In last month’s e-letter, we sent out a survey to our Kappa Alumni. Now, we’d like to share some of our favorite responses with you! If you want to answer these questions yourself, please CLICK HERE to take the survey. You may see your Kappa memories, photos or reflections published in a future newsletter or e-letter. We’d love to hear from all our Kappa Alumni! Here are your Brothers responses.
Justin Anderson ‘07
As an Alum, what do you see as the most valuable part of your Kappa experience?
“For me the best part of my time with Phi Sig was the opportunity to meet and connect with people from differing walks of life that I may not have had the opportunity to meet had I not joined.
Describe the Kappa alumni association at its full potential.
At its full potential I see the association connecting its members. At the same time I would imagine an organization that works for the betterment of the organization and the chapter.
Do you have any advice for your fellow leaders of the alumni organization? How might this pandemic and its full impact affect our fraternity in your view? How might this time illustrate to all the purpose of our brotherhood and why Phi Sigma Kappa now more than ever has a place in our adult lives?
This pandemic will have larger implications for universities and, as such, fraternal organizations as a whole. As colleges and universities may see decreased enrollments or limited student returns it is inevitable that organizations such as Phi Sig will be impacted. Pledge class size expectation management will be a must. During this time of crisis I think it is important to think of our brothers who work in some of these industries that are out on the front lines of the pandemic i.e med services, first responders, service industries, and the military. Maybe doing a spotlight on some of these brothers could help illuminate the crisis and bring it home for brothers who may not be personally affected in that way but may know some of these individuals. Also, as the death toll rises due to the virus it may be a good time to send out condolences to families and notifications to brothers of any Phi Sigs who have succumbed to the disease. Lastly, I know that we fundraise for the fraternity, but we could also be doing fundraising to provide aid to people, communities, even brothers who have been affected by the situation in the form of lost jobs or wages.
Which brothers from your era would you most like to reconnect with, and which are you currently in touch with?
I talk a few times every few years with a few brothers; Steve Miller, Jean-Paul Yezzo, Chris Ryan.”
Michael Swank ‘67
As an Alum, what do you see as the most valuable part of your Kappa experience?
“The most valuable part of my Phi Sig expierence was knowing that I had made a bond for Life with a fine group of men that I knew I could count on always.
Describe the Kappa alumni association at its full potential.
A group who really cares about the house and what it stands for and will be willing to contribute yearly to do what it takes to be Phi Sig proud. The alumni organization should keep reaching out to everyone, get advice and opinions and even give a call from time to time to everyone possible.
Which brothers from your era would you most like to reconnect with, and which are you currently in touch with?
I am in touch with Joe Burt, Len Pasquini, Joe Aita, Tom Wylonis and a few others.
Share an update of what’s new in your life (career highlights, family news, etc.)
I retired from my surgical practice in January 2018 spent time in Colorado with a woman I knew since we were 16 and then moved to our fine home at Kiawah in SC. When the Pandemic is over I would love to travel more and maybe do some Civil War Reenactments.”
James Durfee ‘80
As an Alum, what do you see as the most valuable part of your Kappa experience?
“There is a group of about 10-15 brothers that have stayed in touch over 40 years now and continue to put money, time and sweat equity into the house and the chapter. This ongoing lifelong bond means a lot to me. I just hope we can influence the actives and younger alums to keep connected to the House and the Chapter events.
Describe the Kappa alumni association at its full potential.
Our alumni should be self-sustaining, ever growing in size, scope and impact. A group that demonstrates that Phi Sig life doesn’t stop when you graduate, but instead becomes even more valuable as time goes on.
Do you have any advice for your fellow leaders of the alumni organization? How might this pandemic and its full impact affect our fraternity in your view? How might this time illustrate to all the purpose of our brotherhood and why Phi Sigma Kappa now more than ever has a place in our adult lives?
Share more across the Bond. Keep trying to expand the Kappa network, and above all stress the positives of Greek life and especially how Phi Sig shaped us into the people we are today.”
Daniel Weidert ‘79
As an Alum, what do you see as the most valuable part of your Kappa experience?
My experiences at the fraternity had some impact on the success I have had.
Describe the Kappa alumni association at its full potential.
The alumni organization is a vehicle to financially support the fraternity and mentor and shape individuals who will impact the future of the fraternity and world.
Do you have any advice for your fellow leaders of the alumni organization? How might this pandemic and its full impact affect our fraternity in your view? How might this time illustrate to all the purpose of our brotherhood and why Phi Sigma Kappa now more than ever has a place in our adult lives?
My advice is keep up the good work. You have a passion for the fraternity and it shows with your tireless support.
I think the Pandemic may lead towards more online education and degrees with less student interaction in a central location. Unfortunately, there may be a paradigm shift in the college lifestyle that we have come to know and experience. Depending on the shape and course of education, this may lead to the evolution or outright elimination of fraternities as we know them. This would be a great loss as the many special bonds built throught any fraternity would no longer exist.
Share an update of what’s new in your life (career highlights, family news, etc.)
My four children have successfully graduated from college. All are gainfully employed and successful in their careers. I am slow rolling towards retirement.
Robert Glass ‘86
Which brothers from your era would you most like to reconnect with, and which are you currently in touch with?
“I moved to south Florida upon graduating in 1986 and therefore have minimal to no contact with anyone.
I would love to reconnect with my pledge class, winter ‘82.
Share an update of what’s new in your life (career highlights, family news, etc.)
I’ve been in South Florida for 34 years now. Married to my beautiful wife Jackie for 30 years. I have two sons that are grown and out of the house.
Just bought the house next door and turned it into an Airbnb in the beginning of this month. What timing!”