He Hung Up His Wings, But Dupid’s Legacy Lives On

After 15 years of spreading kindness and joy as Dupid — DELTA’s Valentine’s Day Cupid — Senior Systems Architect Bill Hicks hung up his wings for good in 2024.

“Dupid was something that Donna Petherbridge half-jokingly started,” Hicks explained. “I have no idea why she asked me to do it, other than the fact that she knew I had no problem with humiliating myself for the enjoyment of other people.”

Since 2007 — interrupted briefly by the pandemic — Hicks has led the DELTA Valentine’s Day tradition as Dupid, handing out candy, cookies, hugs and happiness to his DELTA colleagues. 

“I wanted to be like Oprah and give out cars,” he said, “but that got voted down.” 

Outfitted in a pink beanie, light-up glasses, a heart sweater, angel wings and a tutu, you could not fail to see him coming with his basket of goodies every February. The wings and original tutu were donated by Petherbridge’s daughter, Rachael, and the tights belonged to Hicks’ wife. While much of the costume was replaced over the years, the wings are still original.

“The tutu has been reworked a few times thanks to my talented wife Amy, who decided to stay married to a man who wears a tutu every year,” Hicks said. “She also made the black top with the sequined heart. I’ve added some geeky stuff over the years like LEDs on the hat and a pair of fancy LED glasses courtesy of Scott Leonard.” 

Prior to DELTA’s 2017 move to the CTI building, Hicks would traverse campus to deliver goodies to DELTA staff working in different buildings. “Walking across the brickyard with my entourage and students stopping me to take selfies is a favorite memory,” he said. “I like making people smile like that.”

Another fond memory was stopping into the testing center and seeing the looks on new employees’ faces. “That fear and panic on their faces,” he laughingly recalled, “and then relief that I was actually an employee and not some sort of reality TV show host.”

But all good things come to an end, and Hicks decided that 2024 would be his last as Dupid. 

“I’m 54 now,” he explained. “I don’t look as good in the tights as I once did.”

News of Dupid’s retirement hit the DELTA community hard, with many expressing their genuine gratitude to Hicks for his joyful spirit and community-building efforts. 

“Thank you for all the fun times, Dupid,” said Ben Huckaby. “Your legend will echo in the halls of DELTA for ages to come.” And from Todd Bukar, “Dupid, you may be gone, but not forgotten!”

Katie Gluf had the enviable job of photographing Dupid’s exploits every year, capturing dozens of fantastic images. “It has been an honor to serve as Dupid’s handler over the years,” she said. “Future Valentine’s Days will pale in comparison.”

Hicks was honored at the all-DELTA cookout last July with a unique award: the “Certificate of Fun” from the DELTA Activities Committee (DAC).

“Bill hung up his wings this year after 15 years of serving as the one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life Dupid,” said Petherbridge at the awards ceremony. “He has left a legacy of laughs, smiles and warm hugs.” 

While rumors abound about who might take up Dupid’s mantle, no names have yet been publicly confirmed. Hicks looks forward to seeing how Dupid’s legacy evolves in the coming years — and does not rule out future endeavors in community building that may or may not involve giving away cars. 

“I’d just like to say how much I enjoyed the whole experience,” Hicks said. “It felt good to spread the love around DELTA and make everyone feel like we were all on the same team.”