Awards given
Town-N-Gown
The Town-N-Gown endowment was originally established in 1986 as a scholarship endowment. In the 90’s, the Town-N-Gown board approached President Koch and asked if he would be willing to centrally fund the scholarship so that the endowed funds could be used to support other programs/activities. President Koch agreed, and from that point forward the scholarship was centrally funded using University funds. At that time, a new Memorandum of Understanding was drafted (above) which indicates that the endowed funds can be used for “scholarships or activities.”
Historically, the endowed funds have been awarded for activities and programs using a grant style award process while the scholarship has remained centrally funded by the University. The Office of Student Financial Aid awards the scholarship based on the criteria outlined in the MOU, i.e. rotating criteria between a resident of Hampton Roads, military (active or dependent), then a faculty dependent.
TOWN-N-GOWN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2016-2017 Steven Snyder
2017-2018 Gabriel Falvo
2018-2019 Jason Wingfield
2019-2020 Christopher Johnson
2020-2021 Rayleen Cherry Saavedra-Marchbank
2021-2022 Nathan Allen
2022-2023 Caiden Anderson
2023-2024 Callie Crook
2024-2025 Cameron Genard
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Town-N-Gown 60th
Award ceremony
Color Guard Opening!
TOWN-N-GOWN
RITA M. COSTELLO
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
At the Old Dominion University’s annual program, co-sponsored by Town-N-Gown, several awards are presented including the Town-N-Gown Rita M. Costello Community Service award. This annual award recognizes an individual from one of many segments for the larger community who exemplifies community service and has demonstrated unusual concern for and commitment to serving others.
Town-N-Gown Grant Award
Each spring, Town-N-Gown awards funds go to deserving organizations or projects affiliated with the University. Any school, college, department, or organizational unit, including student organizations, activities, and sports teams, affiliated with or sponsored by Old Dominion University is eligible to submit a grant request. Town-N-Gown seeks to fund projects that impact the quality of life and well being of the students, faculty, and staff of ODU or enhance the academic standing, research capability, or national profile of the University. In evaluating each grant request, the organization will consider many tangible and intangible factors including merit of project, potential influence on the quality of life for ODU students, faculty, and staff, number of requests; and availability of funds. Grant requests may be submitted for any amount up to $5,000.
The 2022 award was given to Arts at ODU – Gordon Art Gallery and the Student Veterans of America, ODU Chapter. The 2023 award was given to ODU Human Resources – Monarch Wellness Trail along with the ODU Office of Alumni Relations – Student/Alumni Networking. In 2024, the award was given to the Barry Museum supporting ODU with the Fall Public Arts Festival. The 2025 awards went to the ODU Monarch Food Pantry and the Monarch Internship Support Program for 5 students.
Dr. Barbara Blake
Executive Director
Monarch Internships & Co-Ops
Kara Boone
Assistant Director Service Learning -
The Monarch Pantry