“I decided very early on that I was going to give back to the Fraternity in some way or another. When I was younger, I thought I might serve in leadership, but I quickly realized that my career goals were not going to align with the time needed to serve effectively. I had already decided to commit to lifelong membership when I was still in college. I think it was soon after I started my first job that I started contributing to the Torchbearer Fund. I can remember getting the mailed copy of the T&T and seeing the annual volume that highlighted all the donors and thinking to myself, I wanted to be on that list. I can remember seeing the names of some of my fellow Delta Chapter brothers and wanting to be on that list. I also thought that maybe, if the Delta brothers saw a new name on the list, it might inspire more brothers to contribute.”

– Kevin Hicks, Delta ’98 

“Something is always better than nothing. I would encourage everyone to become a Life Member. Then become a Torchbearer because it’s just $75 a year. That is $6.25 a month, which is far less than any of the multitude of online subscriptions most people have today. If every brother just gave that, just think about all that could be accomplished. Even though the communication channels have changed throughout the years, I do think giving back to the Fraternity has kept me engaged, even if it has just been indirectly as a passive donor.”

-Kevin Hicks, Delta ’98

"Alpha Phi Omega's Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service have been my North Star, since I pledged in 1978. The Fraternity's principles inspired and trained me to use them as ancient seafarers used Polaris: to find my way home. And that home is all about Leadership, Friendship and Service above self. During a long career in public service, they helped me to be true to myself, my oath as a public servant, and as a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega. It is a privilege to support the next generation of leaders to the Fraternity. We, who have learned so much and benefitted so greatly from this unique brotherhood, must ensure that such opportunities exist for those who follow. May they, too, experience the humbling thrill of leading and serving others, and in so doing strengthening each day the friendships we have come to cherish along the way."  

-Ambassador Maura Harty, Mu Alpha '78 

"Amy and I named Alpha Phi Omega as a beneficiary of my insurance policy because we wanted to give back to the organization that has given us so much. It was through APO that we made most of the meaningful friendships we have today and where I made contacts that led me to my present occupation. It's also the common interest that acted as a conduit for Amy and I to meet and fall in love. Becoming members of the Blue & Gold Society is but a kind gesture compared to the happiness, friendships and memories the Fraternity has and continues to provide us."

-Tom Westfall, Alpha Gamma '05, Amy (Pivovarnik) Westfall, Alpha Gamma '01.