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Western
Illinois University saw the next emerging colony of Lambda
Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Inc., during the spring semester
of 2005. Such occurred when 7 undergraduate Latino
students initially came together with the idea of introducing
a positive image of a Latino fraternity in their respective
campus. They wanted to embrace and take part of the unity,
brotherhood, pride and respect for all cultures that Lambda
Theta Phi offer them.
The
students wanted an organization that strongly
emphasized service, political action, and was unique when
compared to other Latino Greeks in the nation. After
continuous discussion, initial preparation, and completion of
interest group requirements, only four carried the
strength and motivation to continue and to explore what lied
ahead. By the end of Summer 2005, Jose Marroquin, Rafael
Vargas, Jorge Calvillo, Daniel Rubio, and Oracio
Torres created a historical landmark; they had managed
to bring the first Latino Greek Letter Fraternity
officially recognized by the National Inter-Fraternity
Council.
During
the fall 2005 the founding brothers were able to have an
interest group of 5 undergraduate students. The fall interest
successfully completed their interest requirements and given a
bid to take part of the intake process. In the spring semester
of 2006 the creation of our beta line took place and after
they successfully crossed as brothers of the colony of Western
Illinois University. After beta line crossed, we received full
recognition as an organization by the Western Illinois
University. Thanks to the Help of Brother Jose Ochoa
from Alpha Phi chapter.
During
the Fall Semester of 2006 with eight brothers attending the
University, we received Colony of the Year Award. On
November 5, 2006 the brothers of Western Illinois University
were at the University of Urban Champaign for a triple s
competition in which they took second place. Later that
day they received news that the national board had just
recognized them as Beta Psi chapter. In under a year and a
half Beta Psi chapter was established, and the Chapter
continued to grow. Receiving many different awards from
the University, such as the Presidents Award for Fraternal
Excellence, and many of the Brothers were nominated for
several different awards. While completing all these
tasks, the brothers of Beta Psi chapter had an interest group
of fourteen, which was the biggest in our chapter history.
During
the spring semester of 2007 we inducted our gamma line which
consisted of three brothers, Christopher Gordillo, Enrique
Ortiz, and Silvestre Talavera Jr. After our gamma line crossed
successfully we increased to eleven brothers on campus.
With the largest Minority Fraternity on campus we decided to
participate in Greek Week for the first time. Our
presence was being felt on campus and we became know as one of
the most involved organizations on campus. By the end of
the semester we received:
Western
Illinois University Outstanding Eternal Relations In
Recognition of an Outstanding, Comprehensive Efforts in the
Area of Campus, Community, and Alumni Relations Throughout the
Year.
Western
Illinois University Outstanding Membership Development In
Recognition of an Outstanding Effort for Chapter Programming
Education, and involvement in the Campus Community.
Western
Illinois University Outstanding Chapter Standards Program In
Recognition of an Outstanding Effort for Chapter Operation,
Standards and Quality Work to Understand as well as Reduce
Risk.
As
The Fraternity Continued to excel, throughout its existence,
it saw its first Fall as well as Solo line ever. In the
Fall of 2007 Josh Jefferson became the first solo line.
During the Fall Brothers Participate in several different
Homecoming events, in cooperation with Alpha Phi Alpha, and
Sigma Kappa. They did their first ever founders week,
which consisted of several different events.
In
February of 2008 Beta Psi put on the largest program in its
history. Lambda Vision, a fashion show of the latest Urban
wear, took place in the Heritage Rooms of the University
Union. At the end of the night it was a great success with
over 200 individuals in attendance and 3 clothing labels
represented.
During
the Spring of 2008 Beta Psi Chapter welcomed Erik Rivera and
David Campos amongst the ranks of Lambda Theta Phi.
In
Fall of 2008 Beta Psi Chapter had the privilege of hosting the
3rd
annual
Midwest Lambda Conference. The experience gained from the
Lambda Vision event proved beneficial in the task of planning
for and putting on the Conference. The Event was an
unparalleled milestone for the Chapter and the Sector.
Brothers from nearly all the chapters in both the Illinois and
additional brothers from Michigan Sector 1 were present. As
The fraternity continues to flourish as a whole so will its
history, and The vision that was brought to Western Illinois
continued to be carried out along with the traditions.
On
September 11, 2009 Beta Psi held their First Annual Palooza
This! Comedy Show. Comedians featured included Darren Rivera,
Oscar Collazos and national headliner Alex Ortiz. In addition
to continuing ongoing sponsorship and support of the Food and
Culture Club, and Flores de Cultura scholarship pageant.
In
Fall of 2009 Beta Psi again added to its family welcoming in
to the family: Brothers Luis Campos, Gaston Pesa, Jonathan
Guzman, Jose Davila, and Christian Aponte. They formed Beta
Psi's second Fall Line and infused the chapter with new life
and vitality there line being “The Rejuvenation of the
Immortal Soldiers”.
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