In last month’s e-letter, we sent out a survey to our Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi memories, photos, or reflections published in a future newsletter or e-letter. We’d love to hear from all our Phi Phi Alumni! Here are your Brothers’ responses. 

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Jon Greenawalt ‘61

“My experience with our Order and the great men who are part of it have contributed their skills, caring, and support to me in immeasurable ways, including helping me to design and deliver leadership skills that I have used in my consulting profession. I believe it is my responsibility and honor to give back so that Sigma Chi can continue to build future leaders for the world.

The most valuable part of my Sigma Chi experience was learning to respect, appreciate, and cooperate with a wide range of different temperaments, talents, convictions, and backgrounds. My son, Jon Jr. is s Phi Phi Sig, along with my older brother and father, who were Phi Phi Sigs as well. My Granddaughter Allegra is a freshman at Penn, and my Grandson Julian will be in the freshman class this fall. I still lead my consulting firm, Personal Mastery Programs, and am still active in assisting the Fraternity in training both alumni and undergraduates.”

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Michael Grossman ‘99

“I believe firmly in giving back to those who have helped me along the way in life. Some of my best memories from Penn happened with my Phi Phi brothers at my side. The experiences and relationships we built could only be made possible with adequate funding, both from existing brothers and generous alums. There are some brothers who could use the financial assistance. If I can help to fill that gap and take away even a small part of that financial burden for some brothers so that they can have the experiences I had as a part of Sigma Chi, I am highly motivated to give each year.

I have always strived to surround myself with people who can enrich my own life. Sigma Chi at Penn seems to consistently attract people who cared about academics, the Penn community – through sports or arts, and one another. My brothers motivated me to do better in each one of those areas, and they still do today.

At its full potential, I think that the alumni association can help build better bonds and leverage relationships across classes, old and young. The power of the Phi Phi network has really not been leveraged to its fullest, in my view.

I recently got to spend time with many of the brothers from the ’99 class at our 20th reunion which was great. I see Bobby Dziedziech ’99 when I am in London for work. I would like to go for long runs followed by yogurt, cereal, and a banana with George Bell ’99 more frequently. I have also gotten to know Bobby Alexander ‘14 who I randomly met a few years back while coaching my son’s hockey team in South Boston. Bobby was a volunteer coach in the organization, and I recognized his Penn hockey jacket. After a brief introduction, I discovered he was a Phi Phi. 

I have lived in Boston since graduating from Penn in 1999. In fact, I still live in the same South End neighborhood that I first moved to but now share my house with my wife, Abby, and two boys, Tyler (10) and Jack (7). Outside of my work as a portfolio manager at MFS Investments, I spend a lot of time at the rink and on the athletic fields coaching my sons’ hockey and lacrosse teams and watching them play soccer.”

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Ronald Woodmansee ‘82

“It is always important to give back and I have a lot of organizations to which I do, nothing huge for any of them, but every little bit helps. The Sigma Chi Foundation does disperse funds to the local chapter for scholarships for those that need and deserve it so it is a win-win.

Obviously, the most valuable part of my Sigma Chi experience was the brotherhood. That fellowship creates an instant and strong bond, whether I meet someone from my chapter or another, and regardless of our ages

My graduating class had 22 brothers and many of us have stayed local and/or are local very often. People such as Mark Kocent ‘82, who has been invaluable as House Corp Leader and the overall oversight of the chapter house. Also, Paul Garvey ‘82, Jerry Knorr ‘82 (AKA Wazzo), Erich Wunsch ‘82, Steve Adler ‘82, Steve Bujno ‘82, etc. Lucky to have many as clients, as well as brothers from other classes so I keep in contact with quite a few others too.

Still working harder than ever, year 39 as a self-employed insurance “geek” (a broker) and really just enjoying life with my wife, kids that are all doing well (one in grad school at Penn), and 2 young grandchildren. Giving back when I can to organizations like the Union League Legacy Foundation (chair of the Good Citizen Day committee) and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life here in Marlton, NJ where I live and work.”

