Chapter History
					During the summer of 1998, a group of five young Latino men attending the University of New Mexico embarked on a predestined journey set forth by the convergence of their holistic philosophies and idealistic vision. Their premise was to seed cultural identity, political consciousness, and educational awareness to like-minded individuals. Specific aims were focused at organizing and promoting various forums for introducing concepts of social, political, and economic activism. This formed the conceptual basis for establishing the first service oriented Latino Fraternity in the State of New Mexico. The eventual founding brothers were introduced to the fraternity by personally speaking with Jesús A. Peña (1991 National Board President, Beta chapter) who later assisted in pledging along with Jorge Díaz, who then served as National Expansion Officer and brothers of Alpha Delta, Alpha Omicron, Alpha Sigma, and Alpha Tau chapters. The five founding brothers who would be: Joel Campos, Greg Marquez, Chris Trujillo, and Tomás Trujillo, along with brother Adrián Pedroza would become the original members of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Inc. - Alpha Upsilon Chapter at the University of New Mexico. It would not take long for the original five members to recruit new members as they would induct five new brothers into the fraternity in the Fall of 1998. These five members known as Beta Line would be: Josué Cárdenas, Adam Chávez, Frank Gurulé, David Rodríguez, and Bernardo Gallegos. The chapter would continue to grow in all areas and in membership. In the Fall of 1999, seven new brothers were inducted into the fraternity. These men known as Gamma Line would be: Victor Villa, Julian Rivera, Danny Milo, César Mirón, Dominic Garcia, José Avitia, and Miguel Avitia. In the Fall of 2000, eight more brothers were inducted as brothers of Lambda Theta Phi. These men known as Delta Line would be: Adam B.C. Chávez, Gerardo Martínez, Paul Chávez, Prithwish Raj Das, José Conchas, Juan Meléndez, Javier Martínez, and Eric Guerrero. Also in the Fall of 2001, five more brothers were inducted into the fraternity. Known as Epsilon Line they would be: Tony Fernández, Manuel De la Vega, Tim Serna, Kwame Rugunda, and Paul Blodgette. Zeta Line came to the hermandad in the Fall of 2002: Diego Espinoza, Ray Campos, Fernando González, Juan Martínez, & Juan Chávez. Eta line our shortest line ever was Andres Lazo. Theta line brought fresh ideas to the fraternity with 3 new brothers, Gian Chaves, Mario Chavez and Peter Estrada. Following their steps in Spring 05 Iota line brought 3 new brothers Chris Chaves, Armand Sandoval and Adan Gonzales. In Fall 05 came Kappa Line, with brothers, Cesar Hernandez, Ruben Salazar and Josh Creed. In the Fall of 2006, Lambda Line brought new ideas from three charismatic brothers Alejandro Elias, Pablo Miranda and Daniel Gonzales. In the Spring of 2007 came Mu Line, with brothers, Roman Rodriguez and Juan Marin. Our latest addition came in Spring of 2008 with Nu Line, Edgar Lira. Together these men and the new brothers to follow serve as a testament to the respect, strength, unity, pride, and culture that Lambda Theta Phi is known for. The brothers wanted to incorporate purposeful views into what this chapter represented. These driving forces, were symbolized by our state flag icon, the Zia symbol, are typified by the extended quest for :  truth, knowledge, compassion, joy (North facing rays); wholeness, unity, challenge, chivalry (South facing rays); respect, culture, service, pride (East facing rays); empowerment, inspiration, hope, and dignity (West facing rays).  Thus the founding brothers and Beta Line decided to make the chapter nickname: “La Fuerza del Sol”. As a non-profit service/social fraternity which emphasizes Latino unity and the celebration of the Latino culture, the Alpha Upsilon chapter is part of the oldest and largest fraternity of its kind in the United States.  Lambda Theta Phi continues to move in a progressive nature through responsible political and social action.  Lambda Theta Phi hopes to serve as role models to the youth and within our community.  Locally, the fraternity has been involved in the Southwest Voter Registration Drives, various education promotion programs, Habitat for Humanity, clothing drives, Early Head Start/YDI Policy Council, UNM Senior Day campus tours, UNM Homecoming events, and various cultural, educational, and social events.  Recently, the AY chapter was presented with a proclamation from the City Council of Albuquerque recognizing the leadership contributions the fraternity has made in the Albuquerque area. This brotherhood of men formed with a strong desire to empower, unite, and create vocal leaders for the Latino communities of the UNM campus, the municipality of Albuquerque, the great state of New Mexico, our beloved United States and various international spectrums. Lambda Theta Phi prides itself in the strength of its brotherhood which includes men of diverse backgrounds working together to realize the fraternity’s goals.  It provides a support group to help ensure that all brothers achieve their greatest potential. The fraternity believes that education is empowering, and thus stresses education and understanding of all cultures.  Its premise stems from a belief that collaboration fosters accomplishment.  “En la Unión Está La Fuerza” – Simón Bolívar (In Unity, There is Strength) is its motto. Outreach or contact information section: Lambda Theta Phi is looking to expand its membership and outreach.  Anyone interested in obtaining more information is encouraged to contact Ruben Salazar at rsalaza2@unm.edu 505-9271858.