Every year, the University of Oregon Alumni Association hosts hundreds of events across the United States and abroad, many of which are led or supported by volunteers. Maybe you've been to watch parties held by your local chapter or you've worn your yellow and green to a UO Night in partnership with your local pro sports team. Perhaps you’ve heard a faculty member share their fascinating research with UO alumni or connected with students through an identity network mixer. No matter the event, chapter and network volunteers are essential to keeping Ducks connected.
When Geri Naumcheff-Berg, BA ’88, MA ’90 (communication disorders & sciences), first attended a watch party in 2009, she knew she wanted to get involved with the UOAA. She started helping with the PDX Ducks chapter’s watch parties, and eventually, served as president on the group’s board. Now, she is the PDX Ducks’ watch party chair, as well as a board member on the UOAA’s national board of directors.
"I want to see hundreds of people coming and joining us, and we're building [a community with] more people who want to get involved, not only with PDX Ducks, but with the [UOAA] in general," she said.
She said she takes the mantra "Once a Duck, Always a Duck" to heart, and hopes that as Portland's watch parties grow, so do the connections between people.
"Whether you're currently in school or out of school, you're part of a bigger community, and it doesn't end with graduation," she said.
Volunteering with a chapter or network not only feels good, but does good too. Kim Eitner, BA ’11 (business administration), has volunteered with the UO Pride Network and is the faculty chair of the Out Leaders in Business group within the Lundquist College of Business.
"I have volunteered with the UO Pride alumni network at Portland Pride and look forward to becoming more engaged this year . . . I’m especially excited to connect UO Pride alumni with current students, creating opportunities for mentorship, visibility, and shared learning within our community,” she said.
Matthew Hochstein, BS ’92 (physical education), is based in Seattle, Washington. When he's not busy saving lives as deputy chief at the Shoreline Fire Department, he's cheering on the Ducks with his local chapter.
"I am dedicated to serving both my community and Oregon alumni family," he said.
Connecting with Ducks can help UO alumni find community as new grads, as well. Through the New York Ducks, Alyssa Castro, BS ’22, MS ‘23 (accounting), got connected with fellow UO alumni and friends, after moving to the city after graduation. There, the Portland, Oregon native joined the New York Ducks board as social media chair. Two years later, she transitioned into the role of president.
"I’m so grateful to be a part of the UOAA community," she said.
Matthew Hochstein, BS ’92 (physical education), recently joined the UO Alumni Association's board of directors.
Alyssa Castro, BS ’22, MS ‘23 (accounting), moved to New York City in August 2023 to begin her career in assurance at PwC.
Right now, there are over 25 opportunities for Ducks to get involved with a regional chapter or cultural, identity, or affinity network, supporting event planning, football watch parties, and other group functions. Each position comes with different time commitments and responsibilities, so there are a variety of ways to get involved depending on your capacity. No matter the role, each provides the opportunity to connect alumni to each other and back to the UO.
Whether you're a new graduate looking for feel-good work that boosts your resume, a seasoned professional seeking ways to give back, or just want to make new friends with fellow Ducks, check out the list of chapters and networks looking for volunteers below, and get involved today!
Open chapter and network volunteer positions
Regional chapter at-large board members
- Central Oregon Ducks
- Desert (Arizona) Ducks
- Hawaii Ducks
- Houston Ducks
- Idaho Ducks
- PDX Ducks
- Orange County Ducks
- Reno Ducks
- San Diego Ducks
- Seattle Ducks
- Vegas Ducks
Regional chapter board officers
- Alaska Ducks: Treasurer, Secretary
- Bay Area Ducks: Secretary, Watch Party Chair
- Denver Ducks: Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
- Houston Ducks: Vice President
- LA Ducks: Secretary
Network at-large board members
- Patos Alumni Network (Latine/x/o alumni)
- Native Duck Nation
- UO Pride Alumni Network
- Veteran Alumni Network
Don’t see a position in the area you call home or that aligns with your identity and interests? We’d still love to hear from you! Fill out our Get Involved form, and a member of our team will reach out to learn more about your volunteer interests.
—By Sarah Bathke, BA ’25 (journalism), UO Alumni Association communications generalist