Phi Kappa Psi - University of Iowa

the hawKeye page 2 "My time being engaged at Phi Psi as well as in the Greek community at Iowa helped form a base of experience that gives me confidence today in the leadership space," he said. Reflecting on his time at Oracle Cerner and the many adversities, he shares that he hopes people have started viewing healthcare systems and workers differently; while lives have changed over the past few years and people transitioned to remote work, healthcare workers persevered. "Like a soldier in a far-off land, our healthcare workers put on their boots and went to work each day in an environment they didn't understand any better than most of us," Phil said. In his free time, Phil enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, his children, Connor (11) and Katelyn (14), and their pandemic puppy, Joy, a cocker spaniel. Phil also loves coaching baseball, playing golf, and riding Harleys. He can be reached at phil.brown.kc@gmail.com. P hi Kappa Psi taught Todd Gengerke '98 that, if anything is to get done, someone needs to step up and take initiative. His career as an emergency physician throughout COVID-19 is no different. With so many experiencing stress, isolation, and uncertainty in their lives, it remained important for people in healthcare to work together. "There was work to be done expanding treatment capability and improving care delivery in a safe manner for the patient and for our staff, and we had to step up and get the work done," he said. Todd enjoys his job, which has allowed him to help others of all backgrounds in a time of need, and it brings him happiness to think he has made a positive impact in people's lives. While he embraces his career, it has also brought him increased sadness and, at times, frustration during COVID-19. "I had the hardest time taking care of sick patients, putting patients on breathing machines, or even witnessing the death of patients at our hospital. While incredibly challenging individually, the difficulty of those experiences was compounded when going home to neighbors and friends who didn't always believe it was real," he said. While Todd and many other healthcare workers have put in the effort to ensure the safety of others, he wants to remind people that COVID-19 and its effect on the wellbeing are not over. He has noticed an uptick in adolescent suicidality and depression as students arrive back to school, patients without jobs who haven't been able to access their medication due to lack of insurance, along with others. It's in these times that I'm reminded of our Creed; "to give aid and sympathy" to others. Reaching out and checking on each other makes a huge difference, and event could save a life." In his free time, Todd enjoys golfing, fishing, and traveling. He also embraces the humbling experience of fatherhood and its challenges. To reconnect with Todd, you can email him at todd.r.gengerke@gmail.com. Serving Others During Hard Times "I am hopeful that the pandemic highlighted how important in-person social interaction is to our overall health and hope we will see lifestyle changes to better accomplish this." –Todd (Continued from page 1) CHAPTER ETERNAL John B. Weaver, O.D. '42 entered Chapter Eternal on May 25, 2021, in Omaha, Neb. John graduated from Shenandoah High School, the University of Iowa, and the Chicago School of Optometry. During WWII, John served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, flying B-24 bombers in the European Theater. Upon returning from the war, John married Carole Lea Krachel, and they had three sons: James, John Otis, and Joseph. John and Carole returned to Shenandoah and established his practice, where he served patients in Southwest Iowa until his retirement. He served on several community boards during his lifetime and was still active on the Jay Trust until his passing. John's passions for golfing, hunting, and his hunting dogs were well known. Scoring his age at 90 on the Shenandoah Golf Course was a proud moment. Ted A. Gibson '43 entered Chapter Eternal on January 14, 2020, at age 95. He had resided in Anaheim, Calif. Paul F. McClain '47 entered Chapter Eternal on July 1, 2021, in Centerville, Ohio. His wife, Mary, wrote: "Paul enlisted in the Navy at 17 and completed one semester of college as an Iowa Alphan Phi Psi pledge before being called to duty. When World War II ended and his service was completed, he returned to Iowa City and graduated in 1950. Most of his career was spent in Dayton, Ohio, doing marketing and sales promotion for the Mead Corporation." Wayne J. Barnes '53 entered Chapter Eternal on May 24, 2020. He served in the Navy in Key West, Fla., for two years as a dentist. In 1960, he and his wife, Joyce, whom he met as a student at the University of Iowa, moved to Sioux City, where Wayne began his private dental practice. He was a natural leader, both as a member and president in state and national dental association groups. He was also active with the University of Iowa Foundation and Dental School. After practicing in Sioux City for 47 years, he retired in 2007 to a life of a different type of service. He served nine years on the Mercy Medical Center's board (two years as president), and volunteered in the waiting room of the ICU, making families comfortable. He also served on the boards of Holy Spirit Retirement Home and June E. Nylen Cancer Center. With his kind and compassionate nature, he was an exemplary volunteer. James H. McClain '46 entered Chapter Eternal on October 10, 2021. After graduating in 1948, Jim entered the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Air Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation, and an ETO Service Metal with five Battle Stars. Jim was named a Golden Eagle by the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, ALUMNI UPDATES Fraternity- and sorority-affiliated students report higher positive mental health scores and lower levels of depression and anxiety than unaffiliated students. (Biddix, Assalone, and Grace 2020) Did you know? (Continued on page 3)

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