DU’s annual leadership summit brought together 340 college students from across North America
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – July 20, 2026 – Third Term, the thirteenth annual Ducks University leadership summit, sponsored by Dive Bomb Industries, Alps Outdoorz, Alpha Gamma Rho and Jocko Fuel, was held July 17 and 18 in Memphis.
The annual gathering brought together 340 leaders of Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) collegiate chapters from across the country to celebrate conservation successes and work toward a greater impact on North America’s waterfowl and wetlands.
A record-breaking number of representatives from 108 United States Ducks Unlimited chapters and one Canadian chapter attended the event.
“Ducks University’s Third Term is more than a leadership summit. It is an investment in the future of conservation,” said DU President Dr. Rex Schulz. “These students represent the next generation of volunteers, advocates and leaders who will carry DU’s mission forward. By bringing together passionate young people from across the country, Third Term equips them with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to make a lasting impact on North America’s wetlands, waterfowl and outdoor heritage for generations to come.”
The 2026 conference began with registration at the Memphis Hilton, followed by a trip to Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters for a reception and dinner.
Third Term’s keynote speaker was Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who shared his passion for the outdoors and stories from his time in the NFL, his journey into entrepreneurship and how he met his wife, country music artist Lainey Wilson.
On July 18, numerous speakers offered detailed glimpses into DU operations, including record-breaking conservation achievements, including the overwhelming success of DU’s recently concluded Conservation for a Continent campaign, new programs and the fundraising efforts that drive DU’s wetlands conservation mission.
Breakout sessions gave attendees an in-depth knowledge of the techniques and strategies that helped make Ducks Unlimited the world’s greatest wetlands conservation organization.
Click here for more information about the Ducks University program and Third Term.
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 20 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
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