Sigma Lambda Beta
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity is a historically Latino-based social fraternity that was founded by eighteen men of diverse cultural backgrounds. in 1986 at the University of Iowa based on cultural understanding and wisdom. 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 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. Thus, April 4, 1986 is the official founding date of the Fraternity.
The eighteen Founding Fathers who established Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. were:
Our History
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
J.J.R.C.
Eugenio Soria
Juan Valdez
Ricardo Zamudio
Omega Gamma
Early in the Fall of 2005, initial interest for adopting a culturally diverse fraternity at the University of Southern California campus was sprouted by Brother Edwin Lopez, a Founding Brother of the California State University-Dominguez Hills Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. The interested gentlemen, Luis Valdez, Emmanuel Gutierrez, Carlos Chavez, and Angel Haro began the long and arduous journey to bring this honorable organization to the USC campus. Little did they know that their quest was only beginning.
In the Fall of 2006, the interested memebers began to attend various Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. events throughout the Southern California region. Being exposed to the fraternity's brotherhood helped confirm to the interested members that the principles the organization stands for will be a great asset to themselves, their campus, and their local community. During this time, constant contact with Brother Diego Back, of the Loyola Marymount University Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc., was maintained. In the latter portion of the Fall semester of 2006, various impressive informationals were conducted by the brothers of sigma lambda beta in order to ensure a solid interest group at the university of southern california.
Once this solidified group was established, the necessary steps were taken to become an official Sigma lambda beta international fraternity inc. interest group. On March 5, 2007, The Order of Troy was accepted as an official interest group. The next meeting was a memorable one...
On March 8, 2007 The Order of Troy began the much anticipated educational process to one day gaze at the eternal Lambda Light. Thanks to the hard work and dedication headed by Brother Diego Back, along with Brother Joel Gutierrez, Brother Hector Palacios, Brother Gerardo Dominguez, and the rest of the Southwest District brothers, the Order of Troy was confident that soon their hard work and goal would be achieved.
Through their persistence and dedication; with their unity and love for Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. On July 1, 2007 at 2:50:04am, the University of Southern California Colony was born. Four gentlemen sacrificed, four gentlemen showed heart, four gentlemen took on the respectable image of this illustrious fraternity, and crossed the pits of disunity.
Specifically, the Omega Gamma chapter at the University of Southern California prides it self in our integration of our core principles. Through chapter programming, services, and education, Omega Gamma strives to promote the core principles of our fraternity - Brotherhood, Scholarship, Cultural Awareness and Community Service.
Omega Gamma firmly believes in diversity and equality, priding ourselves with members of multiple backgrounds and cultures. We strive to promote the concept that culture goes beyond ethnic and racial backgrounds, but is apparent and relevant in our everyday lives- from artists to engineers, biochemists to writers, businessmen to musicians. Our organization welcomes people of any race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, appearance, religion, and political opinion. We welcome people of all backgrounds and histories to offer us new insight, new experiences, and new perspectives so that we may grow from each other; for it is through knowledge that we grow and expand. It is through experiences that we attain wisdom. And our Founding Fathers presented to us this core concept with our organization's motto:
"Opportunity for Wisdom, Wisdom for Culture."