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James Hatch ‘71

“Phi Phi played a big role in my college life, introduced me to lifelong friends, and connected me with people I otherwise might not know. If I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity to support such an organization, I will. Lifelong friends. I continue to be close friends with Bert MacKay, Mike Rosko, and Dick Waldbauer.  If we don’t see each other, we still share frequent emails.  I also keep in touch with Merle Stein and Rick Klich, all Phi Phi Class of ‘71. Happily and busily retired, part-time college professor, charitable volunteer, ever hopeful golfer, and proud grandpa.”

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David Istock ‘94

“I try to remember to donate a little each year since graduation to give something back. I recognize there are probably always house and other improvements that could use some funding and I would like to see Sigma Chi always maintain good standing at the university.

Sigma Chi has led to some great friendships. Since I’m not originally from the Philadelphia area or the East Coast, it gave me a more meaningful connection with the university. I appreciate the periodic newsletter communications to hear how things are going on campus. As we all live in the San Francisco area, I’m in touch mostly with Mike Leraris ‘94 and Alex Millar ‘96. Mike and I are both in the Class of ‘94 and returned to campus for our 25th Reunion last May. It was great to reconnect with everyone, and I thought that the house and the improvements made since we were undergrads looked great.

After working in NYC for 12 years after graduation, I’ve now lived in the San Francisco area for the last 14 years. My wife Sue and I have 2 children (a son in 9th grade and a daughter in 7th grade). I’m presently Head of M&A for Canaccord Genuity.”

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Mike Leraris ‘94

“I had a great experience at Sigma Chi and want to continue to support the house so others may have the same. By far, the best part of Sigma Chi at Penn was friendships I made, which became really clear when going back and seeing everyone at the 25th reunion.”

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David Fleshman ‘61

“The most valuable part of Sigma Chi for me was the fellowship, friendship, and guidance of many of the brothers. Jon Huntsman, Sr. ‘59 was my big brother during pledging and became, along with his dear wife Karen, life-long friends. Jon was one of several mentors I have been fortunate to have in my life. There were others at Phi Phi who helped cement the qualities that I had learned from my parents and siblings such as Integrity, Honesty, Truthfulness, Generosity, and Diligence, and not to take oneself too seriously. I am most grateful to Murray McComas ‘58, Tom Hoshaw ‘61, Al Shoemaker ‘60, Jon Greenawalt ‘61, Charles Butt ‘59, Si Schultz, Ron Smith ‘59, and the late Ramsey Demir ‘60 and most certainly others.

I have been most fortunate in my career and retirement such that I have been able to give out a challenge to Phi Phi members and alumni whereby I will match up to a total of $50,000 in donations to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. I am hopeful that when all is added up that HCF will receive a total of $100,000 from this effort.”

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Sesto Vecchi ‘58

“I believe, like most other brothers, that Sigma Chi membership was a defining experience. Periodic reminders of it (e.g. The Quaker Sig) turn a light on and it’s easy to respond to the Chapter’s request for support. The most valuable part of Phi Phi Club for me was clearly the interaction with totally different folks and the growth and maturity that came with it. There are a lot of characters from my era I would love to see and to hear how life was lived. It would be much fun and probably sobering. I am mostly in touch with Murray McComas ‘58.

I’m practicing law in Vietnam, where I’ve lived for 35 +/- years. I have a robust flock of children and grandchildren, all of whom live in the US. My last trip to the house was about 2 years ago with my daughter and grandson. It was great to walk through the house, talk to the brothers who happened to be there, free up my memory, and be a student again.”

There was a day when we would relish the hour of freedom gifted by a canceled business lunch, soccer practice or board meeting. There was a day we couldn’t stand the idea of another birthday party. There was a day when lackadaisically responding (or not) to texts or calls from friends wasn’t a big deal, because you’d see them tomorrow.   

Those days are gone. 

Ever since the word “quarantine” started dominating headlines, we’ve been faced with new realities. And those realities have crushed us down to the basic needs of human existence, the need to have meaningful relationships – face-to-face. Not Zoom face, actual face. 

Maybe you’re the introvert of introverts who still gets tickled by a canceled Zoom meeting. Maybe you got hives at the first mention of a stay-at-home order. Maybe you started out happy to do your part only to realize you aren’t the patriot you were eight weeks ago.  

Wherever you’re at, there’s a common ground we can all agree on; a drink with a Brother at City Tap House sounds pretty epic right about now.  

