Alpha Psi Lambda

Alpha Psi Lambda Fraternity (ΑΨΛ), is a co-educational, Latino-oriented Greek letter intercollegiate fraternity. It was the first such organization for Latino college students in the United States.^[1][2] It has 27 chapters; the national headquarters is based in Chicago.

History

Alpha Psi Lambda was founded on February 11, 1985 on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

In Columbus, Ohio, in May 1984 a group of undergraduate students led by Dr. Josue Cruz, Assistant Vice Provost to the Office of Minority Affairs, set out to research the country for other Latino Greek lettered organizations and learn how to begin a fraternity at The Ohio State University.

On March 10, 1985 at The Ohio State University, thirteen men and women were officially initiated into Alpha Psi Lambda. These individuals set the foundation for what is the nation's first and now largest co-ed Latino fraternity. The thirteen founders were Annette Saldivar, Annette Seda, Carolyn Christian, Clara Isern, Diana Acevedo, James Cordero, Juan Casimiro, Juan Vera, Marisol Lugo, Nancy Romo, Saddy Rivera, Tammy Harris, and Yolanda Natal.

Alpha Psi Lambda was the first Latino-based fraternity established at a Big Ten school. It is a founding member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).

Important Dates

May 18, 1984 Several students attending a Hispanic leadership retreat noted a need for Latino organizations at The Ohio State University. An exploratory group, led by Dr. Josue Cruz, Assistant Vice Provost to the Office of Minority Affairs, was formed to research possible fraternities and sororities. After reviewing their findings, the group decided to start a new Latino Greek organization.

February 11, 1985 - Alpha Psi Lambda was established at The Ohio State University.

March 10, 1985 - Thirteen individuals were officially initiated as the founders of Alpha Psi Lambda.

September 25, 1992 - Alpha Psi Lambda was officially recognized as a National organization.

Today - Alpha Psi Lambda has grown to include twenty-five chapters with over 2300 members.

Purposes and Mission

The 8 purposes of Alpha Psi Lambda are:

1. Serve the University Campus, and Community.
2. Bring forth on a scholastic level, Hispanics/Latinos and others at the University on the Basis of Friendship.
3. Provide a supplementary educational, social and cultural experience for the mutual cultivation of its members.
4. Advocate for the needs and concerns of the Hispanic/Latino students.
5. Promote a basis for the diversity of the Hispanic/Latino cultures.
6. Enhance the educational experience through social and cultural activities, and assist in the development of members' leadership abilities.
7. Promote inter-fraternity relations.
8. Foster positive relations between the Greek system, University/Campus Administration and the outside community.

The mission of Alpha Psi Lambda is:

To promote continued personal and collective growth of our membership, success and unity through education, leadership, cultural awareness and community service.

Chapters of Alpha Psi Lambda

Undergraduate chapters are present at the following schools:^[3]

References

External links

• Alpha Psi Lambda National Website