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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