[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 190 (Thursday, November 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2273-E2274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF LAMBDA THETA PHI, AN OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 1995

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lambda Theta 
Phi, service social fraternity emphasizing Latin unity and the 
celebration of Latin culture. It will be celebrating its 20th 
anniversary at a dinner on December 2.
  In 1975 at Kean College of New Jersey, 10 students founded the first 
and only nationally recognized Latino Greek letter fraternity, Lambda 
Theta Phi. Gus Garcia, a founding member, served as the fraternity's 
first president. As the first national Latin fraternity, it was created 
in the image of great Latin thinkers, such as Jose Marti, Simon 
Bolivar, and El Cid.
  In addition to active chapters in New Jersey, Pennsylvania 
Connecticut, and Florida, the fraternity has chapters at Saint Peter's 
College and Stevens Institute of Technology in my district.
  The fraternity's goals are to promote scholarship, Latin unity, 
respect for all cultures and brotherhood. Although the fraternity is 
only 20 years old, it represents 500 years of culture. I am privileged 
to be an honorary member of the fraternity. Although the fraternity was 
created at a time when there was disunity among 

[[Page E2274]]
the Latin community, the concept of celebrating Latin culture became a 
unifying factor for members who had diverse interests. The fraternity 
believes ``En La Union Esta La Fuerza'' (In Unity There is Strength). 
Membership is open to all college males who wish to work together to 
reach the organization's goals.
  The diverse membership has a social conscience and a commitment to 
the community. By working in neighborhoods, the fraternity hopes not 
only to provide service, but also to enhance the image of Latin culture 
and provide positive role models for the Latin community. Brothers have 
gone on to become accountants, attorneys, engineers, entrepreneurs, 
politicians, recording artists, scientists and leaders in various 
areas.
  A few of the fraternity's activities include voter registration 
programs, citizenship drives, disaster relief, anti-drug rallies, and 
Hispanic college days, which introduce thousands of high school 
students to college.
  Please join me today in honoring Lambda Theta Phi fraternity on its 
20th anniversary as it continues to provide service to the community 
and guarantees the strongest in brotherhood while upholding the best in 
Latin culture.

                          ____________________