The primary roots of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. began in 1978. During that time, Rutgers University was a hotbed of political and academic controversy. Minority students, in particular Latinos, felt that they were not getting the attention they so desperately needed to succeed in their academic endeavors. This negligence was most prevalent on the Livingston College Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. During that time groups of students and protestors would conduct campus center sit-ins and take over university facilities such as the Livingston Library to make the university administration aware of their negligence. It is during these events where our founders met. In the spring of 1979, a group of students of Latino descent began talking about creating an organization that would represent and meet the needs of the Latino student population on campus, help students achieve their goals, and provide a sense of family to those away from home. They would meet regularly at the Livingston Student Center, where more gentlemen joined in on the discussions. Soon this small group of men reached 20 members. Some of these men recognized each other from the protests and knew that they had something in common and that united, as a group, would be able to best suit the needs of their fellow students. After speaking for a number of weeks, they suggested that the group form their own brotherhood, a Latino Social Fellowship. These men decided that a Social Fellowship would best provide a support group to other students and also provide a family away from their own. The excitement of these gentlemen grew daily, and they would conduct regular meetings to formalize the Fellowship. At the Final meeting, in Tillett Hall at Rutgers University, Livingston Campus on April 5, 1979, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Social Fellowship, Inc. was established. The official motto of the fellowship was "Latinos Siempre Unidos" (Latinos Always United), thus the acronym "LSU". -Academic excellence - Ensuring that members earn their degree is a main focus within Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.. -Cultural awareness and diversity - The fraternity does not use a typical "Greek" system (Alpha, Beta, etc.), but allows new chapters to create its own identity. Over 100 countries are represented in Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., making Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. one of the most diverse fraternal organizations in the country.[citation needed] -Brotherhood - "Brotherhood" provides not only a group of individuals a sense of family away from home, but also helps individuals gain a new perspective on college life, and ultimately, a refined vision of humane understanding. Brotherhood also provides various networking opportunities with individuals who share common interests. -Being role models to the community - Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. is well known for its service to the campus community and the surrounding community The brothers of Lambda Sigma Upsilon strongly believe that many individual and collective successes can be achieved through the efforts of a culturally diverse brotherhood of college and university men who, through close association with each other, maintain honesty, commitment, respect, and trust. The maintenance of these qualities is nurtured in large part through the diversity of culture and through self-awareness and self-respect. Among the results of actions taken in these states of being are the promotion of friendship and Brotherhood, the development of individual character, the advancement of justice and opportunity, and the acquisition of soundness and excellence in education. Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.'s national philanthropy project is promoting HIV/AIDS research and awareness; Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.members participates in various events and projects, such as AIDS walks and World AIDS Day activities. The project was chosen to honor the memory of founder Alberto Rivera who died due to complications from the virus.Goals:
Mission:
HIV/AIDS Research and Awareness Philanthropy