Alumni News Blog shares Lambda related breaking-news to our fellow brothers in a clean, simple, consistent format that’s automatically archived and available for future retrieval. A brother can subscribe to the blog using any email and receive the latest fraternal news.
Please submit Alumni news, wedding pictures, births, old photos, new jobs & Alumni Chapter events to the National Director of Alumni Affairs Jeffrey Diaz at the following email: jeffrey.diaz@lambda1975.org
Monday, December 18, 2006
Save the Date: 2007 Conference - San Juan, Puerto Rico June 7 – 10
The National Executive Board is excited to announce that the 2007 Conference will be hosted on the enchanted island of San Juan, Puerto Rico June 7 – 10. Many of the plans are being finalized and will be available shortly. Please start making plans and schedule arrangements to attend. We will be staying at the beautiful Holiday Inn San Juan Hotel http://www.hisanjuan.com/, just 3 miles from the San Juan Airport.
We highly encourage undergraduate brothers to start inquiring about University/SGAs sponsorship for brothers attending the conference. In addition, sectors/chapters should also plan fundraisers to off set the cost, as all undergrads should attend.
Tentative Summarized Agenda:
Thursday, June 7th
Alumni Golf & Exploring the Island
Registration
Welcoming Reception
Friday, June 8th
Workshops & Presentations
Island Excursion
Saturday, June 9th
Workshop & Presentation
Beach Bathing
*Awards Dinner/Banquet
Sunday, June 10th
Exploring the Island
On behalf of the National Executive Board, we look forward to seeing you June 2007 in Puerto Rico.
Fraternally,
Anthony J. Pérez
National Director of Communications
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Email: mailto:Anthony.Perez@Lambda1975.org
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Lambda Quest Newsletter Available Online
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Lambda Theta Phi Foundation Awards
On December 2, 2006 Lambda Theta Phi Foundation presented awards to the following brothers at the Lambda Theta Phi 31st National Banquet in Garfield, New Jersey.
The following two brothers were awarded Leadership Scholarship awards of $500.00 each:
Jimmy A. Latorre
Attending: Stevens Institute of Technology - Zeta Chapter
Major: Computer Engineering
Carlos E. Hurtado
Attending: California Polytechnic State Univ. - San Luis Obispo - Alpha Omega Chapter
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Jose Acosta of Montclair State University received a special scholarship award for his outstanding work in organizing the voter registration and absentee voter project in the Tri-State area. Awarded $500.00
A special educational fund was also created for the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Chapter at Montclair University for being the #1 chapter in voter registration project. Awarded $2,000.00.
I again I wish to thank all those who worked so hard to make this a great year for Latin Greeks around the country.
Agustin "Gus" Garcia, National Chairman
Lambda Theta Phi Foundation
Penthouse2850 Douglas RoadCoral Gables, Fl. 33134
Tel. 305-859-7741
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Lambda Theta Phi Celebrates 31 Year Anniversary
There were approximately 200 guests in attendance including, National Board of Directors, regional officers, alumni and undergraduate members, representing various professions and academic pursuits, along with family and friends to celebrate and reflect on the many accomplishments of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity. The banquet was hosted by Brother Victor Carbonell. The evening was enjoyed with a live band, dinner, dancing, tradition, US Senate Proclamation, and awards presentation. The National Board would like to recognize the 2006 award winners:
Colony of the Year:
Western Illinois University
Alumni Brother of the Year:
Julio Marenco – Kappa Chapter
Alumni Mentor of the Year:
Roberto Gutierrez – Alpha Chapter
Alumni Chapter of the Year:
Lambda Alpha – NY
Academic Brother of the Year:
Gerardo Alcazar – Houston Colony
Sector of the Year:
California Sector 3
Undergraduate Brother of the Year:
Edgardo Hernandez – Phi
Undergraduate Chapter of the Year:
Alpha Eta Chapter – University of Texas
In addition to the Banquet, the National Board of Directors in conjunction with Alpha Chapter, Lambda Gamma - NJ Alumni Chapter and the three New Jersey Sectors facilitated a weekend of workshops, candle vigil, breakfast, dinner, and state-wide interest meeting. A special thank you to the Brothers who participated especially, the Brothers of Alpha Chapter, Fraternal Father Jose Quiles, Founding Fathers Agustin “Gus” Garcia and Enrique Garcia, Past National Board Presidents Jorge Diaz and Reinaldo Cortez, Epsilon Chapter Founding Brother Jeff Diaz, and Luis Miranda. Also thanks to Brothers Carlos Mesa, Francisco Lugo, and everyone else who helped to make this weekend a success.
