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. Peńa (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, Timoteo de la 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; and in Fall of 2008 with Xi Line, Jose
A. Ogaz-Muńoz and Alberto Camacho.
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’s
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 Adan Gonzalez at:
E-mail | gonzo_spg05@yahoo.com
Cell | (505)
930-0849