Lambda Theta Phi 

Chapter History

Fraternity 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.

In the Fall of 1996, Brother Angel Perez from Eta Chapter transferred from the New Jersey Institute of Technology to Cal Poly Pomona.  Upon Settling into his course work, he immediately began to look at the campus Greek life to determine if there was a need for Lambda Theta Phi in California.  After speaking with seveal students and confirming with the Office of Student Life, Angel Perez realized that the campus had a Latin Greek sorority but did not have a fraternal organization for Latino men.

        In 1996, Angel Perez had a discussion with one of his classmates, Javier Tinoco, involving the establishment of a Lambda Theta Phi chapter at Cal Poly Pomona.  The following week, Henry Chacon was approached about the proposed chapter and he was instantly supportive of the project.  With Henry the process of establishing a formal interest group had begun.  Brother Angel contacted the national expansion officer to coordinate the process.  Within a few weeks the group grew to 10 and finally 5 completed the requirements to complete the requirements to begin the formal induction in the fraternity.

        On November 24th, 1996 two men had successfully completed the induction process.  The founding brothers of the Alpha Delta Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc. the first chapter in the west coast:
        A1- Henry Chacon
        A2- Javier Tinoco
      
        The foundation of the “Ark of Discipline” had been laid.
The two founding brothers of Alpha Delta accomplished much more than the establishment of a new chapter.  They allowed, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., the 1st nationally recognized Latin fraternity to expand to the west coast.