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| Delta Line Spring 2009 |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2009 |
| Nationality: |
Nicaraguan |
| Major: |
International Business & Marketing |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I am a proud Nicaraguan, yet born in San Jose, Costa Rica. My family was displaced by war, forcing us to flee our home country. I lived in Costa Rica for 5 years, until my parent, as any good parents, sought a better future and migrated to the U.S.
Here in the United States, my mother put aside her career and education to work day and night to provide for my sister and I. To me she has become the epitome of hard work. She is, what "classic" example of a Latino, that is depicted in movies, TV. shows, and parodies. But what others fail to see is that is like the great majority of all Latinos, willing to work hard, sacrifice everything and anything to get ahead. Sure at times we are the ones that clean houses, wash cars, do landscaping, or even pick fruit. But we are also the scholars, the doctors, the lawyers & and successful politicians.
As you can see I am proud, and I am willing to work hard and sacrifice to better my fellow community. There was only one, elite organization that would foster my passion and pride for my culture and helping my community all while building a strong brotherhood. As an interested person in the fraternity, I got involved by meeting Hermanos, hanging out with them, or even campaigning for the presidential elections. Whatever the case was I felt welcomed, it was as if they were letting me in to their family. If this was the feeling as an interested person, I couldn't imagine what it would be like once I was an Hermano.
The time came, Spring 2009, and I pledged LUL. Just like I mentioned earlier, Latinos are willing to work hard and sacrifice to get ahead, I did every single waking moment I pledged. Many say our process is the most toughest daunting, etc. but it is the most rewarding. Only the toughest survive, but then again that is the story of life. Joining LUL was the best decision I have made. Once an Hermano I can clearly see, that this isn't just a "College Thing", this brotherhood is PARA SIEMPRE!!!
...and that is why, I will.... FOREVER BE WEARING THE BROWN & THE GOLD! LA UNIDAD PARA SIEMPRE!!!!
Edgar Ramirez #1 - ACE
DELTA LINE
RUTHLESS Alpha Rho Chapter
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2009 |
| Nationality: |
Cuban and Mexican |
| Major: |
English |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
During my time of involvement on campus I was interested in getting to know myself better from a cultural perspective, due to my involvement I began traveling and encounter environments which were nothing like Miami. No salsa music, Cuban coffee, Spanish conversation; this might seem shallow but being from Miami where Latino culture is prevalent you don’t imagine a world outside of that which you see every day. I wanted to connect to my culture on a deeper level, empowering myself through my past, so that when I didn’t have my culture around me it would still be strong within me.
At this point one of my mentors directed me to La Unidad Latina, and as soon as I did my research and saw what they stood for as far as cultural pride I was hooked. I was an interest for about a year and in that year I got to know the brothers better and saw that the genuine aspects of brotherhood. The brothers looked after one another simply out of mutual respect, there is a trust that everyone who has been through the process has made it because they are progressive individuals. La hermandad is deeper that fun it is about having a network of likeminded men seeking the same goal and follows the same objectives in life, in this pursuit you are brothers because you share the same experience and mindset.
My process was the most challenging thing in my life because it was my life. I had to face my faults and failure and be responsible for them, all of this without distracts or anything that made life easier. Up until this point I have never experience something as influential to my personality. It is a period of my life that I learn from whenever I look back on it and like looking at something complex from a close distance it becomes clearer as I get more distance from it.
When I crossed I thought that it was over, my process had finished and now I was a Hermano, but the hardest part is being a Hermano because your mission is greater now that just reaching the end of a process.
Louis Rodriguez #2 - DEUCE
DELTA LINE
RUTHLESS Alpha Rho Chapter
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2009 |
| Nationality: |
Dominican |
| Major: |
Mechanical Engineering |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
My decision to pledge a fraternity was originally motivated by
my desire to participate in extracurricular activities at FIU. I was
drawn to the idea of community service because it satisfied my want
to something extra and it was meaningful. I had already participated
in a community service project the previous semester with an
organization called Alternative Breaks, and wanted to do something
new.