The Quest 2nd edition newsletter and banquet program that were distributed at the banquet can be downloaded from the National website.
As we look towards next year, we are excited to announce the next National event will be the Brotherhood Conference & Awards Dinner in San Juan, Puerto Rico June 2007.
Fraternally,
Anthony J. Pérez
National Director of Communications
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Anthony.Perez@ lambda1975. org
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
On behalf of the National Executive Board, we wish you and your family a joyful and the bountiful blessings of the season. As we enjoy the company of friends and family over a sumptuous meal and warm camaraderie, let us remember all the young men and women who serve in peril to guard and protect our freedom. Have a happy and safe holiday, and look forward to seeing you at the 2006 National Banquet.
Fraternally,
National Executive Board
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Website: http://Lambda1975. org
Consider the following facts . . . then count your blessings: (Author: Anonymous)
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep . . . you are richer than 75% of people in this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace . . . you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness . . . you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation . . . you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church or other places of worship without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death . . . you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful . . . you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
31st Annual Banquet: LIMITED TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
LIMITED TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE $85 & ARE GOING FAST!
Purchase your tickets today: http://www.lambda1975.org/banquetpayment.htm
See you at the 31st National Awards Banquet.
HOTEL/AIRPORT INFORMATION visit http://www.lambda1975.org/
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, December 1st
Kean UniversityCandle ceremony @ 7pm
Dinner for all brothers
Guest Speaker Fraternal Father Jose Quiles, followed by a video presentation by Fraternal Father Cayetano Socarras. Introduction of the Jose Quiles Scholarship
Saturday, December 2nd
Breakfast for all brothers @ 9:30am
History Workshop presented by Special Guests
Lunch @ 12pm
NJ Statewide Interest Meeting 1pm
Banquet
Cocktail Hour 7pm
Reception 8pm
On behalf of the National Executive Board, we look forward to an exciting event and celebrating 31 years of rich history. Hope to see you there!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Lambda News Blog 2.0
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
National 31st Annual Awards Banquet is approaching fast. Be apart of Lambda History.
The National Executive Board decided to extend the current ticket price of $75 to November 15th. ONLY 1 MORE DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS AT $75, afterwards $85. Sale ends 11/15/2006.
Purchase your tickets today: http://www.lambda1975.org/banquetpayment.htm
See you at the 31st National Awards Banquet.
HOTEL/AIRPORT INFORMATION visit http://www.lambda1975.org/
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, December 1st
*Kean University Candle Ceremony @ 7pm
*Dinner for all brothers, Guest Speaker Fraternal Father Jose Quiles, followed by a video presentation by Fraternal Father Cayetano Socarras.
*Introduction of the Jose Quiles Scholarship
Saturday, December 2nd
*Breakfast for all brothers @ 9:30am
*History Workshop presented by Special Guests
*Lunch @ 12pm
*NJ Statewide Interest Meeting 1pm
*Banquet
*Cocktail Hour 7pm
*Reception 8pm
Fraternally,
Anthony J. Pérez, National Director of Communications
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Article: In going Greek, Hispanic students embrace their roots
Clad in shirts that displayed their fraternity letters, the young men filed into an empty classroom to assemble boxes for their annual clothing drive.
As other frat brothers arrived, the men greeted them with a hearty embrace and their secret handshake.
But this wasn't just another fraternity at Montclair State University. It was la fraternidad Lambda Theta Phi, one of dozens of Hispanic Greek organizations in the country.
As the number of Hispanics in higher education has risen over the years, so has the number of students who turn to an age-old college staple -- fraternities and sororities -- but ones that embrace their ethnic roots.
