Old Dominion University
Alumni Association
(757) 683-3097 odualumni@odu.edu
David McFarland: 2005 Distinguished Alumni, DLM Entertainment GroupDavid McFarland '84 checks in from his (formerly Clark Gable's!!) home in LA, where he's making a significant impact in the entertainment and sports industry, particularly as it pertains to LGBTQ+ athletes. David shares his journey from being a swimmer at ODU to building a successful career in TV and film production. He discusses his passion for creating meaningful content that not only entertains but also brings about positive change in the world. David also discusses his work managing LGBTQ+ athletes and advocating for mental health and suicide prevention. This episode's theme: the importance of following one's passion, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and never giving up on your dreams.
Dr. Agarwal & Co. Taste of India 2024This episode of the pod features a lively conversation with Dr.Agarwal, ODU Economics Professor, and Payal, ODU Alum, discussing the Taste of India Festival: Mythical India, an annual event that brings together Indian culture, flavors, and a spirit of giving. Dr. Agarwal shares his involvement with this event since its inception inception and how it has grown over the years, with a focus on preserving Indian heritage and raising funds for local charities. We are joined midway through by Dhani, another ODU alum, who with his colleagues, highlights the diversity of Indian culture, regional cuisine, and traditional dances that the festival showcases. Learn about the upcoming Taste of India Festival: Mythical India on April 20 and how it offers a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate Indian culture without leaving Hampton Roads!
Ann Claire Wood
Recent ODU grad and local artist, Ann Claire Wood, discusses choosing ODU after attending community college in Richmond, the challenges of being an art major, and exploring and healing generational trauma through art. She and Lauren nerd out about ceramics and art history, reminisce about her senior show, and Ann Claire leaves us with some excellent advice on marketing and branding ourselves. Check out her art on Instagram @annclairewood and know that she's open for commissions! Mention the ODUAA pod and receive....wait sorry no, we don't have a discount code, but still mention the pod- we'd appreciate it!
David McFarland: 2005 Distinguished Alumni, DLM Entertainment Group
David McFarland '84 checks in from his (formerly Clark Gable's!!) home in LA, where he's making a significant impact in the entertainment and sports industry, particularly as it pertains to LGBTQ+ athletes. David shares his journey from being a swimmer at ODU to building a successful career in TV and film production. He discusses his passion for creating meaningful content that not only entertains but also brings about positive change in the world. David also discusses his work managing LGBTQ+ athletes and advocating for mental health and suicide prevention. This episode's theme: the importance of following one's passion, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and never giving up on your dreams.
Dr. Agarwal & Co. Taste of India 2024
This episode of the pod features a lively conversation with Dr.Agarwal, ODU Economics Professor, and Payal, ODU Alum, discussing the Taste of India Festival: Mythical India, an annual event that brings together Indian culture, flavors, and a spirit of giving. Dr. Agarwal shares his involvement with this event since its inception inception and how it has grown over the years, with a focus on preserving Indian heritage and raising funds for local charities. We are joined midway through by Dhani, another ODU alum, who with his colleagues, highlights the diversity of Indian culture, regional cuisine, and traditional dances that the festival showcases. Learn about the upcoming Taste of India Festival: Mythical India on April 20 and how it offers a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate Indian culture without leaving Hampton Roads!
Ryan Parncutt: Former Women's Soccer Player, Current Athletics Marketing Graduate Assistant
Ryan Parncutt shares her ODU journey as a student athlete and current grad student. From the recruitment process to finding community as a Covid college student, Ryan highlights the importance of connecting with others and embracing new opportunities. She and Lauren also nerd out about their 6 degrees of separation, being okay with changing your major...more than once, and how we should all embrace the Ice Cream & Cake dance 1000%.
Chris Conway: Photographer, Videographer, Editor, Creative Director, The Crew Creative
Chris and Lauren nerd out about the Communication major at ODU and their shared experiences having some of the same professors. Chris discusses the change in his career trajectory from 'Naval medical billet' to 'Creative,' ruminates on time spent in BAL and watching Physics students drop pumpkins from it, and advises current ODU students on the importance of networking, asking questions, and not being afraid to fail.
Fred Tugas: Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Student Engagement and Enrollment Services, Old Dominion University
Fred Tugas discusses being a first-gen college student and also a commuter, finding his community at ODU, and how he has come home in his last two professional roles with the University!
Nakia Madry-Smith: Executive Director, Regional Centers, ODU
Nakia Madry-Smith is super relatable when she talks about how crossing a bridge tunnel can be a major barrier to one's mental health in Hampton Roads, a little less relatable when she discusses her time performing with Pharell's Voices of Fire, and all around absolutely delightful!
Holly Hutchinson: NCAA Tennis Player, University of BathHolly '20 '21 discusses her 'superhero origin story,' including having her senior tennis season upended by Covid, doing an unexpected Master's program, and her current journey to becoming a professional tennis player
Meg Turley: Training Manager, LeidosMeg Turley, Navy Vet, Training Manager for Leidos, and recent ODU Advanced Degree Luncheon featured speaker, talks about making a career switch, finding her niche, and how she plans to apply her newly acquired skills from a Master's AND a PhD at ODU!
Luke Downing: President, Mode5Luke Downing, President of Mode5, which provides world-class technology services to small and mid-sized businesses in Hampton Roads and surrounding areas, talks about freshman orientation, overcoming his fear of public speaking, and returning to campus for piano lessons!
Michael Fisher- MrMobileODU Alumni, Michael Fisher, aka MrMobile, discusses how he came to ODU based on a photo of the fountain on Kaufman Mall, experiencing 9/11 on campus, and finding his people in ODU Theatre.
Danelle Johnson- Tiny House of Fashion BoutiqueI attended ODU from 2005-2009 and majored in Fashion Merchandising plus Employment & Training. Organizations: Travel & rec women's basketball, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Fall 07' (first line back in 8 years), Fashion Association which produced fashion shows, Resident Assistant (RA)