In the fall of 1996, a group of men began meeting in hope that a Latino fraternity would one day be established at the University of Kansas. In speaking with the Sigma Lambda Beta brothers from Kansas City and with those in graduate school on campus, it became apparent that Sigma Lambda Beta was the perfect choice with which to channel their energy. As the interested men met more, it became clear that Sigma Lambda Beta was a fraternity of true success and value. However, it was not until the fall of 1998 that this dream would begin to make the proper steps to come true.

In August of 1998, the men that were interested came together and at this time an interest group for Sigma Lambda Beta was formed that the members entitled “The Beta Club.” Robert Rodriguez, Director of the McNair Scholars Program at KU was chosen by the group to be the advisor. Being of Argentinian decent, he understood the challenges the group would face on a predominantly Caucasian campus. This interest group worked at meeting the goals outlined by the expansion packet for Sigma Lambda Beta and when they were completed, the group achieved colony status. On March 16, 1999 the remaining members entered a membership education process for Sigma Lambda Beta under the guidance of Bro. Norm “Medico” Sedillo. On May 9, 1999, Alexander Morales, Francisco Chacon, Irad Orduña, and Phil Dark became the first members of Sigma Lambda Beta at the University of Kansas. Sigma Lambda Beta was given associate membership status in the National Panhellenic Council at the University of Kansas. They continued to perform community service, cultural awareness, and leadership programs on campus. In the spring of 2001, the group made its first performance in the annual NPHC Step Show. The following day they held the first Sigma Lambda Beta Car Show at the University. The Alpha line was initiated on May 5, 2001 with the addition of Bro. Hector “Naka” Marin. The Beta line was initiated on December 7, 2001 which included 7 members. The group was awarded chapter status on April 20, 2002 as the Mu Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta. The Gamma Line was initiated on May 5, 2002. On April 26, of 2003, the Delta Line was added to the brotherhood bringing the chapter total to 15 brothers…

During the fall of 1986, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began to explore the idea of establishing a Latino based Fraternity at the University of Iowa. After months of intensive research, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal called a special meeting on Monday, March 7, 1986 with some of the Latino students at the Chicano Indian American Cultural Center in the University of Iowa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need and feasibility of creating a new social Fraternity with an emphasis on the Latino Culture.

At that point in time, the student body at the University of Iowa was predominantly Caucasian. In addition, the Latino community on campus was divided into different social groups. As a result, the students who attended the first meeting wanted to solidify and unify the Latino community. Furthermore, the students wanted to promote a positive image of Latinos in the University.

After the first meeting, the enthusiasm in favor of the Fraternity was so encouraging that the word spread throughout the University of Iowa. Everyone knew that something special was about to take place. On Friday, April 4, 1986, the members finalized the philosophy and ideology of the Organization. Hence, April 4, 1986, is the official founding date of the Fraternity.

The Eighteen Founding Fathers established Sigma Lambda Beta with the following principles in mind BROTHERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, CULTURAL AWARENESS and COMMUNITY SERVICE. Our Founding Fathers had a dream and VISION that our Honorable Fraternity could promote a positive image of the Latino Community in the University of Iowa and other Universities located throughout the Nation by scholastic achievements, eternal Brotherhood, the dissemination of our unique and rich culture, and service to our community. Furthermore, as our Honorable Fraternity expanded and grew in the late eighties, the new and younger Brothers worked hard by trying their best to carry out the founding principles of our Organization. Hence, those Brothers tried to carry the torch and VISION of our Founding Fathers. The Brothers who were initiated in the early nineties, mid nineties, late nineties, and early millennium are keeping the light shining and working hard to promote a positive image of our people and our community throughout the Nation. The Brothers have the VISION that members of our community will graduate from college, pursue a graduate degree, join the professional work force, help the younger members of our community, serve our community, and educate others through cultural awareness.

In eighteen years of existence, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. has expanded to the following states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, MS, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TX, WA and WI.  Expansion of our organization has also reached Puerto Rico. The Fraternity can be found in over seventy Universities.  Furthermore, the Fraternity has twelve strong Alumni Associations.  The following men are the Founding Fathers of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.: