Jim Spahn ‘76 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) knew that Phi Sigma Kappa was for him when his dorm roommate, Dave Lewis, became a brother and gave him a tour of the house. “I met many brothers and experienced a few events,” he remembers. “I really liked the bonds that seemed to exist and the warmth to me from that brotherhood.” 

He says that Phi Sig stood apart on campus. “It was extremely well rounded. Many different disciplines of study for variety - very good intramural sports teams, an excellent social calendar with great parties, lots of laughs, excellent sorority connections, a place to call home and experience growing up with a fun bunch of guys. What more could you want?” 

He says that one memory particularly stands out. “My most favorite memory was a middle of the night trial for Tim Siegfried,” he says. “He made the mistake of driving a brother (who had a broken leg) to a football game, and then driving home early, making the brother walk back to the house on crutches. Bad news for Tim!” 

“Everyone but Tim was told to be in any costume of their choosing and show up at 2:00 am in the living room. We had a mock trial and Tim had an assigned lawyer. There was evidence presented. The judge and jury found him guilty (surprise). Penalty - triple swirly. Fun!” 

He says that another memory involved Hell Week. “We took two pledges out like 5 miles, dropped them off, and made them count the railroad ties back to a spot in town. Whatever they said was wrong, and then they had to go back and recount. When they returned, of course they had the same number. The pledge master says 'Sorry - my mistake. I read the numbers backwards. You had it right the first time.' Hilarious.” 

He says that Phi Sig has influenced his life long after graduation. “The greatest impact Phi Sig had on my life was how much I learned about people and what makes them tick. We all had different backgrounds, different interests and different skills. Not everyone always got along. But as a whole, we had a strong brotherhood.” 

“You worked it out because you all lived together experiencing life the same way. As I looked back on those years, I realized how much this prepared me for people interaction in the real world. The same people types exist everywhere. The brotherhood taught me that you can interact with anybody out there -- you just figure them out.” 

He says that giving back to the chapter is crucial. “I give back because I want to ensure that young Phi Sig men - who may be just like me (or not) - get to experience and enjoy this growing up period of life the same way I did.” 

“This is about 'Back to the Future,’” he adds. “The house always needs something, whether a planned capital or an emergency expense. Or perhaps one of our young brothers needs financial assistance. Room and board charges don't cover these costs. That's what's good for the house and the brothers.”  

“What's in it for you? Take a few minutes right now and reminisce about your experiences. Be honest - did you not enjoy it? Don't forget about those great years. Give back something - whether one time or every year. Go visit the house. Care. You will feel very good knowing that you are helping to support and enable the same experiences you enjoyed. Say thanks to this time of your life with a give back. You will feel good about it.” 

He adds a final word to the brothers in the house: “Have fun, enjoy the kidding around, and study hard. The time passes quickly. Take care of the house at all times, especially when you go home for the summer. Always leave it in a condition that shows pride and leadership. This is your home.  

Without Phi Sigma Kappa, I wouldn't have so many treasured memories of college days.