"I looked at the different organizations on campus," said Johnathan Gaugler, a Paterson resident who attends Montclair State University. "I wasn't interested in joining a Greek organization that was mostly social -- a lot of parties, drinking. I liked Lambda Theta Phi because it focused on culture and academics. I felt like I could relate to them more."
The membership numbers of many Hispanic fraternities and sororities are minuscule compared with mainstream Greek organizations. The Hispanic fraternities claim as few as 30 students. Many have only a handful of members at any one time; every now and then, some have even had only one member, if that.
A few reasons are that college attendance rates among Hispanics are low, many Hispanics commute to college from home -- not leaving much opportunity for participating in campus activities -- and Hispanic Greek groups often lack the resources of mainstream organizations.
But their individual membership numbers belie the growth that Hispanic fraternal organizations have seen in just the last decade. More than 30,000 people are members of Hispanic fraternities and sororities, triple the number of the early 1990s, according to the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.
Gus Garcia, a founding member of Lambda Theta Phi, the nation's first recognized Hispanic fraternity, recalled how daring it actually was to start the organization at Kean College in 1975.
"The guys would play dominoes, and people would look strangely at us," said Garcia, today a successful businessman in Florida. "There was a lot of tension between blacks and whites at the time at the college, and white fraternity members would ask the lighter-skinned Hispanics what side they were on, and African-Americans asked the darker-skinned Hispanics what side they were on.
"I would just answer, 'We're on our side.' "
But in essence, Garcia said, Hispanics really had few fraternity and sorority choices.
"Some joined black fraternities, " he said, "White fraternities weren't really after us; they weren't making any real effort to include us, to recruit us. So Latin students just sat there, without being Greek."
The birth of Lambda Theta Phi, Garcia said, "was a rejection of a 90-year-old Greek structure that was black and white, but didn't have room for others."
'I felt out of place'
Many Hispanic Greeks credit their organizations with making a difference in their decision to attend college.
Alex Lopez, a sophomore from Passaic who is majoring in athletic training, remembers sitting in a classroom at Montclair State and -- for the first time ever -- finding he was the only minority.
"I felt weird being around all white people," Lopez said. "I felt out of place. I grew up around minorities, went to school with them, I never felt different."
That feeling of alienation is one of the factors, experts say, in the low numbers of Hispanics who attend -- and stay in -- college. A 2004 study by the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington, D.C., found that Hispanic undergraduates are half as likely as white undergraduates to attain a bachelor's degree.
"I can honestly say that I wouldn't have stayed in college if I hadn't joined a Hispanic fraternity," said Jose Acosta, a Montclair State alumnus, recalling the racism he felt at Rowan University when he first arrived at the college. "I felt culture shock. The fraternity taught me social responsibility, how to run an organization, the importance of changing my priorities, of giving back to the community that raised you. It made me stronger."
Many Hispanic Greek organizations take an almost parental role in seeing that their members do well academically and learn to navigate the college system.
In fact, unlike most other Greek organizations, some Hispanic fraternities and sororities do not admit members just beginning their freshman year out of concern that it is an overwhelming time in a college student's life -- one with enough new distractions already.
"A lot of us are the first in our families to go to college," Lopez said. "So it helps to have older brothers, like alumni, talk to us about how to succeed here and make it all the way through college and graduate."
That said, Hispanic fraternities and sororities are not for every Hispanic student.
While Johnathan Gaugler is immersed in his fraternity and its cultural feel, his twin brother, Anthony, said he is perfectly comfortable at a more rural, predominantly white campus in Connecticut.
"I am proud of my heritage," said Anthony Gaugler, who is majoring in psychology. "I speak the language, I like the music, I'm a Latino at heart."
"But I don't approve of labels, of being put in a category because you're this or that group," Gaugler said. "I like being with people who are different from me because I feel an obligation to educate those who are familiar with my culture, so they don't go on perpetuating the same beliefs."
