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.
In the Fall of 2000, a group of men at The Florida State University attended an information session for a Greek organization that provided the opportunity for brotherhood, leadership, and cultural awareness to anyone interested. Some of these individuals became involved in an Interest Group for Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Inc. Yet, in the end only five had the determination and strength to finish. David Galarce (who was the main person who had the Interest Group started), Michael Barcos, Giovanni Dorelien, Moises Cardenas, and Kristian Velez.
On October 29, 2000, "The Five Founding Legions" emerged from the darkness. They began a colony that later would be known as The Beta Iota Chapter, Warriors of the Tribal Lands, with a mission to set the foundation for an organization that would serve as a vehicle for young men to grow, develop cultural awareness, and become leaders. As well as increase the diversity within the university and the Greek organizations on campus. Finally, the organization would include any male who had the devotion to his community no matter what race or creed.
In the Fall 2000, the Hispanic/Latino Student Union was very disorganized. The campus only knew the HLSU as another organization with no prestige. There were no Hispanic leaders on campus serving in Student Government. David Galarce never imagined he would join a fraternity or how much work it would be to get it well established. He was looking for something that would create life long bonds, and be a good vehicle to make Latinos more noticable at the university. After speaking with some of the brothers of Phi Chapter at the University of Florida and at the time The National Induction Officer Ricky Marino, he decided to take on the task of possibly expanding a chapter to FSU. He started off by posting up flyers and getting in contact with Greek Life and informing them of his intensions. Brothers from Phi Chapter came to do an information session. An Interest Group of about 10 people was started at FSU. Most of them consisted of friends from high school and others were guys who had showed interest in the past.
It was a difficult to get the Interest Group started because most of the members were freshman and were just begging to settle into their college life. One by one we started losing individuals and did not receive welcoming greetings from other threatened Greek organizations. In the end, five young men began the journey, and five brothers emerged. It was an endeavor that would produce an overwhelming outcome. We didn't have much left of our first semester, so we just focused on planning and fundraising for the next semester.
We traveled to Tampa to work football games to raise funds and meet different brothers. In February of 2001 we had our first party, it was the biggest party any Latino Organization had hosted. We had great support from different chapters and organizations on campus. Having over 600 people at the party made the party one of the biggest events of the year, still being talked about today. We also had a mixer with a PHC Sorority, making us the first minority organization to have a social event with a mainstream organization. One of our main focuses was to get involved and no matter how many guys we had we were going to produce leaders. We accomplished what we focused on by having a Brother on the Legislative Branch of SGA. Since then, many brothers of the Beta Iota Chapter have stepped up into leadership roles on campus, following in the footsteps of our Founding Brothers in order to preserve their vision and legacy.
Since it's beginning in the Fall of 2000, The Beta Iota Chapter has grown and has had many accomplishments for its young age. It has formed a bridge between the mainstream Greeks and the NPHC on campus. It has joined the Multi-Cultural Council of FSU, of which Founding Brother David Galarce has been the President. It has become the most influential Fraternity on campus and continues to attract men of diverse backgrounds who want to bring positive changes to the FSU community.
Yet, this is only the beginning,
The Future is bright for the Warriors of the Tribal Lands
And the best is yet to come!
