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Our National History
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.
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