By ELIZABETH LLORENTE
STAFF WRITER
Monday, November 13, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Alleged 'vigilantes' target Latino voters in Tucson
Yvonne Wingett
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 7, 2006 06:09 PM
Latino voters casting ballots at a south Tucson church on Tuesday were approached by "vigilantes," said the national Hispanic advocacy group, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Diego Bernal (Founding Brother-Alpha Omicron Chapter-Univ. of Michigan), a staff attorney with the organization, was with volunteers at the 49th precinct polling place to answer voters' questions about identity requirements. Reached by cell phone, Bernal said he witnessed three men stop only Latino voters as they entered and exited the polls. Voters were approached by one man carrying a camcorder, one holding a clipboard, and one a holstered gun.
"As one man was going up to the voter with the clipboard, another man was videotaping the interaction,"Bernal said. "At the same time, the third man was walking around with a gun on his waist. They were being provocative. They would have conversations with each other, where they were using mock Spanish accents. It was upsetting."
Tucsonan Russell Dove, an anti-illegal immigration advocate, acknowledged that he and two others were at the 49th precinct. He said he was asking voters to sign a petition to protest that election material is printed in Spanish. The two men that accompanied him were there to record his interactions with people "because there's always a potential for a fight wherever I go." Dove is the editor of the online periodical, "Truth in Action,".
Dove is a vocal activist. In April, he burned a Mexican flag in front of the Mexican Consulate to protest illegal immigration.
Dove, 50, said he went to six or seven precincts in search of signatures. He said he did not intimidate anyone.
"I was taking photos of all voters of all precincts," he said. "Why? Because I can, and because they were there. All the pictures will be compiled and run against a database, and if we find anyone who is illegal, we will do everything within our lawful right to find and expose them."
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Menéndez Wins the New Jersey Senate Race
Robert Menéndez, who joined the fraternity in 1985, began his political career in Union City , NJ , as mayor and state legislator before going to Congress. Brother Menéndez served in New Jersey 's 13th Congressional District, a post he held for more than 10 years. He served, as the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, was the 3rd-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House, and the highest ranking Latino in Congressional history. Menéndez served in Congress from January 3, 1993, to January 17, 2006, when he resigned to become a U.S. Senator; appointed to the United States Senate to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Jon S. Corzine, and took the oath of office on January 18, 2006. Since his Union City days, Menéndez has enjoyed the enthusiastic support Lambda Theta Phi brothers and, as he noted during the Fraternity's 2005 National Awards Banquet, remains committed to supporting the Fraternity and its mission.
Although Lambda Theta Phi is a nonpartisan organization, it has a rich history of political activism and encourages its brothers to participate in the political process to the fullest. The members of Lambda Theta Phi wish Brother Robert Menéndez much success in the Senate.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Lambda Theta Phi, 31st Anniversary Banquet
Lambda Theta Phi, the country’s oldest and nationwide Latino fraternity, has finalized its plans to celebrate its 31st anniversary on Saturday, December 2nd, 2006, Milian's Banquet Hall in Garfield, New Jersey.
The organization’s National Board of Directors, regional officers, alumni and undergraduate members, representing various professions and academic pursuits, along with family and friends will be present to both celebrate and reflect on the many accomplishments of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity. There will be attendees from many regions of the nation including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Location: Milan's Banquets
33 Passaic Street, Garfield, New Jersey
http://www.milanbanquet.com/
Time: 7:00pm - 12:00am
Price: $65 until October 2nd, 2006
$75 from October 3rd -November 10th, 2006
$85 from November 11th-28th, 2006
Payment: Lambda Theta Phi-Banquet Payment Center
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Lambda Theta Phi Foundation Sponsors Latino Voter Project
For immediate release
November 3, 2006
1-877-FND-1975
Lambda Theta Phi Foundation Sponsors Latino Voter Project
Miami, FL – Lambda Theta Phi National Foundation announced the formation of its legal assistance team for the upcoming New Jersey General Elections. The team will assist in securing voting rights for all Latino voters and will consist of attorneys, Kendall Coffey, former US Attorney for South Florida , along with Luis Fernandez, Joseph S. Geller, Benedict Kuehne, Richard Porras, and Adam Subervi. Other attorneys maybe added as needs arise.
