Tarleton’s Oscar P the Inspiration for New Philanthropic Competition

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Nine decorated ducks will make their debut during Homecoming week, and Tarleton State University Texans have never seen Oscar P look so good. 

What began as a plain, large rubber duck grew into a charity challenge, Decked Out Ducks, created by Residence Life in the Division of Student Affairs. Duck fanciers cast votes with cash, and proceeds benefit local agencies through Erath County United Way.

Ducks for united Way Duck Flyer

The ducks are bedazzled, glued, painted and even crocheted to represent Tarleton icons and traditions, from the Texan Rider to founder John Tarleton. Weeks ago, Residence Life staff and students fashioned their ducks. Entries are based on the nine on-campus neighborhoods of residence facilities. 

“Tarleton Round Up, Service Day and United Way philanthropy are valuable experiences that develop civic engagement among our students, and ‘Decked Out Ducks’ is a fresh approach,” said Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Diana Ortega-Feerick. 

The ducks went on display Oct. 17 in Thompson Student Center Suite 212. Everyone can join in by donating to United Way through a special Venmo account. The donations earn tickets to vote on a favored duck, neighborhood or Tarleton tradition.

Decked Out Ducks will make an appearance at two Homecoming events — Launching of the Ducks on Tuesday, Oct. 25, and the Student Affairs Reunion Hall on Saturday, Oct. 29, the last chance to donate and vote.

Nine winners will take home their favored duck. Winners will be drawn from the voters for each duck and must submit proof of donation. 

“As the nine Decked Out Ducks are won, we believe the true winners are the 16 local agencies supported through funding from Erath County United Way,” said Shelly Conboy-Brown, Director of Residence Life. 

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
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Tags: Alumni, Division of Student Engagement & Success