HISTORY
Sigma Lambda Beta's National History
During the fall of 1986, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began to explore the idea of establishing a Latino based
Fraternity at the University of Iowa. 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 and ideology of the Organization. Hence, April 4, 1986, is the official founding date of the Fraternity.
The following men are the Founding Fathers of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. 13 out of the 18 Founding Fathers are present on the image below:
- MARIO BUENDIA
- ENRIQUE CARBAJAL
- THOMAS CARRASQUILLO
- MANUEL CHAVARRIA
- JOSE FONG
- RUDOLFO GARZA
- LUIS JIMENEZ
- LUIS MARQUEZ
- BALTAZAR MENDOZA MADRIGAL
- ERIC MONTES
- KUY OU
- OLAKUNLE OYEYEMI
- JAIME RAMIREZ
- OLIVERO RIVERA
- JUAN JOSE ROJAS CARDONA
- EUGENIO SORIA
- JUAN VALDEZ
- RICARDO ZAMUDIO
The Eighteen Founding Fathers established Sigma Lambda Beta with the following principles in mind BROTHERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, CULTURAL AWARENESS and COMMUNITY SERVICE. Our Founding Fathers had a dream and VISION that our Honorable Fraternity could promote a positive image of the Latino Community in the University of Iowa and other Universities located throughout the Nation by scholastic achievements, eternal Brotherhood, the dissemination of our unique and rich culture, and service to our community. Furthermore, as our Honorable Fraternity expanded and grew in the late eighties, the new and younger Brothers worked hard by trying their best to carry out the founding principles of our Organization. Hence, those Brothers tried to carry the torch and VISION of our Founding Fathers. The Brothers who were initiated in the early nineties, mid nineties, late nineties, and early millennium are keeping the light shining and working hard to promote a positive image of our people and our community throughout the Nation. The Brothers have the VISION that members of our community will graduate from college, pursue a graduate degree, join the professional work force, help the younger members of our community, serve our community, and educate others through cultural awareness.
In twenty years of existence, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. has expanded to the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, MS, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TX, WA and WI. Expansion of our organization has also reached Puerto Rico. The Fraternity can be found in over one hundred Universities. Furthermore, the Fraternity has seventeen strong Alumni Associations.
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated is committed to developing individuals to their fullest potentials in order to help serve the needs and wants of our people. As members, Brothers learn to "open their eyes" to see the possibilities that are open to all students, to share thoughts and ideas, and to recognize the potential that we as a united front can and will illustrate which will keep our shared values alive and working. Each Brother has the responsibility to develop and utilize his own skills and assets in anyway that may contribute to the overall success of the Fraternity, and more importantly help improve our community, country, and the world.
Throughout the past years, the Lambda Betas have spread the message of positive change in the Community by setting an example of
pride and wisdom in our culture. There is still a lot of work that needs to be performed, but together we can make a positive
difference in society and our community. As the Latin Phrase in our Fraternity Shield reads "CONGRESSI SUPERAMUS DIVISI CADIMUS,"
united we stand, divided we fall.
15 Latinos, 1 African, and 2 Asians started a legacy that has revolutionized the entire Greek- lettered society in the last two
decades.