The project was initiated during the summer with a voter registration drive and absentee voter assistance program on college campuses and communities throughout the nation, which resulted in the several thousands of new voters. The Foundation also sponsored student training seminars on college campuses that taught cross-cultural campaigning and organizational skills.
"Lambda Theta Phi Foundation is educating Latino college and university students as well as the community about their rights and duties as American citizens and providing the means to actively participate in the exercise of democracy. We’ve experienced remarkable results in communities through the actions of the students,” said Foundation Chairman Agustin “Gus” Garcia. “We thank SBS, their staff, DJs and radio talk hosts for all of their assistance, especially Mega and Amor of New York City with this most valuable program during the past several months.”
Garcia went on to point out that the program goes beyond the usual election-session media blitzes about candidates and campaigns and actually educates to voter to be able to make intelligent choices based on a true understanding of the issues and process.
For any problems with Latino voting rights in New Jersey , please contact the Foundation at www.Foundation1975.com or call 1-877-FND-1975 (1-877-363-1975).
Agustin "Gus" Garcia
National Chairman, Lambda Theta Phi Foundation
Penthouse2850 Douglas Road, Coral Gables, Fl. 33134
Tel. 305-859-7741
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Article: Beta Sigma Chapter: Quad protest targets racial stereotyping
Group lambasts ZBT, Tri Delts, hopes to get University's attention
Susan KantorPosted: 11/1/06
With signs reading "The fight is far from over" and "My culture is not a costume," hundreds of students filled the Quad side of the Illini Union this afternoon for a rally entitled "Breaking the Silence."
The rally was organized by Students Transforming Oppression and Privilege (STOP). The purpose was to get the University administration's attention regarding racist actions across campus that were exemplified in the Oct. 5 exchange between the Delta Delta Delta sorority and the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity unofficially dubbed "Tacos and Tequila."
"We are not attacking the Tri Delts or ZBT," said Wendy Marie Finley, member of STOP and junior in LAS. "We are attacking the system. We are just using them as an example."
Students spoke against the racist actions during the rally on the Quad before students walked to both the Tri Delta and ZBT houses chanting phrases such as "hey hey, ho ho, racism has got to go."
Tri Delta and ZBT representatives declined to comment.
"We have had enough," said Osvaldo Torres, sophomore in LAS and member of Lambda Theta Phi, a United Greek Council Latin fraternity, the Mexican Student Association. "We will no longer be disrespected on this campus. Our cultures will no longer be mocked. We will no longer be made fun of. We will no longer be told that we don't deserve to be here. And it all starts with one step. And that is unifying ourselves."
The rally ended at the Swanlund Administration Building, 601 E. John St., where a statement by Chancellor Herman was read by Renee Romano, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "
The controversy has spurred a great deal of conversation about treating one another with common decency, and that is good," Herman said in his statement. "The process of reviewing the incident is now underway, and I believe a deeper appreciation of our cultural diversity and individual responsibility will be the result."
After Romano read the statement, some students asked why the administration did not speak on the Quad, what is going to be done to ensure minority students have a safe environment, why nothing was done last year when a "ghetto"-themed party occurred and what would have been the response if a multi-cultural Greek organization held a party of a similar nature.
"I want to assure you that we are listening, we care, and this incident does not reflect the University's values," Romano said. "We are working through our system. It's not happening quickly and many of you are not aware of what is going on."
Romano also said there are plans including diversity education for all first-year students and the administration is working hard to get these classes implemented by next fall.
Lisa Moore, assistant dean of students, said the University has not sanctioned Tri Delta or ZBT because the Board of Fraternity Affairs and the Board of Sorority Affairs was given the power to discipline when chapters violate policy.
"Everything ZBT and Tri Delta have done are self-imposed sanctions," Moore said.
Moore also said that although the event was unacceptable, there were no code violations in the student code. She said they will have to see when the hearing is scheduled.
Nora Garcia, member of Lambda Pi Upsilon, a United Greek Council sorority, and senior in LAS, said she was upset that ZBT and Tri Delta did not think it would be a racial stereotype. She said that the administration needs to be aware that the minority student population is fed up and does not plan to let these actions go unnoticed.
