Celebrating Duck dads
Each June, we celebrate the fathers and father figures who have encouraged us, inspired us, and shaped our lives with their care, guidance, support, and strength. There are many who have stepped into the role of father—dads, stepdads, single dads, adopted dads, foster dads, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers. This Father’s Day, we honor all father figures for all they do within their families and our Duck community.
We asked UO alumni to share reflections on how their father or father figure has shaped their life and on how fatherhood has shaped them, for those raising their own ducklings. Here are what a few Ducks had to say.
Linda Williams Favero, BA ’89 (rhetoric and communication), on her dad Rick Williams, BS ’65 (history), and living in the present
“My dad is a Duck in spirit, school, and soul. He takes people as they are with no expectations of them and lives a life believing people are doing the best they can. This allows him to be in the moment and present for what is and not ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. Whatever may occur in life, he is a Duck and lets it roll off his back. This is such an essential quality for living a good life, and he models it for all of his family and friends who are in his ‘pond.’ Happy Father's Day to a very dear Duck.”
Kristi Rogers Carichoff, BA ’97 (planning, public policy and management) on the impact of having a supportive father
“My dad is the reason I attended the UO (class of 1997). He was a huge sports fan and loved football the most. When I was ready to transfer from community college in the mid ’90s, he suggested visiting Eugene because ‘they have a good football team and marching band.’ Plus, he liked that it was far enough from home that I'd hopefully spread my wings and not come home every weekend to do my laundry. Haha! The moment I set foot on campus in Eugene, I knew that was the place for me! I immediately submitted my application and transferred in for a wonderful two years. My dad was always my biggest cheerleader, and it was amplified when I attended Oregon because he could root for both his daughter and a terrific football team (and athletics department in general). He sent me a dozen red roses when the Ducks made it to the Rose Bowl. He called me each spring to give me the ‘scouting report’ and predictions for the upcoming football season. I lost him in December 2019, and I will forever miss those scouting calls and his enthusiasm for our Oregon Ducks! I am including a photo from Autzen in 2014. It is my dad and my son, who were extremely close. We loved attending games together as a family! This picture makes me smile because my son was freezing cold and ‘Poppy’ was trying to warm him up.”
Matt Schroettnig, MBA ’10, JD ’10, on learning through fatherhood
“For me, fatherhood has been an incredible learning experience. For example, I’ve learned how functional I can be with only 15 minutes of sleep, how many cheerios can be surreptitiously hidden in our couch cushions, and how I didn’t truly understand my capacity for love until I looked into the eyes of my children. It’s impossible to overstate how grateful I am for my two kiddos who made me a father, and for the wonderful Duck community that surrounds us here in Eugene.”
The following are student submissions shared from the Emerald Media Group and Student Alumni Association's 2023 25 Ducks Award publication.
Audrey Youngblood, class of 2023 (business administration) on learning leadership from her dad
“My biggest role model is my father who embodies many gracious and respectable traits that I aspire to emulate. I have grown up shadowing his work in the hospitality and tourism industry. Through this work, he has taught me that promoting a healthy culture within an organization is fundamental for success. A true leader is kind and compassionate, walking hand in hand with the communities they serve. He has taught me that, if done correctly, incorporating sustainability and volunteer work into a business model can be just as impactful to the well-being of the company and employees as for the community and environment that they serve.”
Charis Rieder, class of 2023 (planning, public policy and management) on a dad who prioritizes quality time
“My biggest role model is my father. He is one of the most hard-working and accomplished people I know. Although his work is demanding and requires a lot from him, he always makes time for our family. When I lived at home, he prioritized spending his day off with the family and taking an interest in the things that excited me. He leads with honor, confidence, and care. I want to be a leader, and when I have my own family, to be a parent like my father.”
Maxwell Braker, class of 2023 (multidisciplinary science) on finding inspiration in his grandfather
“I have many role models, but the first one that comes to mind is my grandfather, Martin Braker. I admire his calm, even demeanor and I enjoy his lighthearted sense of humor. However, perhaps most of all, I marvel at his outlook on life – love your family, enjoy yourself, and follow your dreams. These are the pillars by which he lives his life, and I believe that they are the key to happiness and fulfillment. Also, he is the inspiration for my desire to become a physician one day. On one hand, this is a career I think I would personally enjoy, but then on the other, maybe I just want to be like him.”