Part of the first Latin sorority in the nation, the Epsilon chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha at Rutgers University recently joined the Panhellenic Association.
Currently, Lambda Theta Alpha is the only minority sorority in the association. Formerly, as a member of the Rutgers Panhellenic Council, it was one of 19 Greek minority organizations.
"We are Latin by tradition, not definition," said Yomaira C. Figueroa, a Douglass College senior and chapter president.
Now including Lambda Theta Alpha, the Panhellenic Association is comprised of seven sororities.
"The time came for a change, and the chance to broaden our horizons. The Panhellenic Association offered different types of leadership and development opportunities," Figueroa said.
"Some chapters feel like a change in council membership may be more advantageous, perhaps allowing them to work with different organizations and having new opportunities for programming," said Amy Vojta, assistant dean of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
Figueroa confirmed this by explaining the differences the chapter has witnessed since becoming a part of the Panhellenic Association such as the recruitment process, the size of pledge classes and programming.
She said they have been welcomed into the association with open arms and look forward to sharing ideas and skills with the other sororities in the association.
In order for a sorority to become a part of the Panhellenic Association, all sisters must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25, be recognized by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and be in good standing with the University, according to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Web site.
"Membership in the Panhellenic Council is primarily composed of sororities that are part of a larger umbrella organization, the National Panhellenic Conference. In essence this means they share similar policies, programming expectations and membership recruitment practice," Vojta said.
Lambda Theta Alpha is considered an associate member of the association, as it is not a member of the National Panhellenic Conference, but is recognized by the University.
According to a prepared statement, the Epsilon chapter received a category-one ranking this past year for the third year in a row by the OFSA. This award distinguishes Greek organizations for their excellence in multiple areas such as public relations, service and philanthropy. Additionally, within the University, the chapter has been recognized for academic achievement and distinction within Greek organizations.
Lambda Theta Alpha has been recognized by the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations as Undergraduate Chapter of the Year for the '00-01 academic year.
Founded by nine women in the fall of 1987, the Epsilon chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha became the fifth chapter of the sisterhood. The first chapter was founded at Kean University in 1975.
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