Across the globe, UO alumni and fans are showing their Ducks pride wherever they go—and even while on the go. In our March issue of Shout, we asked the UO community to show off their car vanity plates demonstrating Ducks pride—and you all delivered! 

Below is a collection of submissions from alumni whose license plates showcase their love for the Ducks.
 

Brooks Farquhar, BS ’07 (sociology)

Brooks Farquhar was born and raised in San Clemente, California, where he currently resides with his wife and two sons. Despite living in Southern California most of his life, Farquhar says people often think he's from Oregon because of how he represents the UO. 

“I’m probably the most Oregonian, Southern Californian you’ve ever met. My wife just got a new car and my other plate, 07DUCK, is going on hers. Burnt orange and purple are not allowed to be purchased in our house, and the only TV requirements I have for the entire year are for Ducks games. Bottom line. I was just a surf kid who got recruited by Oregon, and it became the best choice I ever made.”
 

Colin Kelly, BA ’03 (political science)

Colin Kelly, a 2003 UO graduate, has shown his Ducks pride through a vanity plate since before he even graduated. Since 2002, his California license plate has had something to do with the Ducks. 

“When I purchased my most recent car a few years ago, I searched the DMV website, and GODUX was available. I didn't want to live in a state without [a GODUX plate].”

Kelly is a long-time Ducks supporter in Southern California. He’s a former president of the UOAA LA Ducks chapter and a current UOAA board member. He also serves as an Oregon representative on the Big Ten Club of Southern California board.
 

Chad Robertson, MS ’97 (computer and information science)

Living in Texas, Chad Robertson finds himself in a sea of Longhorns and Aggies. He said being the odd Duck out makes it even more fun to proudly rep the Ducks wherever he goes. 

“I've been a longtime supporter of the university and Oregon Athletics, and while I can't claim to be the biggest Ducks fan in Texas, the license plate helps remind me Eugene is never too far from my heart. Plus, there's nothing better than hearing a ‘Go Ducks’ from another car when sitting in traffic.” 
 
 

Brian Pederson, BS ’03 (business administration)

With his parents’ support, Brian Pederson became the first in his immediate family to attend and graduate from a four-year university. He said becoming a UO alum was no small feat for him and his family, and he knew he wanted to display his pride in his accomplishments and alma mater wherever he went. 

“I always knew when I bought my first car that I wanted a vanity plate and an Oregon sticker on the back window. I had a hard time coming up with an idea for the vanity plate until a coworker said you should get one that said quack. However, Quack was already taken. So, I came up with QUACKD for my first plate. I then lived in Washington for a few years and changed the plate to QUACKED.”

When Pederson moved back to Oregon, he ordered a Duck License Plate with IQUACK. 

“It was a better fit because I am a Duck. Once a Duck, always a Duck.”

Rob Gerowe, BS ’84 (political science)

Rob Gerowe was a first-generation college student and a member of the Oregon Track and Field and Cross-Country teams from 1980 to 1984. Today, he represents the UO as an East Coast Duck. 

“I love my Ducks! Every one of my friends, family, and colleagues has called me 'the Duck!' So, I decided to get a Connecticut vanity plate 'THEDUCK' to sport on my car to show my Oregon pride.” 

 

John Cochran, BS ’68 (political science), MS ’78 (public affairs)

John Cochran says he got his plate to show gratitude to the University of Oregon, which gave him an education and exposure to the arts, theatre, and the humanities. Cochran’s career in health services leadership was shaped by national leaders in his field, including Art Flemming, who served as UO president when Cochran was an undergraduate student and was Cochran’s advisor. Before coming to the UO, Flemming served as secretary of health, education, and welfare under the Eisenhower administration. 

“The UO also gave our son a great education and experience. My license plate gets a lot of comments and is a great conversation starter—even the Beaver fans in the family like it (a little).” 
 

Emma Cucchi, BS ’24 (art and technology)

As a UOAA Life Member, Emma Cucchi proudly displays her “Duck for Life” license plate frame—a gift she received at New Grad Gift Pickup last year—complete with her vanity plate, “2XDUCK.” The plate is a nod to her soon-to-be-status as a Double Duck, as Cucchi is currently working on her MBA at the UO. 

“When I got accepted into my current MBA program last year, I decided to get a vanity plate to show off my double Duck pride. I love showing off my Ducks pride with my license plate—it’s a daily reminder of where I came from and what I’m still a part of. Once a Duck, always a Duck!” 
 

Joyce Lynn Garrett, BA ’68 (leisure studies and services), MS ’73 (curriculum and instruction), MA ’81 (special education), PhD ’82

With four degrees from the University of Oregon, Joyce Lynn Garrett is a proud Duck through and through. In the six states where she’s lived (outside of Oregon), Garrett has always repped the UO with a vanity plate. Some of her past plates include WEBFOOT and DUCK68. 

“When I came [back] to Oregon, all my old standbys were taken. I had just been appointed to the UOAA board of directors, so, I choose UOAA68 for the year I graduated with my first degree. [Having a vanity plate] connects to other Ducks who sometimes just throw an 'O' or other times start a conversation.”

—By Olivia Arciniega, UOAA student writer/editor, class of 2026