Lambda Theta Phi National History

Lambda Theta Phi, Fraternidad Latina, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975 at Kean College in Union, New Jersey.

In September of 1975, Founding Father Agustin Garcia entered Kean College as a freshman. A politically active individual, he ran for a position on the Freshman Student Council and became the first Latino elected to the Kean College student government. A man of vision, he was concerned over the disunity among the Latin students and took it upon himself to begin to organize the Latinos at Kean.

From September to November of 1975, Founding Father Garcia and a group of other students met to find the solution to uniting the different Latino groups on campus. Founding Father Garcia initiated these meetings and reached out to all Latino students, irrespective of their ethnic background. 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.

At a meeting on November 11, 1975, Founding Father Garcia proposed the idea of founding a fraternity. He believed this structure would best meet the needs of the Latinos by promoting unity through brotherhood.

Below are excerpts from the history book regarding the essence of the fraternity and the fraternity's symbolism for the "Conquistador."

"Lambda Theta Phi provides the Latino college student with the opportunity to be part of a congenial family with a mission. What is this mission? To cultivate a spirit of brotherhood, to value an education, to promote unity among all Latinos, to be proud of and cherish our heritage, to assert roles of leadership, to develop character, to practice chivalry, to serve mankind, to aim for the stars. In short, to raise the social and cultural conscience of the Latin male college student."

"Lambda Theta Phi has conquered new lands-the campuses of institutions of higher learning. Lambda Theta Phi has conquered a multicultural people-each and every brother, by becoming a Lambda, has taken an oath to uphold the ideals of the Fraternity, tenets we cannot confine to a college campus, but which constitute a lifetime commitment, something many may be unable to relate to. Lambda Theta Phi is building the Latino leaders of tomorrow, those who will provide the guidance and leadership for our community and nation."

"The twenty-first century quickly approaches. It will be accompanied by growth and change. As an organization, we will have to adapt to changing times. Let us not fear the future. Our unity and ideals shall illuminate our path to conquer the twenty-first century."

"Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Incorporated. Ayer, Hoy, Mañana... Siempre."