Chapter History

On April 1, 2006 Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. reached a new frontier. Gamma Theta Chapter was founded at The University of Wisconsin Madison after four gentlemen embarked on a journey to find an organization that would cultivate scholarship, unity, culture, and brotherhood in the Latino community. Gilmar Valencia, Richard Montez, Santos Barrientes, and Cesar Diaz are the four founding brothers who did just that. The founding brothers were attracted by the fraternity’s vast network across the country, commitment to scholarship, respect of culture, and motto of “Chivalry Above Self”. Lambda Theta Phi would become the FIRST Latino fraternity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The fraternity continues to be the blue print of the Latino Greek movement. Gamma Theta Chapter has since served the Latino community in Madison through educational, cultural, collaborative, and community service events. In fall 2006 the chapter’s second line, Beta line, joined the brotherhood. They were followed by Gamma line in fall 2007 and Delta line in spring 2008. To date, Gamma Theta has a graduation rate of 100% and has had 14 brothers cross into the chapter. The brothers of Gamma Theta pride themselves in being from wide ranging backgrounds and nationalities. Since our founding, we have encouraged our members to be part of other organizations on campus. Brothers participate in MeCHa, All Greek Council, political campaigns, business ventures, and much more. We encourage young men to become part of the Lambda family and embrace a life time of networking possibilities, a life time of brotherhood, and to become part of the tradition that has influenced thousands of successful young men.

Click here for the extended chapter history (above is a synopsis of the chapter history)

“En la unión está la fuerza.”

National History
In 1975, the organization's founders 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, by identity and by name was 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, the brothers are active within the Fraternity and in other student organizations. The brothers perform community service, promote their culture by sponsoring events which highlight and celebrate their heritage, participate in educational workshops, and enjoy many social programs. As a result of their active participation in every aspect of college life, the undergraduate members are developing their organizational, communication, and leadership skills, all while pursuing their diploma. The younger members are receiving the training and competence to serve as the future leaders of the brotherhood, community, and nation.

Since it's founding, Lambda Theta Phi has established chapters in every region of the country at both the undergraduate and professional levels. The brotherhood continues to provide the necessary skills and resources for the advancement and empowerment of latino people and for the betterment of this nation.

It is a fact that in 1975, when Lambda Theta Phi was founded, there were no Latino fraternities or Latina sororities in existence in the United States. Lambda Theta Phi originated the concept of embracing the ideals of brotherhood, Latino unity, cultural awareness, and community service within the Greek-letter fraternity, all for the progress and empowerment of our people.

Since the inception of Lambda, the Greek community has witnessed the emergence of many Latino fraternities and sororities. In fact, by 2005, three decades after the establishment of Lambda, there were approximately 13 Latino fraternities and 29 Latina sororities in the United States. Many of these Latino-based, Greek-letter organizations adhere to ideals similar to those of Lambda Theta Phi - a concept originated by fourteen young, Latinos back in 1975. Who were these visionaries with a dream? Who were these leaders who would forever change the face of the Greek system? The Founding Fathers of Lambda Theta Phi.

Our brotherhood welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with our fellow Latino Greeks on initiatives for our educational advancement, for our professional development and, most importantly, for the betterment of our community.

“En la unión está la fuerza.”