Gold Star, Heather Truong (Eta Kappa - UC/Irvine)

As a collegian I didn't take it seriously when I was told, "Alpha Phi is a lifetime commitment". You can’t understand this until you actually experience it.

Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to be part of Alpha Phi for many years to come so I immediately contacted the Executive Office and asked how I could contribute. Eight years later I continue to serve on the Alpha Phi Foundation Scholarship Committee and as an advisor. I also remain actively involved with my collegiate chapter, meeting current active members and participating in recruitment. I advise, motivate and inspire my fellow sisters, and seek guidance from them as well. No matter how long it has been since we've talked (or if we've never talked before), what we're doing in our lives, or where we are in the world the one constant has been Alpha Phi.

I currently work in Legal Affairs at Panasonic Avionics Corporation, negotiating contracts with customers in Europe. I am repeatedly inspired when I meet other sisters, whether during the Alpha Phi Biennial Convention or coincidentally sitting next to them on an international flight. Listening to their stories about Alpha Phi's impact on their lives, and especially when they share how they are continuing their dedication beyond college, I know there is still so much more in store for me.

Gold Star, Jennifer Larson (Omega-Texas)

I have benefited from Alpha Phi more than my fair share. As a collegiate, I served as Recruitment Chair and had the opportunity to travel in that capacity and in other capacities to Los Angeles, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Evanston, and Norman. During my undergraduate career, I also received several scholarships from the Foundation to offset the expense of tuition and books. Alpha Phi did not stop supporting my academic endeavors after I graduated with my bachelor's degree from the University of Texas. Instead, when I attended SMU Dedman School of Law, I received several more scholarships from the Foundation.

In addition to the financial support I received from the fraternity, I also met some tremendous women along the way who opened doors for me to have the career I have today. Bonnie Arthur, who I met while lobbying with the fraternity in D.C., personally recommended me to the Dallas office of her law firm for a short-term job the summer before I started law school and for a summer clerkship after my second year in law school. Even when her firm was unable to extend an offer to me to join their ranks, Bonnie continued to write recommendations and to place calls on my behalf. For her to do that for me after having only met me for a few days in D.C. left an impression on me - I knew I wanted to be that kind of alum.

The fraternity has invested so much in me, and after I finished law school and started my career, I knew it was time for me to return the favor. The only problem was I didn't know how to make the biggest contribution. When I heard from Brittany Fertig about the Gold Society, I knew this was my opportunity. I loved that it was geared toward the younger generation of Alpha Phi alumnae. It's women like Bonnie Arthur, who have continued to support Alpha Phi while also building a career, that inspired me to want to give back. Now, it's up to our generation of alumnae to continue in the tradition of the women who came before us. The Gold Society is the perfect place to start. I hope you'll join me in becoming a part of this opportunity.