In 1996, eleven men of different backgrounds, religions, and political ideologies came together under the prospect of mutual success to form the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Inc. The struggle to unite this national family, however, paled in comparison to the sea of troubles encountered on their journey to recognition by the Greek Council of the University of Central Florida. Opposition to a Latin fraternity grew, in part; to fears that this unassuming group of men would prove to be unfit to challenges of the number one rated Greek system in the southeastern United States. Some even argued that Lambda Theta Phi would never gain the acceptance of the larger Greek Letter fraternities and would therefore become irrelevant on campus.
In April of 1997, nearing the close of the Spring Semester and after months of constant lobbying by University administrators and faculty members friendly to their resolve, the Founding Brothers received the long awaited nod of recognition. Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Inc. was therefore ushered into the Greek Council, unceremoniously perhaps, but admitted nonetheless.
Today, years after the Founding Brothers pledged a lifelong devotion to Lambda Theta Phi, the Chapter they built stands as one of the cornerstones of the University of Central Florida Greek system. Alpha Alpha Chapter has set the highest standard for community service and leadership. Its Brothers have distinguished themselves in every aspect of University life from Student Government to Student Organizations, from academic to professional circles. Through the personal sacrifice of the Founders, the succeeding lines of Brothers have drawn the strength and pride to envision their roles as leaders. Taken, not from the individual confines of most, but through the ideals that in unity men find strength and that this strength can only be measured by a devotion to a common good. The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. works in this fashion to proliferate among the best men a desire to achieve, to lead, and to hold themselves above and beyond the standards.
Written by: Brother Michael Deliz