Delta Chi - Kansas State University

DELTA CHI page 2 THE BEGINNING OF A LIFELONG JOURNEY For Jan Rayl '70, joining Delta Chi at Kansas State University in the late 1960s was a decision that shaped his college experience and lifelong friendships. During recruitment, he was pursued by multiple fraternities, but the choice quickly became clear. "After the first day, it was an easy decision to pledge Delta Chi," he recalled. "They were genuine and unique." At the time, Delta Chi was still establishing itself at K-State. "We were the first generation on campus," Jan explained. With about 45 members, the smaller size of the chapter fostered strong bonds. He fondly remembers competing in inter-fraternity athletics and serving as parliamentarian. However, what mattered most were the relationships. "I continue to count many of my lifelong best friends among my fraternity brothers from those years at K-State." A CAREER IN SERVICE After college, Jan attended physical therapy school at the Mayo Clinic, which led to three years of active duty as a Navy physical therapist. He then transitioned into a successful career in healthcare, working at a major teaching and research hospital in Kansas City. In the final years of his career, he returned to Manhattan, Kansas, to work in a rural healthcare system before retiring in Shawnee with his wife, Judy, who he met at Delta Chi's "Hour Dance" during her first week on campus. A FAMILY TRADITION Seeing his grandson, Calen Domingues '28, follow in his footsteps was a deeply meaningful moment. "I could not be more pleased and prouder of the young man he has become," Jan shared. "I don't have words for how it feels to know the fraternity that I have loved all my life is a major part of his growth and development." For Calen, joining Delta Chi at Kansas State University wasn't something he had planned. However, everything changed when Nick Harlin '26 reached out during the spring of his senior year. Initially, he wasn't sure if he wanted to pursue it—until he remembered something important. "The only reason I gave it a chance was because I remembered my grandad was a Delta Chi." He has loved everything about his experience so far. He currently works for K-State Athletics creating content for their video boards and social media accounts. SHARED BONDS ACROSS GENERATIONS Being part of the same fraternity as his grandfather has created a special bond between them. "Being almost 60 years apart in age and being able to still share something so special means a lot and draws our family even closer than we already were," Calen said. THE ENDURING IMPACT OF DELTA CHI Calen wants alumni from his grandfather's era to know that the values and traditions they held dear are still alive and well and that Delta Chi has profoundly impacted his college experience so far. "It made my transition a lot easier," he shared. "And more importantly, I have made friendships with my brothers that I know will last a lifetime." Carrying the Torch One Grandfather and Grandson's Fraternal Connection Now (Above) A younger Jan and Calen share a meal at Fritz's in Crown Center. (Left) The duo enjoyed Christmas 2024 together with family. Major: Biological science (Pre-physical therapy) Favorite memory: Meeting the love of my life at a Delta Chi function Favorite place to study: My private room in the chapter house Favorite restaurant in Manhattan: Hibachi Hut Jan Rayl '70 Major: News and sports media Favorite memory: Alpha Delta class initiation Favorite place to study: Cornerstone in Wefald Favorite restaurant in Manhattan: Mi Tierra Calen Domingues '28 en "My grandad and I are happy to be sharing traditions almost 60 years after he was an active." –Calen '28 "I know my grandson will look back on his years with Delta Chi as the best time of his life." –Jan '70

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