National History
During the fall of 1985, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began to explore the idea of establishing a Latino-based fraternity at the University of Iowa. Having seen the impact organizations like Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity had on their constituency, Mendoza-Madrigal knew something similar could be done for the Latino interest. Without knowing the impact he would have almost 30 years down the road, Baltazar starting doing research on this possibility.
After months of dedicated research, Mendoza-Madrigal called for a special meeting on March 7, 1986. Held at the Chicano Native American Cultural Center (now known as the Latino Native American Cultural Center), this meeting would bring together the Latino students to discuss the feasibility of creating a social fraternity that would focus on the Latino culture.
“The Latino community was divided among several social groups at the time,” said Mendoza-Madrigal. The enthusiasm in favor of establishing a social fraternity that could help in unifying the community was so great that word started to spread quickly across the University of Iowa campus. Everyone knew that something great was about to take place. After much planning, the ideology and philosophy of this new organization were finalized on April 4th, 1986. Henceforth, this day is recognized as the official founding date of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity at The University of Iowa.
At almost 30 years, our Fraternity has grown to over 100 collegiate entities spanning across 29 states from Coast to Coast. Moreover, our membership has expanded beyond our Hispanic-Latino origins making us one of the most culturally diverse Greek lettered organizations.
Chapter History
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign during the Fall of 1990 a group of young men who wanted an organization that served their needs and wants, looked into establishing a fraternity.
On October 20, 1990, this group met with Brothers from the Gamma Chapter at Illinois State University and Founding Father Ricardo Zamudio at Papa Del's Pizza in Champaign, IL. There they learned about a great fraternity. Working with Brothers of Illinois State University, Western Illinois University, and Northern Illinois University, this group of men became a Registered Student Organization at UIUC.
By the start of the Spring '91 semester, the pieces were in place to start a chapter at UIUC. On April 14, 1991 through much hard work and dedication Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. was founded at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
In over 20 years of existence Kappa Chapter has grown to over 100 Brothers and continues to grow stronger each passing semester! Like the Founding Fathers of our beloved fraternity our Brothers share a deep passion for a diversified chapter. The chapter has boasted brothers from most countries in Central and South America, African-American decent, the Philippines, Middle East, and even Australia. A Latino based fraternity with a multicultural membership we are.
Throughout the years Sigma Lambda Beta has become a long standing fraternity at UIUC. Sigma Lambda Beta is one of the oldest Latino based fraternities on campus. Brothers have participated in the infamous 1992 Latino Student Protests, have helped create the annual Latino/a Fashion Show, Fiesta, and other Latino events on campus. We have raised thousands of dollars for charities both on the local and national level.
Sigma Lambda Beta has NEVER died out on campus due strongly to their dedicated and passionate alumni network. Many of our members have heard the calling of continued fraternal support by volunteering on local and National levels for the fraternity including serving on the International Board of Directors. Our chapter alumni have become community leaders and successful professionals in a wide variety of professions including accounting, business, engineering, medical, educational, journalism, and non-profits.
However our history is never finished. We continue to add to our legacy with each passing year. We are continually striving to succeed and better ourselves for the benefit of our community, our country, and the world.
Founding Fathers
- Bro. Mario Buendia
- Bro. Enrique Carbajal
- Bro. Thomas Carrasquillo
- Bro. Manuel Chavarria
- Bro. Jose Fong
- Bro. Rudolfo Garza
- Bro. Luis Jimenez
- Bro. Luis Marquez
- Bro. Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal
- Bro. Eric Montes
- Bro. Kuy Ou
- Bro. Olakunle Oyeyemi
- Bro. Jaime Ramirez
- Bro. Olivero Rivera
- J.J.R.C.
- Bro. Eugenio Soria
- Bro. Juan Valdez
- Bro. Ricardo Zamudio
Quick Facts
Our Founding Date: April 4th, 1986
Our Nicknames: Lambda Betas or Betas.
Our Principles: Brotherhood, Scholarship, Community Service & Cultural Awareness.
Our Mission: To nurture and further a dynamic, values-based environment which utilizes our historically Latino based fraternity as a catalyst to better serve the needs and wants of all people.
Our Colors: Royal Purple & Pure White.
Our Flower: Red Carnation.
Our Calls: “LB… 86!” “Lambda Betas… Coast to Coast!” “S-I-G-M-A… Lambda Betas all the way!”