And here is the good news. No one is saying this will never end – just that it hasn’t yet. So, what events do you wish you’d attended at Penn that you skipped out on? Will you go when the opportunity comes again? What memories echoed so loudly in your silence that they demanded to be relived? Will you make space to recreate them?  

For many of us, the Brotherhood forged at Phi Phi trumps friendships made years before and decades after. So, the big question is, will your choices be different after quarantine?  

By now, we all realize that while technology is a life-saving necessity, it is not a replacement for in-person interaction. It will tide us over, but it will not go the distance. So, call your Brothers. Text your Brothers. Reunite over Zoom with your Brothers. Connect. Reconnect. Do whatever you can to remind yourself of that lifetime bond. But do it with the intent of going the distance when this is over because the best years with your Brothers don’t have to be behind you. 

Who are you inviting for that drink? Will you get tickets with your Brothers for the Cornell game? Start answering those questions now and use the directory to get moving on the one thing we all know painfully well cannot be replaced: face-to-face time making memories. 

The most difficult part of quarantine, for many people, has been the severing of our in-person interactions. While there is certainly joy to be found in solitude, humans are, by their nature, social. And it is in our small interactions with others that we find much of our joy. The occasional trip into self-isolation can be helpful, but it must always be counterbalanced with a healthy amount of socialization. With all sports, reunions, and Penn events canceled or postponed, it seems all the more difficult to maintain those connections, and to keep that balance. 

But everywhere, people have been rising to the challenge, finding inventive solutions to the problem of isolation. Apartment dwellers have come out on their balconies for collective barbecues, parties, or sing-alongs. Video calls have been used to host everything from birthday parties to church services. And fraternity brothers have been reaching out to one another in unprecedented numbers. In the face of adversity, we have found new ways to bond with one another. In the face of loneliness, we have chosen to find ways to grow ever closer.  

It is in these times of crisis that it becomes clear just how important our interactions with others are, and how vital relationships are to the preservation of the human spirit. So we encourage you to learn from this experience, to take this opportunity to reach out to your brothers from Sigma Chi or just other Penn alumni. Find old friends, classmates, and roommates. Reach out to one another and make plans. If you don’t know where to start, you can always find some of them in our searchable directory, HERE. 

Making plans is one of the most important things you can do for yourself during this crisis. The pandemic can make it feel like everything is out of control, uncertain, and even frightening. But something as simple as making plans with an old friend can give you a measure of control over your own life. Make plans for a Sigma Chi reunion next year. Make plans for tailgating at games in Philadelphia. Fill up your schedules, even in the face of uncertainty. Because once the pandemic has ended, it will be time to relish the little joys of life once again. And you don’t want to miss out. 

In the midst of pandemics and job worries, family matters, and just daily life in general, it’s easy to forget all that our Sigma Chi experience gave us and still gives. 

Leadership opportunities at the Phi Phi house, camaraderie with our fellow Phi Phi brothers, life-changing philanthropy projects, and friendships that will last a lifetime — it’s a lot to be thankful for. For many of us, those experiences made us into the men we are today. 

We surveyed Sigma Chi alums from all across the country about their Sigma Chi experiences and they echoed this sentiment precisely. Their college years just wouldn’t have been the same without Sigma Chi. Check out a selection of their survey responses below on what Sigma Chi meant to them. It won’t take long for you to start nodding your head in agreement. You might even be inspired to pick up the phone and call up one of your fellow Sigma Chis to rekindle some old memories. 

Have a thought or two of your own you’d like to share with your fellow alumni? CLICK HERE to fill out our survey, and you may see your Phi Phi memories, photos, or reflections published in a future newsletter or eLetter. 

“I have always felt that my fraternity brothers were the greatest group of men that I had, before and ever since, been associated with. The times were great, with fellowship, discipline, intramural sports, educational benefits, loyalty to a group with a common purpose, and the maturing that comes with all the before mentioned. Teaching manners, respect for others, and competition within the fraternities helped make me a much more mature individual. It was a great experience!” 

“The brotherhood I found during my years as an undergraduate yielded lifelong friendships that I treasure to this day. We still find time to take trips together, attend the weddings of each other’s children and rejoice at the news of the births of each other’s grandchildren. In short, we have become an extended family.” 

