Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

PAGE 3 FKQ A s someone who has a passion for metalworking and woodworking, Todd Senne '90 enjoys figuring out how parts best fit together. The builder mindset he gained during his collegiate years makes him proud to be a part of a great ongoing project in Ames. When Todd went through fraternity recruitment, it didn't take him long to realize that the place he best fit in at was the Iowa Xi Chapter of Phi Kappa Theta. "It just felt like I belonged there. It was a good feeling," Todd said. "The guys were like minded. I just felt at home when I went through the recruitment process." Todd was still determining his major when he joined Iowa Xi, but decided to focus on advertising after talking to Brian Johnson '88 about the classes he was enrolled in. Fast forward nearly 30 years later, and Todd is the president and owner of Trilix, a privately-held marketing and advertising agency based in Des Moines. Just as Todd reached out to Brian for advice about advertising, he encourages the Iowa Xi undergraduates to utilize the chapter's alumni base while they're determining their future careers. "I would say almost all my best friends are Phi Kaps that live here in Des Moines. We still see each other and tailgate together. We've been friends for 30-plus years. That's still my closest circle." A Sense of Belonging Todd Senne '90 Feels at Home Around Phi Kap Brothers Iowa Xi Initiates Centennial History Project O n February 15, 1924, the men of the Amician Club of Iowa State College received their charter to become the Iowa Xi Chapter of Phi Kappa Theta. At the time the chapter was founded, membership was restricted to Roman Catholics. It was not out of exclusivity, but rather the discrimination the men faced through the anti- immigrant and nativist sentiments that were pervasive in the United States. In an effort to document the history of these founders and their legacy as the club became Phi Kappa Theta, an Iowa Xi centennial history team was organized. The goal is to compile and publish a history of the chapter. The Iowa Xi history team is co-led by Leo Landis '87 and Greg Stolp '84 with alumni members Cole Knutson '18, Robbie Bonus '17, Chris Martin '87, and Mike Murphy '81, and undergraduates Griffinn Kluth '22 and John Scheffler '21. One of the team's first efforts is surveying alumni to ensure significant stories and events are chronicled. Whether it be men who recall the merger of Phi Kappa and Theta Kappa Phi or the real story of the "hole," we will be researching the consequential and common stories of Iowa Xi. You can assist us by completing a Google form that briefly details your memories of Iowa Xi. It'll take less than 10 minutes to complete. Team members will follow up with you to get more background as necessary. Complete the survey by visiting tinyurl.com/IowaXiSurvey. To keep you posted on progress and share stories that we compile, we've created an Iowa Xi Centennial Facebook page. We'll share newspaper articles from the past, research from the ISU Bombs, and material from The Temple. Follow our work at "Iowa XI-Phi Kappa Theta 100." We are excited to share these stories with alumni. We know it will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and remind us of the importance of love, community, and faith. Fraternally, Leo Landis '87 • leoelandis@gmail.com "Don't be shy about using your network. It's just easier to have a common connection with getting into your first career. And don't be shy about using your connections when applying for jobs or getting referrals. One of the benefits of being in a fraternity is that legacy. You can rely on the older guys." From going to Iowa State games to regularly attending the Iowa Xi golf outing, Todd spends a lot of his free time with his Phi Kap brothers. "I would say almost all my best friends are Phi Kaps that live here in Des Moines. We still see each other and tailgate together," Todd said. "We've been friends for 30-plus years. That's still my closest circle." Todd has four children, the oldest of which ended up being a Phi Kap little sister. The principles Todd learned as a Phi Kap came in handy as he was building a family. "Iowa Xi helped me become who I am and I wouldn't be where I am without it," he said. "I would highly recommend anybody joining the house. It's a really positive thing." You can connect with Todd at tsenne@ trilixgroup.com.

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