"It is time for a change," Torres said. "It is time for us to step back, to put our egos aside, to put our organizations behind us, to put our letters behind us, to step up together to unify ourselves and to stand up as one voice to speak out at this university."
© Copyright 2006 The Daily Illini
http://media. www.dailyillini. com/media/ storage/paper736 /news/2006/ 11/01/News/ Quad-Protest. Targets.Racial. Stereotyping- 2414107.shtml? sourcedomain= www.dailyillini. com&MIIHost=media. collegepublisher .com
Monday, October 30, 2006
Article: Latin Greek Organizations Attracting Blacks
Jennifer Kamara with her sorority sisters, Zahir Diaz and Tiffany Brutus at a party hosted by her sorority and another Latino based sorority, Sigma Iota Alpha.
________________________________________________________________
They told me I had to bring chicken and beer to the interest meeting," he says. That experience made Williams gravitate toward Lambda Theta Phi, a Latino fraternity.
"When I went to the Lambda Theta Phi interest meeting they were like ‘just bring yourself, we’re providing you with things,’" says Williams, who joined the fraternity in spring of 1998. "That’s a big difference."
Many Latino Greek organizations were founded by students with ties to countries in Central and South America. The diversity already present within Latin culture makes many Latino Greek organizations interested in multiculturalism, Alvarado says. So it’s easy to see how diversity could remain a focal point for many historically Latino groups, she explains. The fact that black students are joining their ranks, Alvarado says, is merely a case of students finding the right connection.
"I think it's really just them trying to find a group that they are feeling a strong family connection with," says Alvarado.
Once members, some black students find that there’s so much diversity in Latin organizations that they easily fit in."On my line there was an Egyptian, a Korean, an African American, a brother from Ghana, and four Hispanics," says Williams. "You couldn’t even tell it was a Latin fraternity when I was in school. Even the Hispanic brothers were dark, so we were just a bunch of dark-skinned brothers."
Black students with Caribbean roots may feel a particular bond to Latino organizations, Hernandez says."
A lot of the island countries do have a strong Hispanic or Latino heritage behind them and I think some people are able to see some of their own traditions in those Latino Greek fraternities or sororities," Alvarado says.
Leiaka Welcome, 21, a senior at Midwestern State University, in Wichita Falls, Texas, didn’t see her decision to pledge Latin sorority Kappa Delta Chi as an odd choice. Welcome is from Trinidad. Her second language is Spanish."
The kind of person I’ve grown up to be, coming from the islands, I’ve always been exposed to a lot of different cultures. So for me it didn’t seem unnatural," she says.
Welcome says she wasn’t interested in sorority life until she met the young women who would eventually become her Kappa Delta Chi sisters."
The reason I got into my sorority is because I met the girls at an interest meeting and they were different in terms of explaining everything and just trying to make you feel welcome," she says.
Still, the reaction she’s gotten from some family members about her choice may be an indication that not everyone has embraced this trend. Some of her cousins are members of traditionally black sororities, including Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta. She says she is often asked about her Greek choice when she visits friends and family."
When I get back to the East Coast and I’m wearing my Greek letters they say ‘So, what sorority are you in?’ When I tell them it’s Latino-based, they say ‘Interesting’," she says with a laugh.
Michael Bowie, national president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the organization that represents the nine largest black fraternities and sororities, says he’s not surprised that some black students are joining Latino Greek organizations."
Bowie says he doesn’t think Latino fraternities and sororities are more inclusive than black organizations, instead, he says that all of the historically Latino and black Greek organizations have a desire to boost numbers."
I wouldn’t say that Latin organizations are more accepting," he says. "I think every organization is accepting to a degree because everybody wants more brothers."
"I really wanted an organization that was focused on culture and learning about your roots," she says. "And I started doing my research and found the Website for Omega Phi Beta and thought they had a real dedication to learning about where you come from and appreciating all cultures."
When choosing a fraternity or sorority, race shouldn’t be a consideration, Welcome says."
