Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

PAGE 3 FKQ P hi Kappa Theta provided a platform for Jim Lynxwiler '81 to hone his leadership skills and taught him how to work effectively with others during his college days at Iowa State. Jim cherished his Iowa Xi experience and has made Phi Kappa Theta's motto of "Give, expecting nothing thereof" his lifelong objective ever since graduating from ISU. "Through living and working together, we developed deep camaraderie, a place of belonging, and sense of family that stays with me today," Jim said. "The fond memories of this time still fortify me and I treasure the lifelong connections I've maintained with many brothers." Jim was thankful for the opportunity to serve as Iowa Xi's vice president. He learned how to multi-task, establish priorities, and balance house responsibilities while pursuing academic studies. That valuable skill set has paid dividends for Jim during his career in emergency services. He feels honored to give, expecting nothing thereof as a firefighter, EMT, and emergency services professional. After graduating from ISU, Jim moved to Colorado and traveled across the western states as a wildland firefighter and crew boss for a 20-person hand crew. He then served as an Emergency Services Specialist with the Larimer County Sheriff's Department and as president of the local dive team with Dive Rescue International before moving into his current role as an EMT/Firefighter for Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins. "I'm energized by the physical and dynamic nature of the profession, as well as the challenge of problem solving and critical decision-making under stress and in emergency situations," Jim said. "Most importantly, I value serving my community and trying to make things better for someone who is having the worst day of their life." Along with Jim's passions of the outdoors and the community, many brothers from his era also know of his love for the arts. He enjoys creating art in various mediums, including photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and graphic design. "Over the years, I've received several regional and national awards for both 2D and 3D work, but I've focused most of my time in recent years creating art for public outdoor spaces," Jim said. "I've installed sculptures in several cities around Colorado. I just installed several From the Fraternity House to the Fire House Jim Lynxwiler '81 Credits Iowa Xi for His Successful Career in Emergency Services pieces at an animal shelter in Adams County and I'm working on a sculpture for the City of Greeley." Living in Colorado has made it difficult for Jim to return to Ames and the Iowa Xi Chapter house, but his connections to Phi Kappa Theta remain strong. Jim has kept in touch with his Iowa Xi brothers and serves as an alumni chapter advisor for the Phi Kappa Theta chapter at Colorado State University. "Building lifelong connections is the greatest gift I received from Phi Kappa Theta and I feel privileged to have maintained close ties to many brothers through the years," Jim said. "More recently, I've greatly enjoyed reconnecting with the chapter and brothers through monthly Zoom meetings initiated by Greg Stolp '84." Jim has enjoyed sharing his many passions with his wife, Shelley, and 15-year-old daughter, Logan. You can connect with Jim at lynxwiler@hotmail.com. days and no internet for a week. There was also a mess of branches and leaves in our parking lot. The derecho put a halt on recruitment so we could clean up the debris. As we push forward through the pandemic, the men of Iowa Xi are persistent in our efforts to excel in all areas. We are dedicated to monitoring our health and safety, while also diligently attempting to make Iowa Xi as great as it can be. We are always open to ideas and support from alumni to add to Iowa Xi's great legacy. Fraternally, Jake Stratton '22 Chapter President jhs2@iastate.edu Make checks payable to: Ames Phi Kappa Building Corporation (no tax deduction) Phi Kappa Theta Foundation (tax deductible) We will make sure it gets deposited to Iowa Xi's account. Mail your check to: Ames Phi Kappa Building Company P.O. Box 393 Ames, IA 50010 Donate Online To donate online directly to the Iowa Xi Concannon Fund fund at Phi Kappa Theta Foundation, visit www.phikaps.org/fdisu. To make a general contribution to Phi Kappa Theta Foundation, visit www.phikaps.org/give. If you click on Give Now, your donation will go to the Foundation. If you scroll down the page and click on Iowa State, your donation will go to Iowa Xi. We encourage making dona- tions to both! Remember Iowa Xi during the Season of Gift Giving or

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