What were the best nicknames you called your brothers and how did they come about?  

When's the last time you saw a Kappa Chapter brother in person? Who were you with, where were you, and what was the occasion? Do you have a photo from that day? 

What do you remember about the top social event the year you graduated? Do you remember your date? Did you happen to marry them? 

What was Phi Sig known for during your time at Penn State? 

Read on to find out how other Kappa Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa alumni answered these questions.  

 John Lloyd ’62

Nicknames: I am retired now and setting up some tax planning. I spent 25 years with Seidman and Seidman now BDO-USA an international firm and in 1989 bought the Jamestown NY practice and formed Lloyd and Co and in 2009 sold out to Buffumonte Whipple and Buttafaro a regional firm here in western NY and recently retired. 

Scott Calahan ’66 

Top social event: My date was Linda Ballantyne. I did marry her, and we've been married now for 54 years.

Mike Swank ’67 

Nicknames: We did have a few nicknames but I do not remember many outside of Jonesey who we called Florkshort which was short for Florkawitz.

Last time you saw a classmate: Joe Burt ’66 and I went fishing near St Helena on the South Carolina coast. I made contact with him from my home on Kiawah Island near Charleston and had not seen him since we were at Kappa.

What Phi Sigma Kappa was known for: We were always in the top five in academics and intramural sports. 

Cheers from South Carolina!

Fred Jacobs ’69

Nicknames: I remember Richard B Nonini ’69 being a great guy, very funny man, and superb athlete.  Seems his middle name was Bruno, we started calling him that exclusively and it stuck.

Last time you saw a classmate: I see Brother Ron Manning ’69 about once a year when he comes to San Diego to visit his son. He is doing well.

What Phi Sigma Kappa was known for: Phi Sig was known for GREAT parties, we even had a Wednesday night Jammie (party with a band). We were also known for high academic and athletic standing.

Mark Daugherty ’81 

Nicknames: The rounds brothers, Ellipse, or Su-Su.

Thomas Winiarczyk's family

Last time you saw a classmate: The last time was when we were at the summer work week. I saw Dave Hyland ’80, Ben Jarmul ’81, Kevin Courter ’80, Martin Barbato ’79, Bob Romeiser ’81.

Top social event: A nice event we had was the Fall Free for All with Tahoka Freeway.

Thomas Winiarczyk ’82

Nicknames: Whitless for Keith Whitman ’80 and Anwar Dilly Bar for Matt Hilbert ’81.

Top social event: Homecoming, Super Stars, and the Christmas party.

Kris Voigt

Kris Voigt 

Nicknames: Rides for Jeff Rider ’88, Dog was me, Little Dog for Troy Thorton (my little brother, bigger than me), Chicken Man for Chris Zeigler ’87, Dude Master for Perry Russ (always said “Dude”), Grinch for Lee Miller ’90 (he had a little mustache that when he smiled, curled up like the Grinch), Chief for Jay Defibaugh ’88, and Pops for Kenny Aurigema (oldest guy in house).

Last time you saw a classmate: Jeff Rider my Phi-Sig roommate, got together in my home town of Hermosa Beach, CA since he was in town for work. Always good to catch up and reminisce.

Top social event: Phi-Sig Superstars, we raised lots of money and had lots of fun!!

What Phi Sigma Kappa was known for: Great parties, good looking guys, and great athletes.

Want to share your own stories? Click here to submit your answers to the questions above. We’ll publish your response in a future alumni e-letter! If you have a picture to share, email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Phi Sigma Kappa Penn State Photos.”