Our 100-Year Alumni Feature
As we embark on one of the biggest milestones of PGN, we want to honor the journey of our alumni who have been integral to the growth of our organization. This special alumni feature serves as a tribute to these individuals who have embodied the spirit of excellence and community that defines PGN throughout its century-long legacy.
In this feature, we asked our alumni about their time at PGN, their enduring connections made on campus, and their advice to the new generation of leaders.
Continue reading below to learn more about what our alumni said.
Kristina Ousley
What year did you join PGN and what chapter were you part of?
I joined PGN in 2014 by way of the Beta Delta chapter at Dillard University.
Can you tell us about your favorite PGN memory while you were on campus?
My favorite PGN memory was the Dream Catcher lecture series that I orchestrated as the Chapter President, where past PGN came to speak to College of Business students about their entrepreneurial pursuits. Students were inspired and asked thoughtful questions during the Q&A, and we had a high number of applicants that following rush year.
How did PGN shape you as a professional or as a leader?
The drive and ingenuity I learned during my time at PGN gave me the tools that I have used throughout my career.
What pieces of advice can you give to the new generation of PGN?
Thousands of people may tell you no, but that one yes will change your life. Never stop learning and growing, and remain teachable.
Lynn Cooper
What year did you join PGN and what chapter were you part of?
I believe it was in Winter 1977 that I joined the Ferris State College chapter.
Can you tell us about your favorite PGN memory while you were on campus?
I really enjoyed the pledge period where I had the chance to get to know each [member] during the interviews
How did PGN shape you as a professional or as a leader?
I loved that PGN is a professional [organization], - we did quite a bit of professional development, tours of large businesses in the business offices and organized events.
What pieces of advice can you give to the new generation of PGN?
To enjoy the relationships because beyond the education, it is who you know that helps the most. The more contacts and friends you make along the way, the better. The memories you will make in the fun times will carry throughout your career.
Constance LeSure
What year did you join PGN and what chapter were you part of?
I was part of Beta Iota Chapter - Troy University
Can you tell us about your favorite PGN memory while you were on campus?
My favorite PGN memory while I was on campus was that on Wednesdays we dressed either business casual or business professional the entire day. It was something that made us stand out from other students.
How did PGN shape you as a professional or as a leader?
PGN helped to shape me as a professional and as a leader by helping me to learn how to adapt to different people with different personalities and to get them all on the same page, heading towards the same goal.
What pieces of advice can you give to the new generation of PGN?
A piece of advice I would like to give to the new generation of PGN is to find a way to give back and remain involved with the current chapter members, even after you've graduated.
Melissa A. Garland
What year did you join PGN and what chapter were you part of?
I joined the Alpha Nu chapter at Ferris State University in 1991.
Can you tell us about your favorite PGN memory while you were on campus?
There are so many, including our chapter winning Homecoming Games in 1992, winning most of the academic awards at the 1993 Panhellenic banquet (we were the last women-only chapter for PGN), Founder's Banquet in Detroit when we welcomed the chapter at Lawrence Tech to join us, but mostly the friendships that have endured since I graduated in 1993.
How did PGN shape you as a professional or as a leader?
It gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles professionally and personally, be it an official with US Figure Skating, a committee leader at work, a board member at [my] child's high school, or being official scorekeeper for little league baseball.
What pieces of advice can you give to the new generation of PGN?
Success in business doesn't look the same for everyone, I have had a long career in nonprofit marketing and communications, and am satisfied with what I have accomplished along the way.
Fran Brochstein
What year did you join PGN and what chapter were you part of?
I attended University of Houston and was President of my chapter, Beta Epsilon. I [was also the] former National President of PGN (2008-2010).
How did PGN shape you as a professional or as a leader?
After I graduated, I served as an Advisor for the UH Chapter for a couple of years. I then served as a Regional Director for a couple of years.
I then served on the national board for a couple of years. My life got busy and I was not as active for several years. I attended law school (1986) and was licensed to practice law in Texas (1991).
I returned to the national board in 2006. I served as National President from 2008-2010. I was brought to the national board due to my experience in mediating & negotiating difficult situations. We worked together very efficiently to make sure that PGN would continue & thrive.
What pieces of advice can you give to the new generation of PGN?
I have watched from the sidelines as PGN evolved and remained committed to serving its members. I am very proud that I was a member of PGN. I have many fond memories of PGN.
Here is my advice for young professionals:
Network, network, network – After being a lawyer for 30 years I still network on a regular basis.
Be nice to everyone you meet. You never know who can help you in the future.
Life is an adventure, keep your options open, sometimes your obstacles/set-backs can be beneficial in the long run.
We are often too hard on ourselves. We are often our worst critics. Be kind & gentle with yourself.
Have fun! Life is too short. Embrace the adventure. Be able to laugh at yourself.
Dawn Ford
What year did you join PGN and what chapter were you part of?
Pledged in 1977 and was a member of Alpha Nu Chapter 53.
Can you tell us about your favorite PGN memory while you were on campus?
Founders Day was a memory, the history and traditions that resonate with me still. Also, the quarterly business visits left a huge impression.
How did PGN shape you as a professional or as a leader?
The leadership skills obtained by serving as a chapter officer put the business skills learned academically into play. The exposure to businesses and then current business trends, fueled the passion I had for business. This real life exposure further piqued my interest for more and more business knowledge. All of this was complimented by like minded business students and that strengthened the network with the membership, creating relationships and memories that lasted decades.
What pieces of advice can you give to the new generation of PGN?
Join, get involved and lean in. Phi Gamma Nu was much more than a club or a social network but played a major role in shaping the professional I am today.
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