Latin fraternity lacking in numbers but not in strength
By Lauren Varga
Back in 1975 when a group of administrators at Kean University came together to form a multicultural fraternity for students, they never would have imagined the growth they would witness.
According to Lambda Theta Phi’s (LTP) Web site, it is the largest national Latin fraternity in the United States. And it is still growing; however, Rider University’s chapter is kept alive with only two active members.
“Lambda Theta Phi is a newer fraternity,” said Ada Badgley, director of Greek Life. “If [Rider’s] minority enrollment is greater there can be a greater number [of brothers] here than say another school.”
Although there are only two active LTP brothers on the Lawrenceville campus, there are many active brothers in nearby sectors.
“There are a lot more [brothers] at TCNJ and Rutgers (New Brunswick),” said Badgley. “They do have that connection across the state, within their sector.”
While social fraternities here at Rider are connected with national chapters, multicultural fraternities are structured differently and are closer to their national chapters.
“In general, the multicultural groups operate a little differently,” said Badgley. “The structure is that they have a really good relationship with their sectors.”
On Dec. 2, 2006, Carlos Gandula, president of Rider’s chapter of LTP, and Pedro Figueroa, vice president of the chapter, attended the fraternity’s 31st anniversary ceremony in New Brunswick to meet with brothers and celebrate the organization’s growth.
“It was a great night as brothers flew in from all over the country to attend,” said Gandula. “A lot of brothers that we spoke to on the phone, and have been talking to over the Internet or e-mail, you finally get to meet and it is a great and warm feeling knowing that your brotherhood extends so far.”
And while Gandula and Figueroa receive a lot of support from their sector, the Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) is always there to lend a helping hand.
“At IGC, we help each other out in any way we can, from coordinating events to recruiting,” said Gandula. “It’s not so much to do events together to increase numbers, but more so to emphasize our unity on campus, which can be a rarity in some cases.”
According to Gandula, IGC will be sponsoring a Step Show on April 21, at 8 p.m., in the Bart Luedeke Center (BLC). This will be similar to the movie Stomp the Yard and will showcase the stepping, strolling and saluting talents of multicultural Greeks from all across New Jersey.
And on March 20 Lambda Theta Phi will present Latin Night at the Pub from 8 p.m. to midnight.
“The best in Latin Music will be playing for one fun night of dancing,” said Gandula. “It is strongly encouraged that anyone who wants to learn how to dance to Spanish music is more than welcome to attend.”
While Gandula does not have a double-digit number of active members in his organization as other groups do, he is still active in the community and is willing to host and take part in anything he can.
“He’s a tremendous leader,” said Badgley. “He is able to do a large amount of work to move his organization forward.”
To celebrate its Founder’s Week and LTP’s 16th year on the Lawrenceville campus, the chapter has hosted events all week starting with an information session that was held Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the BLC.
It’s not too late to get involved as LTP will be hosting a candlelight vigil to honor its fallen brothers, Julian Rosado and Irving Navarro, on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Lambda Memorial, which is located near the Joseph P. Vona Annex and Bronc Diner.
“Friends and family will get to speak and reminisce on the impact these two brothers had not only on Rider, but on the Hispanic community,” said Gandula.
So the old saying “strength in numbers” does not hold true for LTP as its members on the Lawrenceville campus have made themselves active members of this community.
“[Carlos] is able to do the amount of work that some of our organizations can’t do with 60 brothers,” said Badgley.