I was aware that fraternities participated in services, and
decided that a fraternity was the next step. I was informed by a
friend about a fraternity that put emphasis on professionalism and
good education, principles that appealed to me. I decided to check
out the fraternity, and after doing so, I came to the conclusion that
if I was going to join any fraternity, it would be this one, La
Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.
The members of this organization seemed to be at the forefront of service, leadership, education, professionalism, and culture. Furthermore, the members seemed to be the kind of people that I could genuinely get along with. This was enough for me to pledge the fraternity. I would later learn that this organization stood for much more, from brotherhood to encouraging Latino awareness and pride in the most effective way. I feel that this organization stands for ideas and qualities that I identify myself with and it is simply the best choice. The Elite.
Mike Guzman #3 - TAIL
DELTA LINE
RUTHLESS Alpha Rho Chapter
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| Gamma Line Spring 2007 |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2007 |
| Nationality: |
Dominican and African American |
| Major: |
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| Why I pledged LUL? |
I was born in Washington D.C. to an African American father and a Dominican mother. For me, growing up was often difficult due to my mixed Ethnicity. Washington during the time of my youth was known, and still is known to be heavily populated by the African American culture. Hence the birth place of Howard University and other prestigious schools and institutions. Because of this, I always felt drawn to my African American culture, and could never identify with Latinos.
In 2004, I attended Old Dominion University. At this University I continued my cultural expression, by joining “Minds About Progress,” which is a group dedicated to cultural and political issues with people of African decent. This group was wonderful, and helped to further enhance my knowledge and involvement with the black community, but something was missing. I was still yearning to identify with individuals of Latin decent, because after all it is also who I am. One day while walking in the student center I saw a sign advertising an informational for LUL. At the time I did not know Latin Fraternities existed. Fraternity life never really appealed to me. I always thought that I was too much of an individual to join a group organization.
Unfortunately, due to a personal situation I left ODU, and attended a community college.
In 2006 I decided to transfer to Florida International University. I knew that the University had a chapter, so I continued my quest. During the spring semester of 2007 I decided to pledge. Many say that our leadership development process is tough, but so is life. After the process I became a stronger, more confident, and an overall more complete individual. I can honestly say that joining the Organization has made my life easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful. Joining LUL was one of the smartest decisions I have made as a young man, and I am proud of myself as well as proud to be an Hermano.
Emilio Botts #1-Gamma Line
Alpha Rho Chapter
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc.
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2007 |
| Nationality: |
Chilean |
| Major: |
International Business |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I learned of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. from my sister in the Summer of 2006. I had gone up North to Duke University to help her move in for her senior year and luckily LUL was hosting their yearly event “Lambda Jam”. That night I met various Hermanos, they spoke to me about the fraternity and its unique characteristics. One that caught my attention immediately was the network which would be available to me. Once I traveled back to Miami for my first collegiate semester, I took my time in finding the chapter members for more information. As I began to hang out with the Hermanos, the way they treated me was one of a kind; I was just an interest and I was already feeling like I was part of the family. I thought to myself, if they're such great people now, how would they treat me as an Hermano? It was a question which was finally answered in the Spring of 2007. I experienced True Brotherhood and I'll never regret it. Para Siempre |
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| Alpha Line Spring 2007 [Gamma Kappa graduate chapter] |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2007 |
| Nationality: |
Dominican |
| Major: |
M.S. Higher Education Administration |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
As an undergraduate student I did not have the opportunity to join a
Greek organization because they did not exist on our campus. I
initially met the brothers of LUL at a Latino Leadership Conference at
Dartmouth College in the spring of 2006. Upon my initial meeting
with them, I was amazed at their level of professionalism and the
large leadership role they had taken in assisting with the
conference at Dartmouth College. Upon my arrival at Florida
International University in the summer of 2006, I was again
introduced to members of the fraternity. As I did more research on
different organizations, I felt that Lambda Upsilon Lambda had what I was
looking for in an organization. |
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| Beta Line Spring 2005 |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2005 |
| Nationality: |
Colombian |
| Major: |
Biology |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on March 22, 1983. I have a twin brother named Steve so my mother had twice the hardship raising us. Both my parents were born in Colombia , so amarillo, azul, y rojo is in my blood. In June of 2001 I began my college career at Florida International University . I was always busy working or with school that I could not be involved on campus. I was approached by many fraternities on campus but felt like I didn't fit in.
