THE OMICRON DELTA CHAPTER EST. APRIL 17TH, 2010
Sigma Lambda Beta – ΟΔ Chapter – Washington State University
Utilizing our historically Latino fraternity as a catalyst to better serve the needs and
wants of all people.
Accepting of all cultures and backgrounds, striving for and providing change, for the
betterment of our community, members, and the most important the individual.
National Background
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated (ΣΛΒ) is a Latino-based social
fraternity established on cultural understanding & wisdom. Founded on April 4, 1986 at
Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated was founded on April 4th,
1986, at the University of Iowa by 18 honorable men.
In 1992 SLB became the first Latino based fraternity to establish itself from coast to
coast.
SLB is a part of the F.I.R.M Family (First Inter-Racially Mixed Family) which consists of
two Divine Nine Organizations; Zeta Phi Beta, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Lambda
Gamma Sorority, Incorporated.
SLB Representation
Mascot: White Stallion Mustang
Motto: Opportunity for Wisdom, Wisdom for Culture
Flower: Red Carnation
Founded: April 4, 1986 at the University of Iowa
Official Colors: Royal Purple and Pure White
SLB Motto
Opportunity For Wisdom, Wisdom For Culture.
SLB Principles
- Brotherhood – Creating a bond that extends throughout a lifetime. Learning to keep
each other in line and hold each other close during hard times. - Community Service – Giving back to those who have given to us. Creating
fundraisers, educational workshops and informational/engaging events. - Cultural Awareness – Recognizing different backgrounds and rich culture. We wish
to disseminate our rich culture which we all share. - Scholarship – Providing funds for personal and professional success. We encourage
our Brothers to pursue postgraduate degree and opportunities.
SLB’s Mission Statement
To utilize our fraternity as a catalyst to better serve the needs and wants of all people
Additional Information
The Beginning
During the fall of 1985, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began to explore the idea of
establishing a Latino-based fraternity at the University of Iowa. Having seen the impact
organizations like Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity had on their constituency,
Mendoza-Madrigal knew something similar could be done for the Latino interest.
Without knowing the impact he would have over 30 years down the road, Baltazar
starting doing research on this possibility.
After months of dedicated research, Mendoza-Madrigal called for a special meeting on
March 7, 1986. Held at the Chicano Indian American Cultural Center (now known as
the Latino Native American Cultural Center), this meeting would bring together the
Latino students to discuss the feasibility of creating a social fraternity that would focus
on the Latino culture.
“The Latino community was divided among several social groups at the time,” said
Mendoza-Madrigal. The enthusiasm in favor of establishing a social fraternity that could
help in unifying the community was so great that word started to spread quickly across
the University of Iowa campus. Everyone knew that something great was about to take
place. After much planning, the ideology and philosophy of this new organization were
finalized on April 4th, 1986. Henceforth, this day is recognized as the official founding
date of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity at The University of Iowa.
Sigma Lambda Beta Today
After over 30 years, our Fraternity has grown to over 120 collegiate entities spanning
over 30 states from Coast to Coast. Sigma Lambda Beta entities can be found at some
of the largest institutions in the Big Ten, PAC 12, and Big 12 or at some of the most
prestigious small private schools across the country. Moreover, our membership has
expanded beyond our Hispanic-Latino origins making us one of the most culturally
diverse Greek-lettered organizations.