“I couldn’t have made it at university without the house and I barely made it at university because of the house, but the fact is, I did make it and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. So many experiences to be thankful for — brotherhood and lifelong friendships, late-night debates, music, parties. Maybe that’s why college was the best 10 years of my life.” 

“I look back on the few short years I spent at the fraternity house as some of the best years of my life. Brotherhood made getting an education a great and memorable experience for me.” 

“Although being in a social fraternity was a lot of fun, what was most valuable to me was the chance at leadership it gave me. It boosted my self-confidence and honed skills that have allowed me to have the kind of life I have now. College would’ve been an empty experience if not for the fraternity house.” 

“I support and have supported the fraternity because of the profound influence my experience there had on me and continues to have on me. The friendships I made there are among the most important in my life.” 

 “For me, the fraternity was like an extended family. We shared our lives with each other in a way that probably would not have happened otherwise. The fraternity established lifelong friendships that endure to this day (I am now 87). I feel confident that even with brothers I have not had contact with in many years, renewing any contact would be welcomed. I have been and continue to be in contact with brothers and consider these people to be among my dearest friends.” 

In 2000, Robert Putnam published his groundbreaking book “Bowling Alone,” which argued that Americans had become disconnected from the people in our lives. Over 25 years of research, he found that people belonged to fewer organizations, knew fewer neighbors, met with friends less frequently, and even socialized with family less often than previous generations.

He called it a loss of social capital. Social capital carries value: trust and cooperation, along with tangible health and happiness markers. In fact, Putnam said that participating in one group cuts your odds of dying in the next year in half.

Groups like the Sigma Chi alumni organization enjoy strong, consistent support from dedicated donors. But since COVID-19, those donors and many new ones are doubling down: giving more, getting involved as volunteers, and reaching out to fellow Sigma Chi alumni to check on their well-being.

“Social distancing has shown us how important friendship is—the strong bonds we created as fraternity brothers are coming through now that we’re so isolated,” says one alumnus. Donors are giving time and money at record levels to food banks and other relief funds for people who’ve lost their jobs.

There are also ways to assist on a local level, as one brother suggests. 

“I’m sure that young Sigma Chi members who are involved in the community, whether at school or at home, may have older people in their neighborhood. Surely before a pandemic happens they have had short visits with them. The young member could reach out to the nearby elderly with an offer to drop off needed groceries or other things they consume.”

What does this mean?

In Robert Waldinger’s TED Talk “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness,” he asks, “What keeps us healthy and happy as we go through life?”

A professor of psychiatry at Harvard, he is the fourth director of the longest-running study of adult life. Since 1938, the Harvard Study of Adult Development has been following a group of 724 men through work, home, family, and health. At the time of his TED Talk, 60 of the participants were still alive.

Over 80-plus years, some experienced meteoric success, some epic failure. Who was happiest?

“The biggest lesson we learned is that it isn’t wealth, fame or hard work that matters. Good relationships keep us healthier and happier. Period,” Waldinger says. The healthiest 80-year-olds turned out to be the ones who were most connected in their 50s. Those with good relationships had healthier bodies and clearer minds than their counterparts.

Waldinger’s findings are more relevant now than ever, several weeks into the COVID-19 shutdown. 

You’d expect that we would all feel more isolated than ever. Yet somehow, social distancing has cut through the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, making more space for authentic relationships with family, friends, and neighbors.

In the words of one brother – 

“We can make it through a pandemic such as this by being a Sigma Chi & keeping in touch with various brothers we’ve met and know. Those young & old. Maybe they’re just lonesome or depressed due to social distancing. You could provide a phone call, text, or email.”

Is staying home tough? Yes. But remember, the bonds formed in adversity are not just helping us get through this time, but they are also making our future bodies healthier, our future brains sharper, our present selves … happier.

Right now, connect. Make the call, send the text, mail the card. Reach out to old Sigma Chi friends. Reach out to people from your pledge class, your graduation year, or old roommates. When this ends and we can rally again, commit to coming back to campus and have a reunion with your brothers. Plan post-quarantine reunion dinners at your favorite Philadelphia restaurant. Giving back and connecting with others not only changes us, but it also changes the world.