Delta Chi - Kansas State University

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY page 3 A Delta Chi Family Jon Smajda '02 and Aidan Smajda '24 Share Their Experience of Being Relatives and Delta Chi Brothers E ven though Aidan Smajda '24 and his uncle, Jon Smajda '02, joined Delta Chi nearly two decades apart, both had similar experiences and gained valuable life skills. For both, joining Delta Chi was an easy choice after immediately realizing it was a perfect fit. "When I heard that Aidan picked Delta Chi, I asked him why; it was really cool to hear him basically give me the same reasons I had for choosing Delta Chi a few decades back!" Jon shared. "The fraternity has been through a lot of transitions since my time, but it's great to see that it has maintained a consistent identity." A large part of any fraternity is the friendships and bonds that are built. Jon and Aidan agree that Delta Chi has given them close friendships that they cherish to this day. During Aidan's first year at Delta Chi, he enjoyed going to events and making many new friends. His favorite memories include the Spring Formal and the Alpha Chi cookout philanthropy event, which he helped plan. "Delta Chi has had such a significant impact on my college experience," Aidan said. "My closest friends and roommates are in the chapter, and these are guys that I know will always be there for me, even after our time in college." Jon still keeps up with his brothers, such as Cory Lafferty '02, who took him and then- prospective member Rich Smith '02 out to lunch during recruitment in 1999. The three of them just ran a half-marathon this last month (October) in Colorado. As an active member and newly-elected recruitment chairman, Aidan is appreciative of the new chapter house on Moro, a central place that is truly big enough for brothers to gather and hang out. "I want alumni to know that we are a very close group that cares for one another." Aidan said. From an alumni perspective, Jon is optimistic about the future of Delta Chi at K-State after meeting many actives and realizing how strong the chapter is. "From talking to Aidan and attending an alumni event this summer, I'm really encouraged to see a talented group of young men keeping the spirit of Delta Chi alive now as we knew it then," Jon said." I mean, they're also improving—it sounds like they get better grades than we did for one thing! The new Moro house sounds amazing, and I can't wait to see it in person." Jon and Aidan's own relationship—being family and fraternity brothers—has given them an extra special connection. "Being brothers allowed Jon and I to become more comfortable sharing stories," Aidan said. "Plus, I got to learn how the fraternity was in the early 2000s, which is when I was born!" Aidan is enjoying his time at K-State majoring in kinesiology while Jon has moved to back to Kansas after attending graduate school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jon is a software developer and has three kids: a 14-year-old and twin 7-year-olds. You can connect with Aidan at aidansmajda@ gmail.com and Jon at jon@smajda.com Jon Smajda '02 and Aidan Smajda '24 at the alumni happy hour this summer. The Smajda Family. Jon: Political Science Aidan: Kine- siology What is/ was your major: Jon: Little Apple Brewery Aidan: Tap House or Vista Burger Best restaurant in Manhattan: Jon: The stacks in the old part of the library. Hope that's still there! Aidan: My deck at 801 Moro St. Go-to place to study: Jon: Earthball Aidan: Cookout with the Chis Favorite Delta Chi event:

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