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The journey towards becoming sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. was a challenge, an adventure, a process of growth and an amazing experience. It all began when Cecilia Alcalá as a Freshman realized that the sororities in existence at the University of Idaho were not addressing the most pressing needs of Latinos. The Latino population at the University of Idaho is only about 4% and thus there was a need for unity, support, and leadership opportunities for Latina women. Thus the search began towards creating an organization which would focus on these needs. This inspired a desire to find an intriguing, unique, and a well respected organization that would promote and support the Latino culture. After researching several other organizations, Lambda Theta Alpha stood above the rest, she along with several other members officially became recognized as the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. on December 2003.
Many women involved in the Interest Group exemplified leadership. They worked to promote Lambda Theta Alpha’s principles: Unity, Love, and Respect and to create diversity on campus. Many of the Interested Ladies were involved in various organizations and held officer positions within them. But ultimately their priority was promoting the Latino culture and educating the community about Latino needs, obstacles, and accomplishments. The work that the Interested Ladies did throughout their three years as Interested Ladies did not go unnoticed. They built a strong foundation and carried on the positive reputation that Lambda Theta Alpha is so respectively known for. Their many achievements were recognized through being awarded “Outstanding New Student Organization” in 2005, “Recognition of Outstanding Service” in 2005 and “Most Active Student Organization” in 2006 at the ASUI (Associated Students University of Idaho) Student Organization Awards. This recognition resulted from their consistent activism shown through the many community service projects, political activism, and educational enrichment projects that they partook on. These involved: Cinco de Mayo, events for Hispanic Heritage Month, World AIDS Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness, and Eating Disorders Awareness, to name a few.
Throughout the Interest Group we lost and gained a lot of wonderful women for various reasons, but those that remained persistent, hard working and dedicated were to become founding sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha on April 23, 2006. On this unforgettable day ten amazing, unique, wonderful ladies founded the Delta Eta Chapter at the University of Idaho. Thus Delta Eta became the 78th undergraduate chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. These ten founding sisters are: Gabriela “P” Arteaga, Brenda “I” Sabatine, Monica “T” Gallegos, Lucia “A” Venegas, Karina “P” Estrada, Viridiana “T” Arteaga, Cecilia “R” Alcalá, Nelda “I” Sanchez, Oralia “S” Gil, and Amy “I” Hernandez. Since their inception, they have made sure to create a strong foundation as they did for the Interest Group. Through their short time in existence, they have participated in many community service projects, fundraisers, educational enrichment projects and participated in political awareness. These exceptional women are known for being amongst the most diligent at the University of Idaho. |
