Latino Fraternity Expands to Include Trinity Students

HENRY CHAVEZ ’18

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On March 31st Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. celebrated the founding of their new Omicron Chapter on the Cave patio. The Iota pledge class , the first Trinity hermanos [brothers], were inducted. The celebration began with a probate, also known as the “coming out” ceremony for new members who are pledges. This event demonstrates the organization’s successful expansion efforts in the greater New England area. Prior to  the Trinity Chapter, other chapters for  Lamba Alpha Upsilon (LAU)  are  established in the New York City Metro Area as well as the Washington, DC Metro Area.

Lambda Alpha Upsilon was founded on December 10th, 1985 at the State University of New York at Buffalo. LAU was established as a support group that provided a social and cultural outlet for the greater Latino community. The founding members of the organization represent various backgrounds and demonstrated the diversity of the Latin American community. Although the organization is Latino-oriented, it is not Latino exclusive. The organization espouses unique principles and philosophies. strength of character, a common purpose, brotherhood, scholarship and  most importantly, service to the community. The philathropies that the National Chapter sponsors are the AIDS Walk and Sickle Cell Disease Association (SCDAA).

As it continuously grows,  LAU has upheld its founding principles. Each brother, in their personal and professional life, embodies these principles and LAU’s motto, “¡Venceremos Porque Nacimos Para Triunfar!” (We will overcome because we were born to triumph!).

In Connecticut alone, the fraternity’s purpose spread and transformed through successful chapters at Southern Connecticut State University, University of New Haven, University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. Trinity College has now been added to the organization’s list of colleges wishing to join the chapter.

The night of March 31 showcased the true stamina, valor and determination of the new brothers. The performance began with the brothers greeting Trinity’s multicultural organizations and the members of the Greek organizations from Trinity and other colleges and finally brothers of different chapters of  LAU. The event acknowledged each of the new brothers’ big brother that guided them through the process  of joining the organization. The night wrapped up with each brother revealing themselves to the Trinity and greater Greek community with their fraternal nicknames.

The brothers who joined the organization last week reflect both the college’s and fraternity’s values. Eduardo Murillo ’19, computer science major, will be known as Chino by his brothers. Henry Chavez ’18, Political Science and Urban Studies double major, adopted the moniker, Suave. Adalberto Soto ’18, chemistry major, earned  the name, Jefe.

The new members of LAU at Trinity want the campus to know that the goal of their organization on campus is to build a network of brothers through education, community service and entertainment functions. LAU at Trinity recognizes that students need to help uplift each other. The organization’s mission is for young men to be  educated together, and to build a network of successful people while at Trinity.