Lambda Theta Phi, Fraternidad Latina, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975 at Kean College in Union, New Jersey.

In September of 1975, Founding Father Agustin Garcia entered Kean College as a freshman. A politically active individual, he ran for a position on the Freshman Student Council and became the first Latino elected to the Kean College student government. A man of vision, he was concerned over the disunity among the Latin students and took it upon himself to begin to organize the Latinos at Kean.

From September to November of 1975, Founding Father Garcia and a group of other students met to find the solution to uniting the different Latino groups on campus. Founding Father Garcia initiated these meetings and reached out to all Latino students, irrespective of their ethnic background. The major topics of discussion at these meetings were the need to become politically conscious and active as Latino students and the unification of all Latinos.

At a meeting on November 11, 1975, Founding Father Garcia proposed the idea of founding a fraternity. He believed this structure would best meet the needs of the Latinos by promoting unity through brotherhood.

Below are excerpts from the history book regarding the essence of the fraternity and the fraternity's symbolism for the "Conquistador."

"Lambda Theta Phi provides the Latino college student with the opportunity to be part of a congenial family with a mission. What is this mission? To cultivate a spirit of brotherhood, to value an education, to promote unity among all Latinos, to be proud of and cherish our heritage, to assert roles of leadership, to develop character, to practice chivalry, to serve mankind, to aim for the stars. In short, to raise the social and cultural conscience of the Latin male college student."

"Lambda Theta Phi has conquered new lands-the campuses of institutions of higher learning. Lambda Theta Phi has conquered a multicultural people-each and every brother, by becoming a Lambda, has taken an oath to uphold the ideals of the Fraternity, tenets we cannot confine to a college campus, but which constitute a lifetime commitment, something many may be unable to relate to. Lambda Theta Phi is building the Latino leaders of tomorrow, those who will provide the guidance and leadership for our community and nation."

"The twenty-first century quickly approaches. It will be accompanied by growth and change. As an organization, we will have to adapt to changing times. Let us not fear the future. Our unity and ideals shall illuminate our path to conquer the twenty-first century."

"Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Incorporated.
Ayer,
Hoy,
Mañana...
Siempre."

El Conquistador

"It is public information that El Conquistador is the mascot of the Fraternity and the term used to refer to the Lambda pledge. Founding Father Agustin Garcia suggested the conquistador be the mascot of the Fraternity in early 1978."

"Founding Father Wilfredo Ayes interjected the conquistador into the Lambda pledging process. As the Fraternity's first Pledgemaster, Founding Father Ayes thought up the idea that the Lambda pledge be referred to as a conquistador. Founding Father Ayes presented his idea in anticipation of the first pledge line of the Fraternity, in the Spring of 1978."

"Over the years, the brotherhood has been questioned and criticized for selecting the conquistador as a symbol to represent the organization. The criticism has arisen due to the negative connotations that accompany the term. History books depict the conquistadores as having committed genocide of the Indian people. Representing the Spanish crown, in the sixteenth century the conquistadores came to the Americas. Why, then, would the Fraternity choose the conquistador as its symbol?"

"The literal definition of the term, as opposed to the notorious role the conquistadores played in our history, was the overriding consideration. Overcoming barriers and conquering difficulties was the inspiration behind the selection. In fact, the historical significance of the conquistador was never a part of the discussions. Instead, the founders concentrated on the meaning of the term and how it would represent each and every brother. This is evidenced by the fact that another term was suggested--Pioneros (pioneers). As the first Latin fraternity in the nation, the Lambdas would be pioneers. Lambda Theta Phi would settle new territories and originate what others would attempt to duplicate. Yet another recommendation was Caballeros (gentlemen or knights). Every brother of the Fraternity should possess a certain demeanor--courteous, generous, chivalrous, and marked by honor. As one can see, the literal meaning of the term would be the deciding factor."

"Each suggestion was debated. While the reasoning behind Pioneros and Caballeros would apply to every Lambda, El Conquistador was the victor. The discussions on the conquistador covered an array of relevant topics. The literal definition, albeit the most salient, was but one supporting argument."

"Despite its place in history, El Conquistador was selected. It was in the spirit of overcoming the impossible, and of conquering a dream, that the selection was made."

No materials from "The History of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Incorporated" can be reprinted without the expressed written consent of Lambda Theta Phi, Fraternidad Latina, Inc. and Jesus Pena, Esq. (The following excerpts are not reprinted in the book's order. Some of the text was omitted for space.)

century."