“A LAAAAMBDA … Theta Phi! A LAAAAMBDA … ‘Till the day we die,” brothers of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. shout.

Picture this: It is the tail end of 1975, where the first all-White fraternity was established in 1776 and the first African American fraternity was founded in 1906, but the Latin community has not yet unified on college campuses.

Kean University in Union, New Jersey was the first hot spot for the Latin faction to band together and created the first Latin-based fraternity. Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. emerged on Dec. 1 that year to combat racial tensions, especially on university grounds.

In similar fashion, Central Connecticut State University needed a Latino voice on campus to cut through the race-based discrimination. The TAU Chapter of the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was constituted on Nov. 6, 1994.

Three brave men initiated this sector: Luis “Phat Lou” Rodriguez, Fernando “Fer-Nice” Medina and Noel Casiano.

The newly formed fraternity trio decided to further the communal connection by branching out to other clubs and organizations to link the previously quiet community.

Today, the Latin community legacy within this fraternity stills lives on to form unbreakable bonds and a safe place on campus.

“Joining a fraternity on a campus like CCSU could provide students with a place to feel at home and included, an outlet to create events on campus, as well as a reason to visit other campuses and network with other Greeks or Chapters at other schools,” current TAU president Andrés Gardin-Ríos said.

This fraternity leads undergraduate brothers down a path of organizational, communicative and leadership skills, all while pursuing the coveted diploma. As the largest and oldest Latin fraternity in the United States, Lambda’s are provided the necessary “training and competence to serve as the future leaders of our brotherhood, community and nation,” according to the founding Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

After joining the CCSU TAU Chapter, brothers are introduced to leadership assets such as working knowledge of Robert’s Rules, — parliamentary procedures utilized within the States — how to properly organize a successful event, setting meaningful and obtainable goals and future plans and time management.

“Being a Lambda means being a part of a legacy of hard-working leaders dedicated to making a positive change in the community they serve while working with others to create unity,” Gardin-Ríos said.

Active participants in this fraternity have the ability to travel to different places and broaden their horizons by networking with a vast array of individuals from a multitude of backgrounds.

“My fraternity is one of my biggest motivations to stay in school and be the best version of myself I can be, “Gardin-Ríos continued.

This Blue Devil junior is not the only CCSU Lambda to benefit from the external nexus weaved by this fraternity network spanning across over 160 Chapters nationwide.

One of the founding CCSU brothers, Casiano received his Bachelor of Arts from CCSU in sociology with a minor in criminal justice. He continued his education as a Blue Devil earning his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, then obtained his Doctorate in clinical psychology from California Southern University.

He wrote the book “The Fatherhood Crisis: The Effects on Children Who Do Not Have a Positive Father-Child Attachment” in 2017 and in May this year appeared on TEDx Talk lecturing on the effects of childhood and adolescent experiences in correlation with adult behavior.

“I’ve been an adjunct professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program since 2014. Also, I’m the adjunct faculty senator at CCSU,” Dr. Casiano stated.

CCSU alumni and professor, Dr. Casiano is not the only Lambda to embody the fraternity’s motto “Chivalry above self.” Several brothers have become principles, teachers, professors and political change-makers across the state — like member U.S. Senator Robert Menendez.

Decades ago, the original 14 Lambdas set forth standards for this fellowship: academic excellence, brotherhood, leadership, Latino unity and service.

With service ingrained in their livelihoods, Lambda brother Raul Ortiz became the first Connecticut Latino Chief Firefighter in the 185 years of the department inducted this year. This decorated New Britain officer will be at CCSU Monday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Sprague Carlton Room in the Student Center with regards to Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. and Latin American Student Organization.

On Monday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. the TAU Chapter will be hosting a bake sale in the Student Center lobby and all the proceeds to support the New Britain’s YWCA daily services that aid children and families locally.

As part of the “Devil’s Den @ 10” weekly series, the Lambdas along with Phi Delta Theta, Lambda Theta Alpha and Lambda Alpha Upsilon will host Meet the Greeks on Sept. 27. Each fraternity will be tabling to answer any questions and performing, in addition to free food and a novelty.

The next night, Sept. 28, Culture Meets Old School Showcase in Welte Auditorium sponsored by Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and Groove Phi Groove at 7 p.m. Several Central-based fraternities and sororities, clubs and greeks from other schools to take part of this step and stroll performance show. Tickets go on sale Sept. 21 and increase in cost closer to the show day.

Becoming a Lambda starts with attending an informational meeting and the next one is on Sept. 25.

Any gentlemen interested in joining can attend an informational meeting explaining the steps towards brotherhood, and answer any questions. Meetings are Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the 1849 room on the second floor of the Student Center.

“We’re traditionally Latin but we’re not Latin exclusive; we’re open to all races, creeds, sexual orientations. We’re just looking for open minded and visionary leaders committed to making positive change,” Gardin-Ríos concluded.