Student-athletes with their new letter jackets; Order of the O / Duckfunder.uoregon.edu
UO History 101: Order of the O
Founded more than a century ago on May 17, 1898, the Order of the O was organized to recognize former University of Oregon athletes who have earned a varsity letter in men’s intercollegiate sports during their time at the university.
Designed to create an environment for former student-athletes to feel engaged and connected with UO Athletics, the Order of the O continued throughout the 20th century but went dormant in the late 1960s. After more than three decades, it reemerged at the 1995 Rose Bowl when a group of alumni letter-winners revamped the organization.
The UO Athletic Department welcomed the reestablishment, which now includes letter-winners in women’s sports.
Presentation of the Becky L. Sisley Award; Eric Evans / GoDucks.com
In 2011 more than 400 female student-athlete alumnae received an O letter for their hard work and dedication.
Today, the Order of the O continues the legacy and tradition of UO Athletics. Their mentorship program, which allows Order of the O members to guide current student-athletes to their fullest potential, has built a sense of camaraderie within the UO Athletics community.
-By Peyton Hall, UO Alumni Association Student Associate