Working as a Duck Caller

Jennifer A

November 6, 2011 - 1:33 PM

If you are an alumni you have probably received a call form the Annual Giving Program. If this doesn't ring a bell, my intro might.

"Hello, my name is Jen and I am a senior calling from the University of Oregon. Is available?"

We call alumni once every fiscal year to see how they have been. What career paths they've taken and update them on what's been happening at the University of Oregon since they left. After we have had a conversation we then ask for an academic donation to the program of their choice.

The biggest surprise for me when I took this position as a Duck Caller was in general, how nice it was to speak to alumni. Most were very willing to speak to a fellow student at the UO about their experiences. We learn things about why they chose to attend UO, how they enjoyed their major, and how they landed in their career after they left. I have even heard of some students getting internships through alumni we have spoken with over the phone. What I have learned the most about through my job, as a Duck Caller is how deep the Duck network actually runs.

Ducks are all over the world. I've called people in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, and learned through alum family members of Ducks in many other countries doing great things. I have spoken to Ducks who curate museums, test airplanes, renowned geologists, successful creative directors, professional basketball players and many, many more interesting and diverse careers.

Even though calling alumni asking for academic donations is not the easiest job on campus, I would bet it is the most rewarding one. What other job on campus can say without them the university could not function? Who else can say they are a part of a team that raises over eight million to support academics on campus? None other. That is why I am a proud Duck Caller for the Annual Giving Program.