Assumption Hosts 21st Annual Duck Day 

On April 10, Assumption University hosted its Duck Day, the beloved annual tradition where ducks are returned to the pond in front of La Maison Francaise after a cold winter.  

The ducks, this year named by students Duckery Weiner, The Pond Father, Lord of the Wings, Professor Waddlington, Duckleberry Finn, and Quack Sparrow, were released into the pond as Assumption community and students from Flagg Street and Nelson Place schools looked on. 

“This tradition brings us together as a community and gives us a chance to celebrate at a time of year when I know everyone – from students to faculty to staff – is particularly busy,” said Assumption President Greg Weiner. “Thank you all for being here – let’s celebrate, finish the semester strong, and go Hounds!” 

After Weiner’s introduction, Deacon Paul Covino, Director of Campus Ministry, gave a reading from the Book of Genesis and bestowed a blessing upon the ducks and all pets present at Duck Day.  

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 

Sofia Bruno ’26, Assumption’s Student Government Association President, welcomed guests – particularly those from the wider Worcester community and the Assumption parents and families in attendance – and shared a glimpse into the history of the tradition. 

“It is an honor to welcome you to our twenty-first Duck Day,” Bruno said. “The tradition began in 1984, when two professors would bring ducks to

campus from their farm for all to enjoy. Then, in April of 2004, the first official Duck Day was established. The program has flourished over the years, and I would like to express my gratitude to the Assumption community and the students who came to join us today.”  

Bruno also noted that the Duck Day tradition gives back, with all proceeds from the sale of each year’s t-shirt design supporting the Assumptionist-sponsored Prince of Peace School in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo. SGA sold 200 shirts, and, combined with extra donations, a total of over $3000 will be donated to the school. 

Riley Scott ’25 and Evelyn Humphries ’25, members of the Duck Day planning committee, reflected on the profound power of joy and community symbolized by the arrival of such small creatures. 

“Today we are taking a break from the books and breathing a little deeper into the arrival of springtime,” said Scott. “Today is about connection and celebrating our special community.”  

After the speeches, the small flock was driven by President Weiner, Scott, and Humphries to the ceremonial red carpet and officially welcomed to their new home in the duck pond, where they will live through the fall semester.