Old ֱ University is illuminating the Education Building and Constant Center marquee blue during May as part of the international #LightItBlue campaign. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
By Harry Minium
Old ֱ University will light portions of campus at the intersection of 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard in blue each evening throughout May to pay homage to those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.
The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies building, as well as a signature Old ֱ University sign out front, will be illuminated in blue. Across Hampton Boulevard, the marquee of the Ted Constant Convocation Center will carry messages of support.
In doing so, ODU has joined the #LightItBlue campaign, which began in the United Kingdom to show gratitude and support for health-care workers, first responders and other essential workers.
The campaign has since spread to other nations. The New York skyline, the waterfalls at Niagara Falls, Walt Disney theme parks, the National Cathedral in Washington and the City of Norfolk are all bathed in blue.
"We've been thinking about additional ways ODU could show its support for health-care workers, first responders and essential workers and this seemed like the ideal way," said Lisa Jones, director of Branding & Marketing for the Office of Strategic Communication & Marketing, who proposed and coordinated this effort with staff in Facilities Management and the Constant Center.
"Blue is one of our school colors. And ODU has so many connections to health care, from our nursing, physical therapy and other programs to our relationships with Eastern Virginia Medical School and Sentara Norfolk General."
ODU joined the campaign in May because the month has so many celebrations tied to honoring health-care heroes: National Nurses Week (May 6-12), National Hospital Week (May 6-12), National Nursing Home Week (May 13-19), Women's Health Week (May 13-19) and Emergency Medical Services Week (May 20-26).
ODU also recently illuminated Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium and the interior of Chartway Arena in blue as part of the #LightItBlue movement.
