LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
BETA OMICRON CHAPTER | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
NATIONAL HISTORY
It began with a vision .... Traditionally, the role of the Latina woman was that of maintaining the family institution and falling into the realm of the machismo stigma. However, as the Latino migration to the United States increased, so did the emergence of independent Latina women who were eager to be at the forefront of an era of a new educational, political and social consciousness. College and university enrollment mirrored this influx. With this growth, the need for support groups and outreach programs were at an all time high, primarily for the low percentage of Latina women in higher education.
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In 1975, Kean University introduced bilingual and Latino/Caribbean studies. Although this enabled the educational advancement of the Latina woman, still missing was the support needed to bridge the equality gap. It was during this time that 17 women convened to discuss the formation of a sorority for Latina women. Its focus would be to actively integrate itself into the social, political and community service arena that other students had been involved with. Together, they could collaborate and assist with any student-run programs, thus making their voices as loud as the majority voice and their concerns equally as important.
CHAPTER HISTORY
Beta Omicron Chapter was founded on January 23, 2000, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor by eight persistent and driven ladies who are: Andrea Ramirez, Summer Rose del Prete Neil, Raquel Casarez Clayton, Andrea Perez, Nasreen Syed, Monique Plaza, Marisa Miller, and Eva Peña.
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As the 38th undergraduate chapter in the nation of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Omicron Chapter was founded along with Beta Pi Chapter at Eastern Michigan University. Together they became the FIRST Lambda Theta Alpha Chapters in the Midwest. Prior to this, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated had been concentrated on the east coast where it was founded nationally in New Jersey. 18 years later, our legacy of paving the way and our dedication of excellence continues!
Quick Facts & Symbols
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Founded at Kean University in Union, New Jersey
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Established as an academic sorority
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Sorority colors are burgundy and grey
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Sorority goals are scholarly excellence, empowerment of the universal woman, political & cultural awareness and community activism
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Principles are unity, love and respect
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Over 160 established undergraduate and alumnae chapters all over the U.S. and Puerto Rico
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National philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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Members have a hand sign and traditional call. LTA does not step, but we do salute and stroll
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"Latin by tradition not by definition"