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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.
Chapter History
In the spring of 2000,
10 freshmen at San Jose State University embarked on a voyage to join the First
Latin Fraternity in the Nation. We founded Beta Zeta on March 26, 2000. The
Founding Brothers decided to join Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Inc.
because of the Vision, Mission and Values that it carries. After many years
of Brotherhood we continue to work with our peers, community and future
Brothers. We pride ourselves on what our chapter has contributed in the
Northern region of California. Beta Zeta Chapter will continue to welcome all
Brothers in search of strengthening our Brotherhood.Chapter history
El Conquistador
As the Founders moved forward with the development of the Fraternity,
many issues had to be addressed and the “culture” and symbolism of the
Fraternity had to be created. The fraternity colors needed to be selected, a
method of pledging determined, and the ritual associated with the
brotherhood. One item which has generated controversy over the years has been
the use of the Conquistador as the mascot of the
Fraternity. In addition, the individuals participating in the
fraternity’s induction or pledge process are
referred to as Conquistadores. The concept of the Conquistador as a symbol of
the Fraternity was introduced by Founding Father Agustín
García and Founding Father Wilfredo
Ayes interjected the Conquistador into the pledge process for the first
pledge line in the spring of 1978.
Representing the Spanish crown, the Conquistadors came to the
Americas in the sixteenth century and committed genocide of the indigenous
populations. Why, then, would our Founders adopt the Conquistador as a symbol
of our brotherhood? The literal definition of the term, as opposed to the
role the Conquistador played in our history, was the overriding
consideration: one who conquers; one who overcomes; one who triumphs.
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