In 1975, there were no strictly Latin fraternities in existence. Today, in 2015, there are over 20 established Latin fraternities across the United States and it all started with Lambda Theta Phi at Kean University, formally known as Kean College, on December 1, 1975.

According to Lambda Theta Phi’s website, “Lambda’s founders, as men of vision, realized there was a need to unite the Latino students, develop their leadership skills, impart upon them the value of an education, and instill in them a commitment to their community and culture. The traditional student club would not suffice to accomplish such lofty goals. Hence, Latino unity and brotherhood would be achieved through a long recognized institution – the fraternity.”

Forty years later, the Alpha Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi at Kean University remains the largest and most popular Latin-based fraternity on campus. President Jonathan Journett, who is a senior biology major with a minor in Spanish, said that this organization has always made him feel at home.

“All of the brothers welcomed me as if I was a brother already and I never felt that divide that some people may feel,” said Journett.

Being a brother of Alpha Chapter is not only unique but an honor that knows no comparison – to be part of the first chapter of now, the largest Latin fraternity nationwide requires a different level of responsibility. This type of brotherhood is based on the principles of unity, respect, brotherhood, culture, and pride and the brothers of Lambda Theta Phi at Kean University uphold these standards in order to keep the founders’ dream alive.

Many members of the Alpha Chapter remain in contact with their founders as well as brothers from across the country. Journett himself is close with those at the University of South Florida – having visited them and vice versa. Brother and senior criminal justice major, Ojilvis Nunez, has had the privilege of meeting four out of the fourteen original founders and the Fraternal Father, Dr. Jose A, Quiles.

“Even though there is a huge age gap between us, it doesn't affect the bond that we have and has been created because of brotherhood,” said Nunez.

Every year at Kean University, Lambda Theta Phi hosts their annual Founder’s Day ceremony. This event is not limited to the Alpha Chapter – brothers from different chapters usually attend to honor their roots and meet face to face with the men who started it all. This occasion usually draws the upwards of 50 people from all over the country to take part in a candlelight vigil, the sharing of memories, and the bond of a fraternal family.  This year, Founder’s Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, beginning in Miron Student Center (MSC) room 228 at 9:00 p.m. (This event is strictly for members of the fraternity only.)

The rest of this week will be surrounded with an array of events open for the general student body of Kean University as part of “Founder’s Week”. On Monday, November 30, 2015, the brothers will be tabling in the MSC Atrium to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On December 2, 2015, they will host an informational for any prospective members. Finally, to bring Founder’s Week home on Friday, December 4, 2015, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in MSC room 312, the gentlemen of Lambda Theta Phi will be offering tips on how to be the best men you can be with their “The Art of Being a Gentleman”.

Forty years, in any regard, is a milestone. The Alpha Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi is paramount to Greek life at Kean University because after its inception, many doors have been opened for similar organizations. This organization does not just represent Greek life but it signifies overcoming obstacles and facing adversities.

“Being from the first chapter of the first organization that started the Latino Greek Movement is a big deal,” said Journett. “As we always say, ‘the original is priceless.’”

For more information about the Alpha Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi, contact alpha1975chapter@gmail.com.