1970s
Roger Calabretta ’75 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.):
My spring of ’72 pledge brothers and I bolted for the weekend to Indiana University of PA to visit our Phi Sig brothers there. The chapter was hosting a party in an empty cinder block building, which they called the Block House. My pledge brothers and I were very accomplished at playing Whales Tales due to our pledge duties at Kappa. We always left cleaning the taps for last so we could play Whales Tales. This practice made us very good as a team.
The IUofP brothers asked if we knew how to play Whales Tales. We said we just learned it pledging. The older brothers thought they had some young patsies to pick on. A few hours later we were the last men standing.
A few years after I graduated, my wife and I were walking through a store and ran into a high school friend of hers with her husband Ron. We talked and decided to meet for dinner a few days later. At dinner Ron and I started talking to get to know each other when I found out he was a Phi Sig from IUofP who graduated a year before I did. He mentioned that he remembered a group of Penn State Phi Sig pledges visiting his chapter. I finished the story by saying that they took the pledges to the Block House to party and play Tales. His eyes spread wide open. He was one of the brothers who learnt a lesson in playing Tales that night. Small world but Phi Sig has opened doors. Ron and his wife have become some of our closest friends.
Patrick J. Kiger ’79 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.):
The most important thing I gained through Phi Sig was my lifelong friendship with fellow Kappa Dr. Dave Morris ’79. At his wedding years later, I met my future wife Martha, who was a high school friend of his. I also learned a lot about life from my roommate and pledge brother, Ron Hummer ’79.
I don't know whether our era (the mid-to-late 1970s) was the best or not, but it was a time when the world seemed full of promise and potential experiences. I remember early one Sunday morning, I stumbled downstairs to be greeted by a group of Hare Krishna devotees in orange robes, who'd been invited over by some of my more open-minded brothers who hadn't been to bed yet after a night of partying.
These days, I'm living in the Washington, DC area, where I work as a freelance writer for the National Geographic Channel, HowStuffWorks, Urban Land magazine, and other media outlets. My wife and I have a 17-year-old son. I haven't been back to PSU or the house in several decades, but I keep telling myself that I'll shock everyone by showing up at Homecoming one of these days.
Withrow, Robert "Pele" Modified: 9/22/2009 9:15:51 AM
Class of 1975 Posted by an administrator
Hello everyone. ""Pele"" is now in retirement in Austin, TX after completing a 34 year career with Kodak. It was a great ride with assignments in London, Atlanta, Tokyo and Singapore. I'm hoping to become a walmart greeter or the tool guy at Lowes/Home Depot. Keep watching for me, especially if you're in the Austin metro area !! Get in touch if you're nearby or plan to visit. I live in Steiner Ranch. I'm always up for a game of whales-tales or zoom.
Spahn, James Posted: 4/24/2009 8:32:40 AM
Class of 1976
From Jim Spahn
I just received the newsletter - and I am thinking about and warmly remembering the camaraderie, antics and laughter during my Phi Sig days. I live in Detroit, MI area - 3 adult children (32, 30, 29) and 2 grandchildren (yikes!). I travel quite a bit on my job. I would love to know where some of you are - to grab a bite to eat or drink a beer or 2 if I am nearby (assuming you still drink of course). Let me know - e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Kochman, Bob "K" Posted: 3/4/2008 3:42:46 PM
Class of 1973
Bob "Golden K" Kochman, married for 33 years in July, 2008. Three kids, 28 year old son, married and living in Seattle, and boy/girl twins, juniors in high school. Living in Texas for all but four of the last 31 years. After seven years of retirement, went back to work as a commercial real estate broker to have an excuse to get out of the house. Still stay in touch with several guys via email and would like to hear from some others (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Sillaman, John Posted: 6/5/2007 7:54:06 PM
Class of 1974
STILL living in Latrobe; STILL an architect; STILL don't know what I want to be when I grow up; STILL happily married to Kathy - 33 yrs in August; STILL want more hair on my head; STILL miss the good ole days; STILL have 3 kids; STILL no grandkids yet; STILL commuting to Pittsburgh everyday; STILL a big Steeler fan; STILL have lots of incriminating photos........no wait, Otis stole em; STILL keep in touch with Ralph Kordiak (who lost his job with Enron but now works for Halliburton); STILL keep in touch with a lucky few of the boys; STILL want to see an up-to-date photo of Tony Tri-Delt; STILL remember cleaning the women's toilet after Jo Broom (who then proceeded to make potato salad all of you guys ate).......
Son Justin lives in Manhatten Beach, Calif & is a sales rep ( PSU grad); daughter Erica lives in Elizabethtown, PA., teaches 4th grade in Lampeeter Stroudsburg School District and has been married to a minister ( !!!!!!!) for 3 yrs; son Brandon, living at home & going to community college; 3 cats (which makes 4 pussies in the house); one dead dog
Menoher, Jim Modified: 11/18/2006 12:44:09 AM
Class of 1978 Posted by an administrator
Living in Happy Valley, married to Jan for 23+ great years! Oldest daughter Katie is a PSU grad '06 working in Baltimore. Second child Anne is studying at the Univ. of South Carolina. If you are coming back to campus, please send an email.
Courter, Stephen "Steve" Modified: 10/15/2006 11:19:27 PM
Class of 1977 Posted by an administrator
Enjoying being a first-time father at age 47. Look for my son, ""Rusty"" Courter, to carry on the Courter Kappa tradition in 2019--assuming he finds a way to pay for it himself!
