Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

XICLONE PAGE 2 H aving moved to Ames as a young child, W. Jay Conover '58 always knew he would join Phi Kappa Theta someday. He remembers passing the Iowa Xi house on a family drive, when his father told him he would live there if he went to Iowa State. After all, they were Catholics and Phi Kap was a Catholic fraternity. "When I graduated from high school many years later, I threw my clothes in the back seat of my car, drove into the back parking lot of the chapter house, and knocked on the door," Jay recalled. He introduced himself as an incoming ISU student and said he was ready to move in. "I didn't realize at the time that this was not the way things worked, but the men who answered the door were very understanding, explained things to me, invited me in, and let me stay there anyway." Jay officially became a brother of Iowa Xi and lived in that house for four years before graduating and joining the Navy. Living with fraternity brothers helped Jay learn the rules of etiquette and how to succeed in college. He made many friends in the chapter house while learning about leadership and getting along with people from many diverse backgrounds. "I probably could have learned this from other places, but it was easier and more comfortable to be among young men with the same Catholic background I had." In addition to various chapter leadership stints, Jay spent a year on the Iowa State Student Council and served as a midshipman in the NROTC all four years. Following his Navy service, Jay earned graduate degrees in mathematics and statistics from Catholic University. He taught statistics at Kansas State University for 10 years before moving on to Texas Tech University; he retired last year after 50 years there as a professor of statistics. It was also at Texas Tech that Jay discovered his passion for research. His publications became highly cited worldwide, which led to his appointment as a Paul Whitfield Horn Professor—the university's highest honor. The prolific use of Jay's research even led to his selection in both Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. "The last time I checked I had over 55,000 citations to my books and papers by other researchers, which is considered a lot in my area of research." Although Jay's post-graduate life has been focused on his research and family, he looks back at his years in the chapter house with high regard and appreciation. He encourages young brothers to follow their heart— something easy to do in the quiet of a chapel or church, in the presence of the Holy Eucharist. "We are born with certain talents and are happiest if using the talents we are given," Jay added. "It often takes us years to recognize that. If you can find a job doing what you enjoy most, you will never have to work another day in your life. A good education will help you accomplish this." Jay lives in Lubbock, Texas, where he enjoys time spent with his family. You can reach him at jay.conover@ttu.edu. A Basis for a Good Life Jay Conover '58 Shares Thanks for His Fraternity Years Jay Conover '58 N amed in honor of Mike Fahning '86, the scholarship will be awarded annually to an Iowa Xi collegiate brother who, like Mike, exemplifies servant leadership. The ideal candidate inspires and helps other brothers develop themselves as servant leaders; demonstrates a healthy life balance of self-development, maintaining relationships, work, professional, and personal interests; and displays a high level of servant leadership. Mike said, "I am thoroughly humbled and honored to be involved in this scholarship program. I wouldn't be half the person I am today without my experience at the Iowa Xi house. The friendships I've developed and mentorships I've experienced have been very impactful throughout my adult life. I am truly grateful." As the first Michael "Dayton" Fahning Scholarship recipient, Austin Scoville '24 has proven to be a committed member of Iowa Xi. He served in several leadership positions, including steward, house manager (during the Greg Stein Brotherhood Weekend), and treasurer, where he stepped into a crisis situation and had to get up to speed quickly in an important role. Austin serves as an inspiration to his fellow brothers by working on his bachelor's and master's degrees, serving as a teaching assistant for an aerospace engineering class, and tutoring several undergraduate brothers in some of the more difficult math classes, all while maintaining a 3.85 GPA in aerospace engineering. Despite the demands of his academic and fraternity work, Austin has found a healthy life balance by taking an active part in several house intramural teams, working 15-20 hours a week at the campus bowling alley, and actively participating in the ISU Rocket Club. In reaction to the first award, Mike Fahning praised Austin, saying, "I couldn't have imagined a better way to kick off this scholarship fund than to have Austin Scoville be our first recipient. I was very impressed with both his academic achievements and his leadership experience." Austin Scoville '24 (left) receives the first Michael "Dayton" Fahning Scholarship award for servant leadership as a $1,000 certificate at Homecoming 2023, presented by Mike Fahning '87 (right) and Rick Ball '86 (center). Inaugural Michael "Dayton" Fahning Scholarship Awarded Iowa Xi Foundation Honors Senior Austin Scoville '24

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