Sigma Lambda Beta

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Sigma Lambda Beta (ΣΛΒ) International Fraternity,(also known as Lambda-Betas or Betas) is a Latino oriented Greek letter intercollegiate fraternity founded on April 4, 1986 at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. [link] [link] [link] The fraternity is a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations [link](NALFO) and the Fraternity Leadership Association. Historically a Latino based fraternity its membership contains a multi-cultural brotherhood. Its pillars are brotherhood, scholarship, community service, and cultural awareness.

History

During the early Spring 1986 semester, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began to explore the idea of establishing a Latino based Fraternity. After months of intensive research, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal called a special meeting on Monday, March 7, 1986 with some of the Latino students at the Chicano Indian American Cultural Center in the University of Iowa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need and feasibility of creating a new social Fraternity with an emphasis on the Latino Culture.

At that point in time, the student body at the University of Iowa was predominantly Caucasian. In addition, the Latino community on campus was divided into different social groups. As a result, the students who attended the first meeting wanted to solidify and unify the Latino community. Furthermore, the students wanted to promote a positive image of Latinos in the University.

After the first meeting, the enthusiasm in favor of the Fraternity was so encouraging that the word spread throughout the University of Iowa. Everyone knew that something special was about to take place. On Friday, April 4, 1986, the members finalized the philosophy of the Organization. Hence, April 4, 1986, is the official founding date of the Fraternity.

The Eighteen Founding Fathers established Sigma Lambda Beta with the following principles in mind: Brotherhood, Scholarship, Cultural Awareness, and Community Service.

Founding Fathers

• Baltazar Mendoza Madrigal

Contains 13 of the 18 Founding Fathers of Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity

• Thomas Carrasquillo
• Manuel Chavarria
• Luis Jimenez
• Luis Marquez
• Mario Buendia
• Enrique Carbajal
• Rudolfo Garza
• Jose Fong
• Eric Montes
• Olakunle Oyeyemi
• Kuy Ou
• Jaime Ramirez
• Olivero Rivera
• Juan Jose Rojas Cardona
• Eugenio Soria
• Ricardo Zamudio
• Juan Valdez