob Porterfield. He was working part-time at Port of Virginia’s Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) in the evenings as a computer operator but was preparing to change jobs. He offered to recommend me to replace him, which ended up kickstarting my professional career. I worked in that role until I graduated in May 1985, when NIT hired me as a programmer. I ended up working there for five more years. I will forever be grateful for the door he opened for me.
What is your favorite ¹ú²úÂ×Àí Alumni Association event and why?
The Alumni Honors Dinner is my favorite event. I am in awe of our alumni, their accomplishments, stories and, in some cases, the struggles they overcame to become who they are today. Their stories are inspiring and intricately linked to ¹ú²úÂ×Àí in some way. It demonstrates the impact our great University can have on people’s lives in so many different ways.
What do you say to prospective students to encourage them to attend ¹ú²úÂ×Àí?
I can’t talk about ¹ú²úÂ×Àí without showing my pride in who we are today and where we are going in the future. There are so many great programs in lots of different disciplines. I like to dig into what they are looking at, then try to relate an anecdote about the program to connect them to the University. I offer to assist them when they come to town, especially during their campus tours. I want their families to know their child will have at least one champion on and near campus to help at any time.