Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΣΥ) ("L-S-U" or "Upsilons") is an intercollegiate Latino oriented Greek lettered fraternity, founded on April 5, 1979 at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

Lambda Sigma Upsilon
ΛΣΥ
The official shield of Lambda Sigma Upsilon
FoundedApril 5, 1979; 45 years ago (1979-04-05)
Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Livingston Campus,
TypeCultural
Affiliation
StatusActive
EmphasisLatinos
ScopeUnited States
MottoLatinos Siempre Unidos
"Latinos Always United"
Colors  Baby Blue and   White
SymbolA Taino Native
PublicationThe Fellowship
   ¡La Plena!
PhilanthropyH.I.V./A.I.D.S. Research and Awareness
Chapters81 Undergraduate
6 Alumni
NicknameThe Upsilons, L-S-U
HeadquartersLambda Sigma Upsilon
42 Broad Street

Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201
United States
Websitewww.lsu79.org

Lambda Sigma Upsilon has 81 undergraduate chapters and 6 alumni chapters in universities and cities across the United States. The fraternity is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).

Formation

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During the period of the mid to late 1970s protests and acts of civil disobedience became commonplace as students asserted their disappointment with Rutgers University, professors' tenure, national issues, and Latino student rights.[1] The protest became so fervent they began closing down institutions, buildings,[2] and sporting events.[3]

In the spring of 1979, a group of students suggested the creation of a Latino social fellowship. After meeting on a regular basis, they officially established the Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Social Fellowship on April 5, 1979.[4] The official motto of the fellowship was "Latinos Siempre Unidos" (Latinos Always United), thus the acronym "LSU". They have been touted as being a "catalyst for change, and a vehicle for pertinent conversation regarding relevant issues between student and the university administration".[5]

 
This photo contains 15 of the 20
founding fathers of Lambda Sigma Upsilon.

Goals

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The 20 founders of LSU were men who believed that underrepresented groups, particularly ethnic minorities, at colleges and universities were not getting the attention or services needed to advance their academic successes. They created Lambda Sigma Upsilon to act as a support group for these groups, as well as to provide a family away from home. The founders developed four Goals[6] that would embody the purpose of Lambda Sigma Upsilon. These goals are:

  • Academic excellence
  • Cultural awareness and diversity
  • Being role models to the community
  • Brotherhood

Affiliations

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Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. is a Member of the National Greek council North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)[7] It is the brother organization of Mu Sigma Upsilon, a multicultural-based sorority.

National Chapters

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Philanthropy

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Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Philanthropy.

After the passing of one of their founding fathers, Alberto Rivera, in June 1989 due to HIV/AIDS complications, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. selected HIV/AIDS research and awareness as its primary philanthropy.[8]

The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation

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Latinos Siepre Unidos logo.

The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation is a 501 c(3) non-profit foundation founded on October 2, 2017.[9] It operates separately and independently of the fraternity. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide scholarships to Latinos, as well as other minorities, enrolled in high school or college who have shown a commitment to leadership and education. The Latinos Siempre Unidos foundation also endows surrounding neighborhoods and communities with new prospects to further learning by supporting fiscally and physically organizations, groups, clubs, associations, and companies who show values in line with those of The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation.[10][11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Students still protest-prone" Bangor Daily News Article August 12, 1981
  2. ^ Jaffe, Mark H. (28 May 1978). "Tensions on Rutgers Campus; in New Brunswick Are Easing". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  3. ^ "Negotiations Fail on Rutgers Rebels; Effort to Avoid Discipline for Protest Fruitless". The New York Times. 26 February 1974 – via NYTimes.com.
  4. ^ "Our History - LSU". Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated.
  5. ^ Torbenson, Craig Laron; Parks, Gregory (2009). Brothers and Sisters. Associated University Presse. ISBN 9780838641941. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "Our Goals". Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated.
  7. ^ "Affiliations - LSU". Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated.
  8. ^ "National Philanthropy - LSU". Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated.
  9. ^ LSU Educational Foundation
  10. ^ "LSU Foundation". Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated.
  11. ^ "The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation". Archived from the original on 2011-07-28.
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