Then in Fall 04 a founding brother at Alpha Rho, Walter Viella introduced me to LaUnidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. I was hesitant at first, but it's goals and beliefs were one with mine. The brotherhood was real, it was PARA SIEMPRE. Then in Spring of 2005 I pledged and was Caballero #1 (Ace). We were a line of three; Beta Line. I could have never done it without my linebrothers Javi and Nick. It was and still is an experience I would never trade for the world. |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2005 |
| Nationality: |
Dominican Republic |
| Major: |
Accounting |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I come from a big family, with three brothers and a sister, so being part of a Fraternity was never a necessity for me. I came to Florida International University in the summer of 2004 after a long a hiatus. I was never really into the Greek scene, but I was very interested in becoming more involved on campus and in my community. After some research and help from a good friend (who is also Greek) I started to understand more about Greek life. It was not until I was introduced to La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Incorporated that I decided that this organization’s goals actually coincided with my individual goals. I then proceeded to find more information and speak to current Hermanos about the organization. In Spring of 2005 I pledged as Caballero #2 (Deuce) Beta Line. My line consisted of three uniquely different individuals, which I now consider truly my brothers. As my Ace would put it “It was an experience in which I would not trade for the world”. PARA SIEMPRE to all my bothers! |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2005 |
| Nationality: |
Colombian |
| Major: |
Medicine |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I pledged for La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda when I was 19 years old and a freshman at FIU. My reasons for pledging were simple. I was impressed by the fraternity’s standards of professionalism and their overall organization. The brotherhood that was displayed by the hermanos also left an imprint on me when searching for a fraternity. My desire to be part of a latino organization that had goals, a positive agenda, and that carried itself with a sense of prestige is what finally led me to pledge. My days of pledging help form bonds with my brothers that will last a life time and also taught me many things about the world and myself. The overall experience was something I will never forget and can only be compared to getting a tattoo. A painful process with a beautiful and meaningful result that will be with you forever. |
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| Alpha Line - Chapter Founders Fall 2004 |
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| Pledged: |
Fall 2004 |
| Nationality: |
Puerto Rican |
| Major: |
Business |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
The main reason I pledged was because I wanted something more then just a degree out of college. And for a long time I didn't know what that was. I just knew I had some regrets for not being more active in High School and I didn't want to make the same mistakes in college. I was always a little curious about Frats but never really found one that appeal to me. When I first heard about Lambda Upsilon Lambda, I heard about the strolling, the parties, and how bros would represent in NY. And I got to admit that's what first peaked my interest. Then I did my research and learned there was a lot more to LUL then just stepping & strolling. I learned about the principles of the frat and how brothers of LUL are expected to excel and be leaders. After meeting some of the bros and seeing the caliber of brothers the frat produced, I knew I found the right frat. And I've never looked back since. |
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| Pledged: |
Fall 2004 |
| Nationality: |
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| Major: |
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| Why I pledged LUL? |
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| Pledged: |
Fall 2004 |
| Nationality: |
Honduran |
| Major: |
Accounting |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I was born in Miami, FL but lived my childhood years in Boston, MA
and then moved back to Miami, FL where I graduated High School. I played sports ever since I could remember and
excelled in football. I played college football my freshman and sophomore years at the University of Connecticut,
but after injury I decided to transfer back home to Miami and attend Florida International University. After
putting sports behind me, I decided I needed to focus on school and my future career path. I’ve always known
that if I want to succeed in life or whatever I choose to do, I should surround myself by those people who share
the same goal. I searched for a fraternity to get involved with on campus, but none appealed to me. I soon
realized I would have to search outside the box. In Spring of 2004, My girlfriend (now wife) mentioned a
fraternity by the name La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. because her two cousins are
brothers, and said I should look into them. Since they didn’t have a chapter in Florida I had to make the
initiative to contact their headquarters and expansion team. After various discussions with Hermanos of the
National Council, becoming part of a potential founding line of a new chapter for their fraternity in the whole
state of Florida seemed very enticing.
