This Bid, This Moment From collegiate beginnings to lasting alumnae connections, three members reflect on the impact of receiving their Alpha Phi Bid.
By Elizabeth Liberatore, interim editor-in-chief
Becoming an Alpha Phi truly opens a world of possibility. When members open their Bid card, they find more than a home away from home. They discover a network of friends, leadership opportunities and, after graduation, an alumnae network ready to support them through every season of life. This is true no matter when a member joins: from those just starting their collegiate journey to those reflecting back years later, each Bid leaves a lasting impact, and every Bid carries its own story. Let’s start with Elizabeth Gurski’s (Beta Beta–Michigan State) Bid Day story. A current collegian who joined Alpha Phi in fall 2024, Elizabeth went through recruitment without knowing anyone or anything about the campus groups. She did this intentionally, wanting to avoid being swayed by friends or preconceived notions. “From the very beginning, I kept an open heart and mind and had deep trust that I would eventually end up where I was meant to be.” Preference round was when Alpha Phi found a special place in Elizabeth’s heart. When the chapter’s door swung open, the chapter president, Morgan, was waiting at the top of the stairs — a familiar face! Elizabeth and Morgan had gone to preschool together. Morgan remembered her, and the two instantly reconnected. Then, something magical happened. “When Morgan, who is my Big now, and I were talking, we noticed a butterfly outside the window,” Elizabeth recalls. “We pointed it out and said it must be a sign. When I left the chapter house, that same butterfly followed me the whole way home. In that moment, I knew there was no other choice in my heart. I was meant to be an Alpha Phi.” Beta Beta Chapter sisters felt the same, extending Morgan an invitation to join. “This Bid has truly changed my life,” Elizabeth says. “From the genuine friendships to the guidance I’ve received, to the endless opportunities that Alpha Phi has opened for me, it has shaped who I am and who I want to be.” Mish DeCarlo’s (Beta Epsilon-Arizona) story carries similar themes. Like Elizabeth, Mish went through recruitment not knowing anyone, keeping an open mind despite the nerves. “It’s hard to put recruitment into words. It’s such an overwhelming, tiring, thrilling and magical experience.”
With each round, the process grew more formal and meaningful as Mish peeled back the layers of what it would really be like to be part of a particular chapter on her campus. Some interviews started to blend together, while others stood out. “A few made me stop and think, ‘This feels different. This feels right.’” Mish eventually found herself subconsciously comparing other groups to Alpha Phi, realizing it was her top choice. When Bid Day arrived, cheering, laughter and hugs filled the chapter house — the atmosphere was electric and alive. When Mish opened This Bid in 2016, she knew it was right. This Bid was where she belonged. While Elizabeth’s and Mish’s recruitment weeks included all the modern-day bells and whistles, including balloon arches, branded banners and neon signs, the magic lies in the connection, not the decorations. During Sheila George Bright's (Gamma Iota-Texas Tech) collegiate years, recruitment was simple and understated, which was a sign of the times. In 1959, elaborate party fare was not available. Sororities were fairly new on campus and permanent facilities had not been built. Recruitment parties were held in an alumna’s home or in rented spaces. “Our Bid Day parties didn’t begin to compare to today’s events,” Sheila says. “It was a relaxing outdoor event with a casual meal, with songs and socializing.” Sheila participated in recruitment at the encouragement of some friends who were also attending Texas Tech University (named Texas Technological College at the time). Several knew a member of Alpha Phi and that piqued their interest. Six of her high school friends were in her new member class. Despite the lack of recruitment fanfare, the moment Sheila received This Bid marked the beginning of an impactful journey — one that would eventually lead her to become a longtime Fraternity volunteer, serving at both the local and international levels. “I have gained far more from my membership than I ever imagined.”
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