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Frat to meet Latino needs
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Also by Corey Short:
- Frat to meet Latino needs (April 20, 2006)
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This fall, University of Wisconsin students will have the opportunity to join Lambda Theta Phi, a new Latin fraternity on campus.
Since the fraternity's foundation, members said they have aimed to unite Latinos on campus while also remaining open to individuals of any cultural background.
Ben Rodriguez, assistant dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, praised the fraternity as an important step in representing the growing number of Latino students at UW and nationally.
"The need for different kinds of student organizations is growing — in academic matters and social interest — especially for black and Latino students," Rodriguez said. "It will definitely make an impact."
Members describe the fraternity as dedicated to promoting the spirit of brotherhood and serving the community. Prospective Lambda Theta Phi members would have to go through an initiation process that current members said will help to bring members together and develop solidarity.
"It's a very spiritually enhancing process that builds brotherhood," UW junior Cesar Diaz, one of the founding fathers, said. "We want to be a family away from family."
The fraternity is closely affiliated with Leaders Obtaining Bright Overwhelming Success, a Latino-based organization that performs community service on campus. Together with Lambda Theta Phi, the two plan to hold service and social events in the future.
Fraternity members also highlighted an emphasis on academic excellence. UW junior Gilmar Valencia, another Lambda Theta Phi founding father, described the fraternity's commitment to fostering a sense of professionalism.
"[Lambda Theta Phi] stresses professional development, whether it is business, law, medical," Valencia said. "Our goal is to contribute to the community and provide a strong role model [to kids]."
Lambda Theta Phi was founded in 1975 at Kean College in New Jersey and was the first national fraternity recognized in the Library of Congress. There are currently 80 chapters worldwide.
Although the UW chapter of the fraternity does not have a house on campus, it looks forward to getting one in the next couple of years, Diaz said.
"It's history in the making, a real positive process," he added.
Lambda Theta Phi currently has four founding members and would like to recruit 10 more next fall, when it will be allowed to rush prospective members.
"It promotes a strong sense of brothers on campus, being there for each other and helping each other accomplish their goals," Diaz said. "It's a really good way to unite people."
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I am glad that Lambda Theta Phi was able to get recognition because they do wonderful things and the UW Colony will continue to accomplish many great things here on campus. However, there are some facts that the author was unable to accurately describe. I feel a follow-up article is need in order to portrait this Latin fraternity accurately.
Deluded little jersey thug frat. One step barely above a gang. Latin Kings with greek letters. Confused indivuals who cannot accept that they are not the oldest latino fraternity.