The History of the Order of the O
04/03/23 | Order of the O
In May of 1908, student members of the Athletic Council started the Order of the O, a group composed of male student-athletes who had received their letter "O" in Football, Track and Field, or Baseball. Bylaws and a constitution were developed and by 1910, the Order of the O was hosting two banquets per year to initiate and welcome new members, a tradition also celebrated by many other universities across the country.
For the first 60 years, the Order of the O continued to grow. Membership was displayed by wearing letter jackets and sweaters adorned with the yellow block "O" and male student-athletes were celebrated for their participation in athletics and contributions to the university community. As the late Sixties and early Seventies approached, the fashion and style of the era shifted and the appeal of wearing letter jackets and sweaters became less popular. For many reasons during these years, participation in the Order of the O dwindled.
Around thirty years later and after the 1995 Rose Bowl, UO Athletic Director Bill Moos, was approached by former student-athletes, Dave Wilcox, Bob Donnelly, Rich Schwab, and Doug Post about rekindling the Order of the O. They proposed a revitalization of the proud tradition and a more inclusive membership recognizing the accomplishments of Oregon's male and female student-athletes. Moos agreed this was in line with the university and Athletic Department's mission and supported the endeavor. Since that time, the Order of the O has served as the official letter winner's club for Oregon's varsity student-athletes – past, present, and future.
From 1995 to 2023, the group had between 500 and 800 "paid" members and in 2011, to provide long overdue recognition, the Order of the O provided letters to more than 400 former female student-athletes who competed for the Ducks before letters were awarded to women.
Today, the Order of the O hosts annual events including tailgates, letter jacket presentations, and more. These opportunities promote the athletic department and provide points of connection for current and former student-athletes. As of 2023, the Order of the O is a non-dues paying organization and has more than 7,000 living members, including all Oregon athletic alumni, Duck mascots, cheerleaders, and team managers. To aid in the mission of the Order of the O, the organization still welcomes philanthropic contributions that support member events, purchasing letter jackets for current Oregon student-athletes, and supporting the Duck Athletic Scholarship Fund.
The Order of the O's mission is to serve current and former Oregon student-athletes who have and are actively contributing to Oregon's unique athletic legacy. Our Duck family is a community in which all belong, are respected, and remembered. Together, we will continue to show up in recognition, celebration, and support for the past, present, and future of Oregon athletics.
Once a Duck, always a Duck!
