Dear Fellow Letter Winners - Taken from the Winter 2009 Newsletter

Just recently I was asked what the Order of the O was and to describe its purpose and message. After thinking about those questions, I tried to put together what I think our organization is, does, and believes in.

First of all, we are a social organization that reconnects former University of Oregon athletes with teammates, coaches, and to our University and athletic department. We do this by sponsoring letterwinner events, alumni team reunions, and tailgates. We also publish and provide each of you a newsletter, a website (orderoftheo.com), and now have entered an Order of the O fan club on Facebook ( Facebook.com ). These are all ways to network with old teammates and coaches. We also provide additional tickets for our members during football season, the opportunity to get tickets for special events such as football post-season bowl games, and the Pape’ Jam in Portland.

Secondly, we give the Oregon Athletic Department an opportunity to show it’s appreciation to former Duck athletes for the contributions they have made representing our University: these include our annual gift to members, recognition and awards events such as the yearly Oregon Hall of Fame dinner, Football Honorary Captains, pregame socials and Order of the O scholarships.

Third, the Order of the O is a way for each of us to give back to our university. I’m one letterwinner who benefitted by being a Duck athlete; we all have! I’m proud that our club has established a scholarship program and is now supporting our new mentorship program for present athletes. Both of these programs provide help for our athletes and financial assistance for member’s children and grandchildren who are not University athletes.

In the next few months you’ll hear more about what we are and how we may “give back.” Please support our scholarship program and the athletic department’s mentoring program. Help us recruit former letterwinners and teammates and give us your contact information such as e-mail addresses and your occupation. You will be asked for all this information in your renewal letter coming out late this spring.
Well I’ve said enough but remember one thing … being a Duck athlete is not just four years…it’s a lifetime!

Thanks and as always…
GO DUCKS!

Sincerely,

Don Stone, Football '71  
Order of the O President
(dstone71@comcast.net)