Assumption Hosts 22nd Annual Duck Day
On April 21, Assumption University hosted Duck Day, the beloved annual tradition marking the arrival of spring when ducks return to the pond at the front of campus after sheltering on a farm over the winter.
The sun was shining as the ducks returned home, and Student Government Association (SGA) President Sofia Bruno ’26 opened the ceremony with a welcome to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and Worcester residents in attendance and an introduction for President Greg Weiner.
“This is such a wonderful day of being in the company of friends, of being joyful, welcoming a new season, and having fun together,” said Weiner.
This year’s Duck Day held a special surprise. Adelaide Greenwald ’28 was honored by the American Heart Association for raising $11,000 less than a year after she experienced a heart attack last March. Greenwald, who was born with a rare heart condition known as patent foramen ovale, has become a tireless advocate for women’s heart health and awareness. Amidst all the other joys of Duck Day, she was surprised with the 2026 Woman of Impact Award for her fundraising, courage, and advocacy in front of all her fellow Hounds.
“Addie Greenwald stood out not just for the funds she raised, but for the courage she showed, the story she shared, and for the lives she is already changing,” said Sabrina Webb, Development Director with the American Heart Association. “And what makes this even more special is that she didn’t do it alone. The support from this community, from Assumption University, has been incredible—you lifted her up and helped amplify this mission in a truly meaningful way.”
Greenwald was presented with the award, a sash, and, of course, a red duck, by Webb.
Luis Melgar, Director of Campus Ministry, then read from the Book of Genesis and bestowed a blessing upon the ducks and all pets present at Duck Day.
And God said, “I command the ocean to be full of living creatures, and I command birds to fly above the earth.” So God made the giant sea monsters and the living creatures that swim in the ocean. He also made every kind of bird. God looked at what he had done, and it was good. Then he gave the living creatures his blessing. He told the ocean creatures to live everywhere in the ocean, and the birds to live everywhere on earth. God said, “I command the earth to give life to all kinds of tame animals, wild animals, and reptiles,” and that’s what happened. God made every one of them. Then he looked at what he had done, and it was good.
The ducks’ names, chosen each year by student voting, were then revealed to be Quack Maye, Dunkin’ Duck, Quacky Chan, James Pond, Waddling Weiner, Jermaine, Austin Quackland, and Butt Quack.
Bella Provost ’26, SGA Vice President for Student Affairs, and Catrina Matthews ’27, Planning Committee Chair for SGA, then led the countdown to release the ducks to their new home in the duck pond, where they will live through the fall semester.