Lambda Theta Phi

Lambda Theta Phi
ΛΘΦ
Founded	December 1, 1975 (1975-12-01) Kean College
Type	Social
Affiliation	NIC
Former affiliation	NALFO
Status	Active
Emphasis	Latino
Scope	National
Motto	Chivalry Above Self
Colors	Brotherhood Brown   Pure White
Flower	White Carnation
Publication	United in Brotherhood: The History of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Chapters	119 Undergraduate Chapters, 29 Associate Chapters and 29 Alumni Chapters
Nickname	Lambdas
Headquarters	181 New Road, Ste 304 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 United States
Website	thelambdas.org

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΘΦ) is a Latino non-profit social fraternity in the United States.

It was founded on December 1, 1975, at Kean College (now Kean University) in Union, New Jersey. In 1992, Lambda Theta Phi was the first Latino Greek-lettered organization in the U.S. to join the North American Interfraternity Conference.

History

Formation and Early Years

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975, at Kean College in Union, New Jersey. Prior to this, there were no active Latin fraternities in the United States. The Greek-letter organizations existing at the time primarily served Anglo and African-American demographics. The founders of Lambda Theta Phi recognized a need to unite Latino students, nurture their leadership skills, emphasize the importance of education, and foster a commitment to community and culture. They saw the establishment of a fraternity as a means to achieve these goals, leading to the creation of Lambda Theta Phi, under the specific identity and name as a Latino fraternity. It kickstarted the post-1975 wave of the Latino Greek Movement alongside the sorority Lambda Theta Alpha, which followed the "principio" (principle) phase kickstarted by student activism on college campuses in 1898.

1990s and 21st century

Lambda Theta Phi has achieved several milestones, including becoming the first Latin fraternity to join the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1992. Additionally, the fraternity published "The History of Lambda Theta Phi" in 1994, authored by Jesus A. Peña, Esq., which serves as an authoritative text on its history.

The Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Educational Foundation was established in 1998, aimed at awarding scholarships and grants for leadership and educational development. The fraternity also became a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) in 2004, though it discontinued its membership in 2014.

Chapters

Main article: List of Lambda Theta Phi chapters

Notable members

• Robert "Bob" Menendez – U.S. Senator (NJ) (Honorary Brother)

See also

• List of social fraternities and sororities

External links

• Lambda Theta Phi National Website