- 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. The fraternity's founders, as men of vision, realized a need to unite 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 edition 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; and 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 leve, the brothers are active within The Fraternity and in other student organizations. The brothers perform community service; promote their culture by sponsoring events that highlight and celebrate their heritage; participate in educational workshops; and enjoy many social programs. As a result of their active participation in every aspect of college life, the undergraduate members are developing their organizational, communication, and leadership skills—all the while still pursuing their diploma. The younger members are receiving the training and competence to serve as the future leaders of the 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; The U.S. House of Representatives; and The U.S. Senate. In short, Lambdas are contributing and excelling in every facet of human endeavor.
- It is a fact that in 1975, when Lambda Theta Phi was founded, there were no Latino fraternities or Latina sororities in existence in the United States. Lambda Theta Phi originated the concept of embracing the ideals of brotherhood; Latino unity; cultural awareness; and community service within the Greek-letter fraternity—all for the progress and empowerment of our people.
- With numerous decisions to be made and strategies outliend, the brothers received guidance from two members among the Kean College faculty/administration. Specifically, Dr. Cayetano J. Socarrás, who passed awway on January 24, 1994, and José A. Quiles, recognized within the brotherhood as the Fraternal Fathers of Lambda Theta Phi. Each of these men provided support, mentorship, and guidance to the Founding Fathers and have continued to do so as the Fraternity has developed. Their devotion to the ideals and brothers of Lambda extends far beyond what can be captured in a web site.
- Fraternal Father Dr. Cayetano J. Socarrás provided most of the assistance in developing a truly "Latino" identity for The Fraternity. Knowledgeable in the art of heraldry (crest design), he guided the brothers in designing the original fraternity shield in 1976. As Fraternal Father Dr. Cayetano J. Socarrás focused on the symbolic aspects of the brotherhood, Fraternal Father José A. Quiles assisted with the organizational components, including the structure and administration of The Fraternity.
- Experienced with and knowledgeable of fraternities and the Greek system in general, Fraternal Father José A. Quiles assisted the Founding Fathers to ensure that the newly founded fraternity would fit into the Greek system on campus.
- From September to November of 1975, a group of students, from which would eventualyy emerge the Founding Fathers of Lambda Theta Phi, met to find the solution to uniting the different Latino groups on campus.
- These meetings were initiated by Founding Father García, who had already spearheaded an important breakthrough for Latino studetns by becoming the first Latino elected to the Kean College student government. The major topics of discussion at these meetings were the need to become politically conscious and active as Latino students and the unification of all Latinos, since at the time "Latino Unity" was not common among studetns of different Latino national origins.
- At a meeting on November 11, 1975, Founding Father García proposed the idea of founding a fraternity. Having become familiar with the workings of the college administrationand student government he recognized that a fraternity could promote Latino unity through brotherhood. He also understood that fraternities were an organization structure that college administrators acknowledged and one with which they were accustomed. Lambda Theta Phi was founded as a Latin Fraternity, which was specifically stated in its original constitution by the following men:
- Wilfredo Ayes • Hiram Cardona • Rafael Crespo • David Diaz • Agustin García • Enrique Garcia • Jose Ginarte • Juan Hernandez • Rinaldo Lago • Luis Miranda I • Henry Munoz • Walter Pardo-Villa • Raul Roger • Raymond Rosa
- The Establishment of Lambda Theta Phi Fraternidad Latina, Inc. at The University of Georgia (UGA) has been a long awaited milestone. In the fall semester of 2006, a diverse group of gentlemen came together to discuss the division amongst Latino organizations at UGA, and the negative stereotypes associated with Latino male students.
- These gentlemen recognized the need for an organization that would not only unite the Latino students at UGA, but would also bring forth a legacy composed of men destined to become leaders, who would conquer all obstacles and succeed in all areas of life.
- At that time no organization existed on campus to cater to the needs of Latino male students nor did one exist to shed a positive image of Latinos. At previous events on the UGA campus the brothers of Lambda Theta Phi were present to display the strength, work, and unity that makes Lambdas known nationally. Hence, the group "Men of Honor" was formed as the official Interest Group of Lambda Theta Phi at The University of Georgia. After completing the educational process, which tested their dedication and commitment, the Interest Group took the appropriate steps and successfully completed the induction process; thus, achieving their goals of bringing Lambda Theta Phi Fraternidad Latina, Inc. to The University of Georgia campus in the summer of 2007.
- All came to know that the UGA chapter of Lambda Theta Phi—The "Almighty Acropolis" Gamma Espsilon Chapter—was established by four "CONQUISTADORES" under the guidance of Daniel Rosales, the founding line Induction Officer.
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