On December 1, 1975, history was made – history on a college campus,
which would transcend other colleges/universities throughout the United
States; history which would have a positive impact on the Latino
community and our nation; history which would forever change the Greek
system, more specifically, the entity known as a fraternity. On December
1, 1975, Lambda Theta Phi was founded on the campus of Kean College in
Union, New Jersey.
In 1975, there were no Latino fraternities in existence in the United
States. The Greek-letter organizations of the time primarily catered to
Anglo and African-American students and graduates. Lambda’s founders,
as men of vision, realized there was a need to unite the Latino
students, develop their leadership skills, impart upon them the value of
an education, and instill in them a commitment to their community and
culture. The traditional student club would not suffice to accomplish
such lofty goals. Hence, Latino unity and brotherhood would be achieved
through a long recognized institution – the fraternity. This newest
addition to the Greek system would be the first in the nation, by
identity and by name: Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated.
The ideals of this brotherhood are the following: Academic
Excellence; Brotherhood; Leadership; Latino Unity; Service. On a daily
basis, our brothers live up to these ideals, as set forth by fourteen
young Latino men decades ago.
At the undergraduate level, our brothers are active within the
Fraternity and in other student organizations. Our brothers perform
community service, promote our culture by sponsoring events which
highlight and celebrate our heritage, participate in educational
workshops, and enjoy many social programs. As a result of their active
participation in every aspect of college life, our undergraduates are
developing their organizational, communication, and leadership skills,
all while pursuing the coveted diploma. Our younger Lambdas are
receiving the training and competence to serve as the future leaders of
our brotherhood, community, and nation.
At the professional level, among our ranks you will find attorneys,
doctors, and engineers. Our brothers are shaping young minds as
educators and as dedicated fathers. The men in brown and white are
defending this country at home and abroad in the area of law enforcement
and in the armed forces. We are strengthening our country’s economy as
entrepreneurs. Our brothers are teaching leadership as coaches, mentors,
and community activists. The Lambdas are affecting policy and change as
elected officials serving on City Councils, Boards of Education, U.S.
House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate. In short, Lambdas are
contributing and excelling in every facet of human endeavor.
Since our founding, Lambda Theta Phi has established chapters in
every region of the country at both the undergraduate and professional
levels. Our brotherhood continues to provide the necessary skills and
resources for the advancement and empowerment of our people and for the
betterment of this nation.
Our illustrious history is not only our past but our guiding light to
the future. As the first, we overcame many obstacles. Not having much
guidance in our formative stages, we persevered and became stronger.
Lambda is the product of vision, strength, and unity. Our history serves
as a legacy and testament to our accomplishments and greatness.
Lambda Theta Phi … Academic Excellence – Brotherhood – Leadership – Latino Unity -Service.
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