Steve Handwerk ’74 says that deciding to become a Phi Sig was an easy decision. “It was a great group of guys, excellent academic and athletic associations, nice house, and great parties!”
“The house was truly our home,” he says. “Dinner time was always a highlight, with card games before dinner, and then all the brothers eating together every night. On many occasions, our dinner guests included our Little Sisters and rushees. And more times than not, Bear Koehler joined us as well. My best memories include Homecoming and Spring Week!”
Handwerk, a geography major and Navy ROTC member, served as Inductor and Chapter President during his time in the house. He says that Phi Sig made an impact on his future. “Living in the house allowed us to grow socially, and we learned responsibilities that carried us through school and throughout life.”
After graduation and five years in the Navy, he worked as a physical scientist for the National Geospatial – Intelligence Agency. Today, he’s on the faculty of the Penn State Geospatial Intelligence graduate program. He and his wife Molly reside near Harrisburg, PA, and they have three children and six grandchildren.
He says that giving back to Phi Sig is critical. “Without alumni involvement, we would not have our house as it is today. And remember, our Third Degree commitment at graduation was to serve Phi Sig throughout our lifetimes.”
“Without my fraternity, I would not have so many lifelong friends,” Handwerk says. “When we gather for reunions, we just pick up where we left off from the last time.”