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Lambda Foundation Scholarship Application
- A $500 Academic Scholarship will be awarded to the National Academic Brother of the Year (Official transcripts required).- Eight (8) $250 Leadership Scholarships will be awarded to brothers demonstrating outstanding leadership on their respective campus community.
Attached you will find the Foundation Scholarship Application. All sections must be completed, except section 5 (Financial Background).
Applications must be postmarked by November 15th and sent to
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at this email address.We look forward to receiving the many submissions and continuing the mission of our educational foundation.
Fraternally,
Jorge E. Diaz
Foundation Scholarship Coordinator
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Press Release: Lambda Theta Phi Foundation
The purpose of this tour is to motivate students, especially the Latino student population to vote and promote absentee voting among the campus population plus their families and neighbors. Among the campuses he will be speaking at are William Paterson University, Montclair State, Ramapo College, Kean University and Rutgers University in New Brunswick, other campuses are being added. Numerous campus organizations are sponsoring his presentations.
When asked regarding this rapid three day tour of New Jersey campuses and what it will it accomplish, Mr. Garcia stated," This is an important moment for this great nation. Will the compassion of this nation be summed up in the fear of 9/11 or in the great values of brotherhood and respect for freedom that generations of Americans have fought and died for? Will we forget where are forefathers came from and lock our minds and souls up in the politics of hatred for all outside of our borders? No man is an island and no one nation can become an island behind a wall of fear. Young Americans will as always become the judges of this great society and it's champions for justice. And thus by my words I hope to motivate our next generation of leaders that we begin to lead by leading our people to the ballot box. Thus no individual can say, "I speak for the people without their mandate and discriminate against people for the color of their skin or because their parents were not born on this side of their wall before it was built."
Further Information or the exact agenda of tour can be acquired:
Monday, September 25, 2006
Lambda Theta Phi Announces its 2006-2008 National Executive Board
Lambda Theta Phi Announces its 2006-2008 National Executive Board
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Passaic, NJ, July 1, 2006- Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Incorporated has named their 2006-2008 National Board of Directors. The Executive Team consists of:
Byron Bustos - President
Alex Feliciano - Vice President
Anthony J. Pérez - Director of Communications
Jose Martinez – Assist. Director of Communication
Kevin Jaime - Director of Finance
Francisco Lugo III – Assist. Director of Finance
Steve Hernandez – Director of Information Technology
Marco Benavides - Director of Induction
Francisco Guzman - Director of Expansion
Jose Morel - Director of Alumni Affairs
Kenneth Pérez - Director of Programming
Eriberto DelValle - Director of Community Affairs
Mito Espinoza - Director of Academic & Collegiate Affairs
Gabriel Ortiz – Assist. Director of Academic & Collegiate Affairs
Jorge Diaz - Historian
Along with a new Executive Team, Lambda Theta Phi will also be relocating its National Head Quarters to 565 Main Avenue 2nd Floor Passaic, NJ 07055. The new office includes a larger facility to better assist the Fraternity in its daily operations.
"It makes me extremely proud to see such a well qualified group of brothers get together to make a difference," says Jose L Enchautegui, brother of Lambda Theta Phi from Epsilon Chapter. The elected Executive Team combined bring many years of experience from
different regions of the country. Together the group has developed a five point plan that will be implemented and executed during their term in office. This plan will target finance, expansion, communication, outreach, and infrastructure.
These gentlemen are dedicated and determined Brothers that will take Lambda to new heights. Together with one vision the executive team will work diligently to meet the needs of Lambda Theta Phi. The campaign slogan "Lambda: Moving Forward" will be used continuously for the 2006 – 2008 term.
Founded in 1975 at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. is the first college Greek-letter organization founded as a Latin Fraternity. The membership of Lambda Theta Phi is open to all college men who support is values of
scholarship, respect for all culture, community service, and the advancement and fair treatment of Latinos. Lambda Theta Phi was the first Latin Fraternity to be recognized by the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and today, has over 80 Chapters and
Colonies in, New York, Florida, California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, New Mexico, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. More information about Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., can be found by going to http://www.lambda1975.org/ .