Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity is a historically Latino-based social fraternity that was founded by eighteen men of diverse cultural backgrounds. in 1986 at the University of Iowa based on cultural understanding and wisdom. 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 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. Thus, April 4, 1986 is the official founding date of the Fraternity.

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Our Founding Fathers

Eighteen men gathered at the University of Iowa and founded Sigma Lambda Beta. These men came from all sorts of backgrounds and exemplify what Sigma Lambda Beta stands for today. These men are:
Thirteen of the eighteen Founding Fathers of Sigma Lambda Beta.
  • Bro. Mario Buendia
  • Bro. Enrique Carbajal
  • Bro. Thomas Carrasquillo
  • Bro. Manuel Chavarria
  • Bro. Jose Fong
  • Bro. Rodolfo Garza
  • Bro. Luis Jimenez
  • Bro. Luis Marquez
  • Bro. Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal
  • Bro. Eric Montes
  • Bro. Kuy Ou
  • Bro. Olakunle Oyeyemi
  • Bro. Jaime Ramirez
  • Bro. Olivero Rivera
  • J.J.R.C.
  • Bro. Eugenio Soria
  • Bro. Juan Valdez
  • Bro. Ricardo Zamudio

Quick Facts

  • Date Founded: April 4, 1986

  • Location: University of Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa

  • Colors: Royal Purple and Pure White

  • Flower: Red Carnation

  • Motto: “Opportunity for Wisdom, Wisdom for Culture”

  • Nickname: Lambda Betas (Betas)

  • Official Publication: El Iluminador

  • Mascot: White Stallion Mustang

  • Philanthropies: Sigma Lambda Beta Education Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Latino Vote USA, The Bro. Victor Correa CPR Awareness Day, & Hero Street U.S.A.

  • Principles: Brotherhood, Scholarship, Community Service, & Cultural Awareness

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  • In 1991, SLB became the first Latino-based fraternity to be established at a historically black university, Prairie View A&M University.
  • In 1992, SLB spans “coast to coast” with the establishment of SUNY-Stony Brook (Pi chapter) and California State University-Dominguez Hills (Tau Chapter).
  • In 1992, SLB joined the North-American Interfraternity Conference, a national umbrella association of collegiate men’s fraternities.
  • In 1996, SLB became a founding member of the Concilio Nacional de Hermandades Latinas, the first national umbrella council for Latino Greek Lettered Organizations (1996–2000).
  • In 2000, SLB became a founding member of the Latino Fraternal Council, a national umbrella council composed by five of the largest Latino fraternities in the country (2000-2001).
  • In 2004, SLB joined the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (2004–2010).
  • In 2010, SLB was established at Huston-Tillotson University in Texas, making it the first entity of SLB at a private historically black university.