THE HISTORY OF SIGMA CHAPTER

The original idea of bringing La Fraternidad to Wesleyan University was sparked by Hermano Jose M. De Jesus. As he saw it, the most disjointed segment of the student of color population at Wesleyan were Latino men. Although there were about 100 Latino men, the number seemed smaller because of inactivity and a high drop-out rate. At that time, Latino men were unfairly viewed as underachievers, men for whom people had lost hope. 

The dream of bringing some of these Latino men together under one banner was born on that Spring day. The concept of a Latino fraternity became very intriguing. A fraternity would inspire brotherhood among Latinos and perhaps spark activity which would foster a positive image for the very men who seemed so invisible. The idea of making an organization consisting mainly of Latino men whose focus would be on community service, academics, and social events seemed like a promising option. Issues such as the recruitment and retention of Latino men at Wesleyan were important, and they felt a Latino based fraternity provided a means to address them. That Spring, Hermano Jose reached various organizations before he recognized La Unidad Latina as the best organization for addressing the needs of the Wesleyan Latino Community. 

The fall of that year Hermano Alex Botero and Jay Ramos of Kappa Chapter (Yale University) came to Wesleyan to speak at a Greek forum. One month and three meetings later an interest group of 16 men signed their letter of intent. Cited in this letter was their thirst for brotherhood and respect. They acknowledged the needs for a positive community service based organization on their campus. In this letter the seeds of Sigma Chapter were sewn. 

On January 24 at 11:11:38 PM seven men took the oath of La Fraternidad. The seed sewn by the interest a few months before now began to grow, watered by Hermanos and the Caballeros. 

At 12:10 AM April 1, 1995 the Sigma Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. was born at Wesleyan University. On this date six men received the title of Hermano de La Fraternidad. They are (in line order) Hermano Sergio Zenteno, Hermano Tom Constable, Hermano Francisco Tezen, Hermano Miguel Guadelupe, Hermano Jose De Jesus, and Hermano Jason Rosado. That April night will forever be one of the most important in their lives. 

Now after 10 years of existence, the spirit of the Founders of La Fraternidad, as well as the spirit of the Sigma Chapter founders continues to stay strong and focused. With the help of the greater Wesleyan community, as well as the support of other ethnic Greeks, and cultural organizations, the Sigma Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated continues to grow. 

Sigma's dedication to diversity is evident. The current membership consists of: twelve Puerto Ricans, two Bolivians, one Costa Rican, two Peruvians, 2 Italian-Americans, one 2 African Americans, 1Ecuadorian, 2 Colombians. The Chapter has Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, and our interests vary greatly. We hold leadership positions in Ajua Campos (Latino Student's Organization), the Wesleyan Student Assembly, the Student of Color Council, the Black and Latino Brotherhood, and many other organizations.
 
Our personal interests find us involved in various aspects of the community, including film making, jazz, fiction writing, political activism, dance troupes, a cappella groups, poetry readings, varsity athletics, and painting. With all of the these varied interests, one thing holds them all in common, the banner of La Fraternidad dreamt of one Spring afternoon at Wesleyan University.