The fraternity’s expansion team did a great job putting me in the right direction and in contact with potential other interested men.
After many Interest Meetings and two trips to New York to meet Hermanos, the pledging process began in Fall of 2004. I took two trips
to New York to see exactly what I was getting myself into and all my encounters with Hermanos were great, they definitely showed genuine
friendship and they were all happy of the possibility of having a chapter in Miami, FL. The LUL movement is definitely a powerful one
and all the accomplishments our fraternity has throughout the nation is second to none. Through community service for minorities,
professional workshops for college students, educational sessions for middle school and elementary kids, and the strong brotherhood we
have, pledging and becoming an Hermano of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. has proven to be an excellent experience and well worth it.
Walter Villela # 3 – Founding Line
Alpha Rho Chapter
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. |
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| Alumni Advisors |
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| Pledged: |
Spring 2002 - Epsilon Chapter |
| Nationality: |
Peruvian |
| Major: |
Urban & Public Policy, Media Studies |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I was born in Lima, Peru and grew up in Queens, NY from the age of 7 on. I always possessed a competitive nature that was attributed to my mother and family upbringing. After studying martial arts and having attained a sense of discipline and independence early in life I decided to attend the University at Buffalo, a school 8 hours up north from New York City. I didn't know anyone as a new student, but was automatically drawn to a group of people that stood out from the rest. Due to my dedication to martial arts at the time, I was never interested in greek life. What I was exposed to my first semester in school made me realize that not all fraternities were the same. La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. were leaders on campus and did not have similar recruitment methods as others displayed. I was never urged or requested to become part of their organization as I was by others, but these men let their actions do the talking. They were leaders of other organizations on campus and were at the forefront of many issues concerning latinos and minorities on and off campus. This is what drew me towards the fraternity and it was the challenge I had been looking for myself.
In Spring 2002 I became an Hermano of Lambda Upsilon Lambda. It was undoubtedly the hardest thing I ever had to experience on a personal level. Mentally, physically, and academically it was a time in where I discovered my full potential and learned more about my own culture. The understanding of my culture, my past and my potential has helped tremendously in my development as a more proactive individual. Greek life maybe be during college years, but my brotherhood is and will always be Para Siempre!
Proud and Bold Brother of the Brown and Gold!
La Unidad Para Siempre!
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| Pledged: |
Fall 2001 - Nu Chapter |
| Nationality: |
Dominican |
| Major: |
Marketing & Finance |
| Why I pledged LUL? |
I remember like it was just yesterday when I was first exposed to La Unidad Latina. It was the
summer of 1999 and I was a camp counselor for the Boys' Club of New York at Camp
Cromwell, NJ. Every summer the camp hosted underprivileged New York city kids between
the ages of 9-12 who have never experienced the joys of camp. It's not just any camp though,
it's a summer school camp, where the kids stay overnight all week and go home on weekends.
The kids study hard during the day and play hard in the afternoons for seven straight weeks.
Interestingly enough, four staff members said they were brothers of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda
Fraternity, Inc., which raised a question mark on my part. Before then I've always associated fraternities with excessive
drinking, paddling, and performing meaningless antics for membership. The brothers reversed my thought and
confirmed my positive first impressions of LUL. The brothers accepted me into this organization through unconditional
Hermandad. They offered me the opportunity to undergo the leadership development process and become an Hermano
of La Fraternidad. Within the fraternity, I can bond with young ambitious leaders with common goals and always have
access to a dependable network of educated men. |
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