Lambda Phi Epsilon -- Rutgers University Alpha Theta Chapter

Ethnic fraternities developed as a result of the need to share and celebrate diversity of cultural experiences. The FIRST Asian fraternity was founded at Cornell in 1916 as Rho Psi, which now exists as an alumni club with chapters in New York, Hawaii, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Hong Kong. The concepts of brotherhood and unity isn't new, however our dedication and commitment to it is. A new dynasty has arrived- here's our story...

Traditional Asian campus organizations were often split along lines of national origins. The lack of continuity among the memberships in those organizations meant that at best, student associations provided a circle of friends spanning the years of undergraduate study-and at worst-a group of familiar strangers encountered during periodic social functions. The yearly turn-over of most organizations' officers made it extremely difficult to pursue any extended project as each new officer core set its own agenda. A solution to this dilemma was the adoption of a fraternal social structure.

Lambda Phi Epsilon was founded on February 25, 1981, by principal founder Mr. Craig Ishigo and a group of eighteen other dedicated men on the campus of the University of California of Los Angeles. By forming Lambda Phi Epsilon as a new Asian American fraternity, the founders hoped to set new and higher standards of excellence for all Asian-interest organizations to follow. The goal of the founders was to transcend the limitations to which traditional Asian American organizations were subject. They sought to draw the membership equally from the many diverse segments of the Asian American community. Their vision was that the members would eventually become the leaders of their respective communities and bridge the gaps fragmenting the Asian American community through the affiliation with a common organization. Unknowingly, their efforts had set the stage for the emergence of the largest organization of its kind.

By 1990, six chapters had formed at the University of California at: Los Angeles, Davis, Santa Barbara, Berkeley, Irvine, and the University of Texas at Austin. As most of these chapters were founded in the late eighties, it became evident to the brothers of Lambda Phi Epsilon, that rapid expansion loomed near. In order to facilitate this process of rapid expansion and to seek standardization throughout the nation, these six chapters came together to form what is known as Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity.

May 28, 1990. The first National Convention (held at UC Irvine) established a national governing body to coordinate the individual chapters' efforts. The first order of business was to designate Memorial Day weekend as the official date for the annual convention of Lambda Phi Epsilon National. At this time, Mr. Robert Mimaki, a Beta Chapter Brother, was elected as the first National President. Later that year...with the admission to the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) on September 8, 1990, Lambda Phi Epsilon became the first (and still the only) nationally recognized Asian-American interest fraternity in the United States. Over the years, Lambda Phi Epsilon National had grown tremendously. Between the years 1990 and 1995, Lambda Phi Epsilon increased in size to over twenty chapters. In 1995, we became a California non-profit corporation thus changing our name to Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity, Inc. Once again- the first.

Through past Conventions and legislative processes, Lambda Phi Epsilon further divided into two divisions, Alumni and Active, each with its own officer CORPS, policies and procedures. This was done to better serve the fraternity as a whole. In the Active division, numerous programs were developed to address the needs of the collegiate brotherhood throughout the nation and abroad. The National Service Program adopted several national philanthropies. The most notable is the Asian American Bone Marrow Donor Program. To date, no other organization in the United States has enlisted more registrants to the Asian bone marrow donor library than Lambda Phi Epsilon. The National Academic Committee developed guidelines and scholarship programs to encourage academic excellence in our collegiate chaptersThe National Expansion Committee (EXCOMM) developed formal procedures and a fair application process for all interest groups. The creation of the National Brotherhood Program sent national staff members to collegiate chapters to demonstrate different methods of building brotherhood and character. The National Brotherhood Program also established an Annual Brotherhood Showcase, where brothers from around the nation exemplify their understanding of brotherhood through artistic expression. Recently, The National created the National JA (Junior-Active) Leadership Retreat Program. The effort was to introduce leadership methods and applicable knowledge to our young leaders so they would be prepared and empowered for success. Lambda Phi Epsilon accomplishments also include the establishment of "forLiFE", a national magazine.

Lambda Phi Epsilon continues to establish and perpetuate Brotherhood and fellowship among its members. Part of that Brotherhood is expressed in our motto "To be Leaders Among Men." We not only seek to bring together a diverse group of men who share interest, concerns, backgrounds and cultures, but who believe that the strength of many are forged into the power of being one. Today, with thousands of brothers from coast to coast and throughout the world, Lambda Phi Epsilon has become a major institution and a powerful force in the Asian American scene in the United States. Grounded on the principles of wisdom, honor, and courage; our Active Division continues to teach young men principles of leadership and strong moral character. Our Alumni Division then provides a forum in which brothers may apply these beliefs and become true leaders of society. It is that unique life long commitment to lead in every arena of life that makes " the Lambdas" the most respected organization of it's kind. Ultimately, it is the principles of Lambda Phi Epsilon that inspire our members to be big brothers [Big Brother Factor] and to lead their communities to a better, brighter way of life.

Romeo Lavarias
Historian, Active Division
Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity, Inc.
Rho Chapter - San Jose State University

In the winter of 1999-2000, the concept of founding a chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon at Rutgers University, New Brunswick was introduced, and the Rutgers Asian Interest Network interest group was formed. The members of the interest group felt that the large Asian population at Rutgers was underrepresented, and needed another voice. Through RAIN, the men worked hard through community services around the Rutgers region, got involved in various Asian organizations at the University, and travelled to meet the many chapters of Lambda Phi Epsilon. After one year of hard work, the Rutgers Asian Interest Group received their bid to pledge to charter a chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon at Rutgers University.

Under the guidance of their pledge dad, Frank "IQ" Ho and the brothers of Alpha Beta Chapter, New York University, on April 15th, 2001, following several months of hard work, sacrifice, and learning, 11 strong men of the Rutgers University Charter Class crossed into Eternal Brotherhood, establishing a brand new chapter. Their names: "Üter", "Snoop", "Sprint", "Kicking Bird", "Confuseus", "Lil' Bow Wow", "Crouching Tiger", "Major Orgazmo", "Thrilla In Manila", "McGruff", and "Vondu Tree".

The thirty-third chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon has since grown to eighty brothers, and will continue the fraternity's tradition of excellence, service, and brotherhood.