The Ice Cream + Cake Break: ODU's Alumni Podcast

Insurance may not be the most exciting topic for recent grads, but understanding its importance is crucial as they step into the adulting world. In this special edition episode, we talk with our Farmers Insurance partners, Booth Greene and Paul Dormas, to understand why insurance should be on every young alum's to-do list; covering the differences between comprehensive and collision insurance, the...

In this episode, Cristina discusses her journey through higher education, attending both ODU and Norfolk State, and also earning a Master's Degree online. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of her life as a military spouse and educator, highlighting the diverse experiences that have shaped her professional path, including a fond classroom memory dealing with...geometry?

On this special guest host pod, Alison Lietzenmayer '02, Director of Senior Experience & Internships, Communication & Theatre Arts and Director of Faculty Development, Monarch Humanities Internship Academy, hosted a live panel with ODU Communication grads, Sydney Stewart '23, Aaron Hodnett '13, Dr. Fred Tugas '13, and Lauren Ciampoli '13 '15 to find out how they've been using their Comm de...

Dr. Sunny Jha shares his journey from medical student to esteemed anesthesiologist and leader in healthcare, highlighting his EVMS experiences and the vibrant campus spirit that shaped him, while also advocating for physicians to adopt broader community roles. His narrative spans from campus memories to significant global medical missions in Iraq and Ethiopia, illustrating how these experiences ha...

Iran>Boston>Norfolk. Mohammad Ehteshami literally hitchhiked to ODU's campus in order to complete his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Along the way, he found an inclusive community and engaging professors which laid the foundation for his career, ultimately leading him to become the Founder of Beehive Industries. Specializing in 3D printing and engineering innovation, the company draws ins...

Award-winning sports broadcaster, Woube Gebre, shares his journey from Charm City to the bustling campus of ODU where he credits his experience at the Mace & Crown as well as WODU as the foundations of his career. He reminisces about the vibrant campus life, particularly during Activity Hour. Now a Media Specialist for Hampton City Public Schools, Woube continues to stay connected to his alma...

ODU alumnus and CEO of Valor Cybersecurity, Greg Tomchick, details his journey from almost failing out in his freshman year to becoming an entrepreneur. He shares his experience of returning to ODU with a scholarship, joining the Strome College of Business, and being inspired by his baseball coaching staff. His journey to cybersecurity came from a cyberattack on his first company which awakened hi...

In this episode, Paul Moxey, an ODUAA 40 Under 40 for 2024, shares his academic and career journey, spanning across the United States and eventually the globe, navigating a path across different continents, finally landing a role at Royal Caribbean, all while maintaining a family connection to maritime industries and love of travel.

In this episode, Jose Roman, the newly appointed ODU Military Alumni Chapter President, shares his journey from the military to pursuing a degree. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he transitioned into full time education. Despite being a non-traditional student, Jose embraced the university experience, engaged actively in the Student Veterans chapter on campus, and continues to be a proud Monarch...

In this episode, dance educator, author, and amateur sailor, Sheena Jeffers shares her fascinating journey to becoming a dynamic force in arts education...with a little nautical diversion in the middle. After studying at VCU and taking some time to gain work experience, Sheena strategically saved $10,000 to afford graduate school and crafted a unique Master's degree at ODU centered around dance AN...

Roscoe Scarborough, a 2007 ODU graduate, shares his journey from a lost high school senior to a dedicated college professor. He recounts how financial considerations led him to commute to ODU and how discovering sociology and criminal justice ignited his academic passion. His story highlights the significant impact passionate professors can have on students and underscores the benefits and challen...

From studying speech pathology to a Masters in Public Health and interning at Disney, Dara's ODU journey took her around the country and eventually around the world. Hear about her adventures in Shanghai, Singapore, and Germany, highlighting how her education at ODU prepared her for a life full of unexpected turns and global opportunities.

From discovering his true Greek lineage to becoming a successful author and working on new film projects, Chip shares his unique journey. Memories of ODU and Norfolk in the 1960's, including his days commuting on a motorcycle, fraternity shenanigans, meeting celebrities on campus, and having classes with every professor whose name is now on a building. What a special conversation.

In this episode, Alison Lietzenmayer, a double alumna and current faculty member in ODU's Communication and Theater Arts Department, shares her unexpected journey from reluctant freshman to passionate educator. Alison reflects on the impactful relationships and mentorships that shaped her academic and teaching career. She recounts her early days on campus, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal...

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...

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 prese...

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. Chec...

A Special Valentine’s Day Episode of the Ice Cream + Cake Break! Friend of the Pod, Fred Tugas, introduces us to his fiancé, Kelly Kitchen. They tell their ODU love story, discuss the importance of communication, kindness, and always being down for an adventure!

Dr. Roscoe Scarborough (or Dr. Scar to his students) didn't envision himself as a college professor, but after clicking with the social sciences at ODU, the rest as they say, was history...or criminal justice in this case. 

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 embrac...

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 b...

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 is super relateable when she talks about how crossing a bridge tunnel can be a major barrier to one's mental health in Hampton Roads, less relateable when she discusses her time performing with Pharell's Voices of Fire, but all around absolutely delightful!

Holly 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, 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!