Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

This scholarship serves to honor and celebrate those brothers who make the world a better place through their characters and lives of service. Please consider contributing to these efforts. More information on how to contribute can be found at: michael-dayton-fahning-scholarship-fund-cv-312.causevox.com Michael "Dayton" Fahning Still Sets the Bar T his year, the Phi Kappa Theta Iowa Xi Foundation formally established a scholarship in honor of Michael "Dayton" Fahning '86 to honor an Iowa Xi collegiate brother who exemplifies service to society, fraternity, and God; inspires and helps other brothers develop themselves into servant leaders; and demonstrates a healthy life balance. Having lived in the chapter house during the same years he did, I can tell you Dayton showed these characteristics as an undergraduate and later in life. I am honored to have been associated with the establishment of this scholarship, and I encourage you to consider supporting it. Dayton joined Iowa Xi during my sophomore year in 1984. In many ways, he was my foil. He was a very outgoing social chairman while I was a little quieter scholarship chairman. Mike liked fast cars, but I preferred a bicycle. He studied business while I studied engineering. What we had in common, however, was a love of the fraternity and a belief that Phi Kappa Theta brought out the best in its young men. As we started our adult lives and moved away, we maintained our fast friendship. I lived in California and then Indiana; Mike moved to Minneapolis. Despite the distance separating us, we attended many Phi Kap weddings, enjoyed golf outings in Ames (many of which Mike organized), and celebrated the birth of children and other life milestones. Many of my best friends are guys from this era. When Mike turned 38, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The news hit me like a gut punch. He was so young and so happy. How could something like this happen? Over the last two decades, I have watched Mike battle this terrible disease with grace, wit, and courage. Every time I see him, he is smiling, happy, and full of life. Parkinson's has altered what Mike can do, but it did not change who he is. Mike is still a servant leader in his many roles in organizations that are involved with Parkinson's. When walking became difficult, Mike started riding his bike. He "peddles for Parkinson's" to raise funds and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He continues to be engaged in the fraternity and is an exceptional father and friend. Mike is an inspiration to me, and I can think of no better role model for our fraternity brothers— undergraduates and alumni—than Mike. That is why I am so eager to support this new scholarship, and I hope everyone will consider contributing something to it. The world can use a lot more people like Michael "Dayton" Fahning. Fraternally, Ed Maginn '87 Michael "Dayton" Fahning '86 "peddling for Parkinson's." XICLONE PAGE 4 Parkinson's has altered what Mike can do, but it did not change who he is.

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