The Many Faces of BIG BLUE
View the many faces of Big Blue from the 1970s til now.
For a full history of Big Blue, see Steve Daniel's article on pp. 6-7 of the 2011 Monarch: Old Dominion University Magazine : "Then & Now: The Monarchy Looks Back 50 Years; It All Started with a Regal Name and a 'Seedy-Looking' Mascot".
The "Braves" Mascot, 1950s
From 1930-1961, as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, our athletic teams are referred to as the “Braves.”
In 1961, “Monarchs” is adopted as our new name, as we split from William & Mary and become an independent, four-year institution.
Hand drawn "Big Blue" sign, 1975
In 1971, a “roaring, crowned lion” replaces the crown and mace as the symbol of the Monarchs. “Big Blue” becomes our mascot.
Big Blue started out a bit scary.
Scary Big Blue of the early 1970s
Big Blue at Homecoming, 1971
A Scary Big Blue with Cheerleaders, early 1970s
By the end of the 1970s and into the 1980s, Big Blue softens and goes through many changes.
Big Blue with Little Fans, late 1970s
A Colorful Big Blue at Harborfest, 1980s
Big Blue at Main Street Fair, 1984
Big Blue with Cheerleaders, 1980s
Big Blue, Mid-1990s
In the 1990s, Big Blue is on his way to becoming the Big Blue we know and love.
In 2011, Big Blue is voted “Capital One National Mascot of the Year.”
Big Blue publicity shot, 2000s
This digital exhibit was created in 2012 to accompany an exhibit in the Learning Commons @ Perry Library. Photographs are from the University Archives and Athletics Department, while much of the content was borrowed from an article by Steve Daniel, former ODU Public Relations Director. The exhibit was created by Teresa Statler-Keener and Karen Vaughan.