Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

From left: CJ, Hannah, Jennifer, and Christopher. From left: Dr. Christopher Mote '88, Tom Mercer '89, and Leo Landis '87 at GSBW. A "tough day" at the office for Christopher! GIVE, EXPECTING NOTHING THEREOF Dr. Christopher Mote '88 Charted a New Life Path through the Guidance of Fraternity Brothers PAGE 5 ΦΚΘ ΦΚΘ F raternity brothers play many different roles in the life of a chapter member. They lead, help relieve stress, and create unique experiences for a brotherhood. In 1984, Dr. Christopher Mote '88 received a call from Recruitment Chairman Kurt Moody '85 inviting him to a party that led to his joining Phi Kappa Theta. Chris' mentality within the brotherhood needed work at first. "It made for a rocky start," he said. "My pledge dad, Michael McClellan '88, pulled me aside one day and asked me the fraternity motto. After I answered, 'Give, expecting nothing thereof,' he said, 'That's good, except that you seem to live as if it's: Give, expecting something thereof.'" Taking leadership responsibilities, Chris served as house steward and later external vice president. These roles called for integrity and consistency, which Chris valued for his development as a young adult. He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing, which led to a short career in sales, but Chris ultimately returned to school for medicine at 29. Through a period of ups and downs, God led Chris to an eventual career as a family physician in Denver, Colorado. He and his wife, Jennifer, moved from Chicago with their two children and now own and operate Cornerstone Health Community, a clinic specializing in functional medicine and primary care. "Marriage, parenthood, career changes, cross-country moves, starting a business, and caring for patients … God has used each of them to shape me and the trajectory of my life," Chris said. "Each of them leading me deeper into a life of service to others." Phi Kappa Theta drastically impacted the trajectory of Chris' life, and he recalls memories such as going down to the president's room to hang out with Brian Johnson '88 and Jerry Carpenter '88. Chris remembers the intensity that Tom Mercer '89 brought to everything he did, working and playing with remarkable loyalty and laughter. Chris Martin '87 could make an equally cogent argument during a chapter meeting or at the bar, and Chris remembers this brother always having a smile on his face. Jamie "Moose" Robinson '91 always resonated fun and generosity, and many other brothers had similarly positive impacts during Chris' active years. During Greg Stein Brotherhood Weekend, Chris was reminded of the dedication to service of Brother Greg Stein '72 and his work for others in the name of God. The brotherhood vastly changed Chris' relationship with God, and he cherishes the notion of how committed brothers are to their faith. "The fruit of their lives is evidence of their faithfulness," Chris said. Though Chris regrets not nurturing his fraternal relationships much over the past few decades, Greg Stein Brotherhood Weekend rekindled his loyalty to the fraternity. "I'm excited to reconnect and recommit to the fraternity and our scattered community, and to give, expecting nothing thereof." You can connect with Chris and share your favorite fraternity memories at cmotedo@gmail.com.

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