It is hard not to see the many students that are a part of Greek life walking around campus. Many students a part of Greek life wear their letters every now and then, showing their pride to whichever organization they are a part of. All of the Greek organizations do something that makes them who they are and makes them known on campus; for example, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated (LTA), who love to host numerous events throughout the semester.

Founded in December of 1975 at Kean University, LTA is the first Latin Sorority in the country and takes pride in recognizing the need of support.

The organization “was founded upon creating a place where women can come together and progress as a community,” comments Vanessa Gonzalez, “so we unified, respected and loved one another to accomplish what Lambda Theta Alpha could become.”

Gonzalez is the New Member Educator of LTA. She is a senior majoring in bilingual elementary education K-6.

If anyone has LTA performing at any Greek event will know that LTA does a hand sign or call. Lambda Theta Alpha is known for chants and traditional salutes.

“Within each organization, there is a distinctive hand sign/call. It is meant to show an association to the organization. Our hand sign represents a Lambda [sister] when it is connected between sisters, or when one greets your organization at new member presentations,” comments Gonzalez.

She also explains why LTA doesn’t step.

“In respect to the [National Pan Hellenic Council] NPHC Organizations, we do not step, our organization strolls. Strolling, or party walking, embraces the unity among the sisters, which can be performed at any Greek event,” Gonzalez states.

LTA has hosted numerous events this year. Gonzalez comments how LTA normally has great attendance to their events.

“With events, we tend to cater to the Kean University community, while still carrying out our purpose as an organization. Women empowerment, community activism and political awareness are some of the themes to our events that we host at Kean University.”

Some of the events that LTA has hosted include Guess Who? Latin Edition (held on Monday, April 11, 2016), Diary of A Woman (held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016), and The Night Show (hosted with the organization Prisoners of Words on Wednesday, February 17, 2016), which was their most successful event this year.

“This show was created to satisfy the inner artist and spectator,” comments Gonzalez.

The Night Show brought the Kean community together with an evening of poetry, music, dance and live painting. This show hosted over 30 performers and had over 100 people in attendance. The Night Show truly showcased many talented artists from all over.

Like many other Greek organizations, LTA has a national philanthropy and a chapter philanthropy.

Nationally, “Lambda Theta Alpha raised over $200,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Gonzalez comments.

Gonzalez explains how the Kean University chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha has helped with raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“As a chapter here at Kean University, we have done many events to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Some of these events include: Chipotle and Applebee’s fundraisers, bake sales, Go Fund Me, and lottery events.”

LTA’s chapter philanthropy is Aspire High Youth Development Program. Aspire High Youth Development Program is a program that was founded by one of the sisters, Lillian Perez.

Gonzalez comments that Perez had a vision “to create a support group for our youth. This program prepares the youth for the future, for example, choosing a college and the development of one’s character.”

LTA fundraises for this program by hosting bake sales and events like Mr. Burgundy and Grey.

LTA and the other Greek organizations on campus set a great example of what Greek life is really all about. Greek life strives on the five pillars: brotherhood and sisterhood, leadership, scholarship, community service and social life, and LTA is always putting a dent in the pillars community service and social life.

For more information about LTA, visit its website or Cougar Link organization page.

Learn about Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority
Photo Courtesy of Lambda Theta Alpha