Becker, Jim Modified: 10/15/2006 11:11:24 PM
Class of 1979
25 November 2005 - US Embassy Moscow
Adopted school-aged sisters, Anastiasiya (Nastia) and Alesya, from Tyumen Russia, 22 November 2005.
Auman, Eugene "Geno" Modified: 10/15/2006 10:30:21 PM
Class of 1975 Posted by an administrator
I won't be able to come for Founders' Day weekend. My fiance, Charlotte (Charli), and I are getting married on March 16.My daughter Briana, age 14, will be Maid of Honor.Charli just started an A+ certification course so we're not going anywhere until at least May.
Schneider, Jeffrey Modified: 10/15/2006 10:13:21 PM
Class of 1973 Posted by an administrator
Two daughters and two weddings. My oldest daughter was married September 2003 and the younger daughters is pending for June 2004. Whew!
Hullmann, Dennis Modified: 10/15/2006 9:27:33 PM
Class of 1973 Posted by an administrator
Denny, Too Many, Hullmann ('73) and wife Karen Kochan (PSU '72) live in Pottstown with 2 wonderful children.-- Stephanie (20) is a Junior at Bucknell; majoring in Bio & Psychology and minoring in French. Jonathan (18) just graduated and had to chose between PSU, Bucknell & Delaware. Much like his Dad, he based his decision upon the school with the prettiest girls and a winning football tradition - DELAWARE! He'll be majoring in Chemistry and considering Pharmacy as his career, he says ""where he can deal drugs legally"". You've got to love the boy.On another note, I was recently a salary cap victim. I was released from my job to cut overhead. I'm looking for a new job, career or ...
Tylman, Thomas Modified: 10/15/2006 12:08:57 PM
Class of 1975 Posted by an administrator
I live in Williamsburg, Vir., and practice medicine with my wife and college sweetheart Kathy Missory '76. I recently had a great vacation with Gene Kilgore (Phi Sig '76) at his home in Lake Tahoe.
Best, Gary Modified: 10/15/2006 12:08:14 PM
Class of 1978 Posted by an administrator
I married a Florida girl, Barbara, in 1986 (18 years and going strong). We have two boys, Alexander (14) and Eric (11). I am the owner of two Maid Brigade franchises in Northern Virginia. Life is good; come visit us
Brugler, Geoffrey Modified: 10/15/2006 12:02:50 PM
Class of 1972 Posted by an administrator
Maried to Barbie. Two children: Jacyn - 3 years old and Jenna - 9 months old. Please get in touch if you're going to be in town. Same business for 28 years, new location - it was way past time for a change! Look forward to seeing some of you guys soon.
Sillaman, John Modified: 10/15/2006 12:01:27 PM
Class of 1974 Posted by an administrator
My wife and I were married 30 years in August (who would have believed it). Son, Justin (28) is a sales rep in Los Angeles; daughter, Erica (24) teaches 5th grade in Lampeter-Stroudsburg near Lancaster. In June she was married to a minister. Son, Brandon (23) is at home and plans to join the USAF. Im project architect with Astorino in Pittsburgh, currently working on Childrens Hospital with numerous other Penn Staters. My years at PSU and at Kappa were some of the most fun years of my life with great friends and lasting friendships. I think a Kappa retirement home could work if we could only find a way to ditch the wives. Ill bet those 60-something tri-Delts will still be hot.
Azpiazu, Raul Modified: 10/15/2006 12:00:06 PM
Class of 1975 Posted by an administrator
Thanks for the website. It should give everyone a better opportunity to catch up.After 30 years of teaching and coaching basketball it was time for a career change. I am now a realtor with CENTURY 21 and I am enjoying my new found freedom as a ''self-employed"" person tremendously.My oldest child, Maegan, just graduated from PSU in Dec 05 with a degree in Sports Communication / Journalism. My next child, Aaron, is a freshman and New Your University and doing well. The youngest, Adam is a freshman in high school and trying to adjust to being an ""only"" child.
Courter, Stephen "Steve" Modified: 10/15/2006 11:55:18 AM
Class of 1977 Posted by an administrator
Anyone from the Fall 75 pledge class should call me for golf when near Boston, even Wally P.
Wall, John Modified: 10/13/2006 3:59:11 PM
Class of 1976 Posted by an administrator
I lost all the email addresses to my old brothers around a year or so ago and would like to get back in touch.
Courter, Stephen "Steve" Modified: 10/13/2006 3:58:35 PM
Class of 1977 Posted by an administrator
If near Boston, stop by and see us
Flinchbaugh, John Modified: 10/13/2006 3:55:31 PM
Class of 1972 Posted by an administrator
Miss the snow, football and great times at Phi Sig. I live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and occasionally see Pete Caruk. Have two kids--Sarah (10) and Joey (14)--and wife Alexa.
Warfel, William "Bill" Modified: 10/13/2006 3:27:10 PM
Class of 1971 Posted by an administrator
This website is great and long overdue! Evie and I still live in Exton, PA. Our kids are too old (22 & 25), but we're not! We still see Phi Sigs: Delp (eternal pledge), Weaver, Church, Robertson, Skehan, Balmat, Derby, Nonini(sp?)& Renehan. I'm looking forward to the gala reunion Kochman & Sterns are planning for 2003(they better come through & all of you guys better show up!)
Staszewski, Thomas Modified: 10/13/2006 3:26:53 PM
Class of 1974 Posted by an administrator
Hello to all Phi Sigs!After having lived in the Pittsburgh area for twenty-five years we moved ""back home"" to Erie last year.Great to see Joe Pa back in the top 20.Also, thanks to Bear Kohler for all his years of service.
