Venceremos - Winter 2011 Edition

From the Editor … Greetings Hermanos and friends! Welcome to ¡Venceremos! On behalf of the Hermanos that are part of this big family that

we call LAU, we hope that the Holidays Season kicked off great

for all of our readers with the celebration of Thanksgiving!

Now we are ready to celebrate our 26th Lambda Day –

Anniversary and Awards Banquet on December 10th 2011 in

New York. We have new Hermanos who just completed their

journey into becoming LAU Hermanos this Fall and we have

also successfully celebrated our Convention during this past

season.

As we also get ready for a new year, we would like to invite

everyone to take time to reflect on the year that is about to

end, rejoice in the good things and learn from the not so good.

May this New Year come full of joys and many blessings for all!

Everybody have a great Winter season!

Hermano Omar Aponte – Editor

BUY YOUR 2011 LAMBDA DAY BANQUET TICKETS AT: http://lday.lambdas.com

¡Venceremos Porque Nacimos Para Triunfar! – We Will Overcome Because We Were Born to Triumph!

¡Venceremos!¡Venceremos!¡Venceremos!¡Venceremos! The Official Newsletter of Latino América Unida Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.

Winter 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• From the Editor …

• From the BOD/NEC Desk

… Page 2

• Special Reports: Page 3

The Lambda Day Experience

Teaching Abroad: Hermano Adam Reyes in Japan

2011 Lambda Day Promises to Be a Night to Remember

• Up Close With an

Undergraduate Page 9

• Up Close With an

Alumnus Page 11

• Quick Posts Page 13

LAU

¡Venceremos! – Winter 2011 by Latino América Unida / Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. 2

From the BOD/NEC Desk … Queridos Hermanos, As the new Chief Programming Officer, it is with great honor that I address the brotherhood and our readers as part of this issue of ¡Venceremos!. I have had the opportunity to look at our organization from an outsider’s perspective and point out areas with great potential to be improved. Most importantly, I have had to work with all of the stakeholders that shape this organization and be the change that I have wanted to see. Many of us have also identified areas with potential to be improved, but it is important to not only identify and talk about what needs to or what should be done; we need to put our words into actions. And speaking of actions, I was rejoiced to experience an amazing convention weekend this year at our Zeta Chapter at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Delhi. Where all of us as Hermanos were able to share our thoughts and ideas, debate and turn them into actions. The theme for this year’s convention was “Be the change that you want to see” and I hope that by taking that theme to heart, we will come back next year with even more ideas and proposals to improve our organization. Our next general gathering will be at our 26th Lambda Day – Annual Anniversary and Awards Banquet which will take place on December 10th 2011 at the Renaissance of Astoria Long Island City, NY. We will be celebrating 26 years of existence among Hermanos, family and friends. Lambda Day is one of the events during the year that gathers the most Hermanos, young and less young, from all around the country and even from overseas to spend time together, break bread and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. This experience is important to establish as well as to fortify those close familiar bonds that set us apart as an organization. During my time as an Hermano since Spring 2008, I have yet to miss a Lambda Day. I can personally testify that the experiences that take place during that celebration are some of the reasons why I love this organization. I implore all of you to make your best effort to attend Lambda Day and be part of that experience which is new and different every year. This has been a great year for our organization! Soon we will be welcoming a new year full of opportunities, new projects and new endeavors. I wish all of our readers the best and I hope you all enjoy a wonderful season in good health amongst your loved ones. With great love and sincerity, Hermano Danaury Lorenzo National Executive Committee - Chief Programming Officer Latino América Unida / Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Beta Chapter – Spring 2008


Hermano Jesús Ruiz (first to the far right) with

more Hermanos at Lambda Day 1996

Special Reports

The Lambda Day Experience By: Hermano Jesús Ruiz – Spring 1993 – Beta Chapter Nothing compares to your first experience of our Lambda Day Anniversary and Awards Banquet. The enthusiasm for meeting Hermanos from all over the country, and even from abroad, the anticipation of receiving your New Hermano Certificate and the anxiety of waiting to see if your chapter won the coveted Chapter of the Year Award, makes it one of the most important nights in a young Hermano’s life. It is truly a sight to witness dozens upon dozens of men who’ve shared the same experiences and aspirations as you celebrating an evening of formal dining and proud fraternal traditions. The first Lambda Day I attended took place in December of 1993 in Buffalo, New York. Back then, there were only three chapters within the fraternity, Alpha Chapter in Buffalo, Beta Chapter in Rochester and Gamma Chapter at St. John’s University, so Lambda Day was always held in Buffalo as a way of bringing Hermanos back to the roots where the fraternity was founded. I was impressed with how everyone, especially the dates, was dressed up and how charming and comical the master of ceremony was. When the new Hermanos were called up to receive their certificates of membership, I was proud to know I joined the brotherhood with the very same down-to-earth and motivated guys whose names were being announced. Then it was my turn. We were all given a chance to speak about how we perceived the moment and it truly felt as if I had crossed all over again. I couldn’t hold back the tears when I said I was proud to be an Hermano and would work hard to share this experience with many more in the years to come.

The next awards were for academic achievement, commitment to the brotherhood, and then the award that all Hermanos should aspire to win, the Hermano of the Year Award. This award goes to the Hermano that, throughout the entire year, has achieved excellence in every aspect of being a member of our brotherhood, from attendance at meetings, to participation in events and programs, to leading projects for the advancement of our goals. I was so excited for the recipient and contemplated what it would be like to one day win the award on behalf of my chapter.


Hermano Jesús Ruiz with

more Hermanos at Lambda Day 2000

Special Reports The next best thing to attending my first Lambda Day was actually hosting it. The first time the event was ever held outside of Buffalo was in 1996 in Rochester, New York. It was the first Lambda Day for the newly established colonies at SUNY Oswego and New York City Technical College, so it had to be a memorable one. I never truly appreciated how much preparation and coordination went into pulling off such an event until hosting one, from securing the venue, catering and entertainment, to collecting the names of the awards recipients and producing the certificates and plaques, to buying the commemorative glassware, printing the event programs, and finally to advertising the event and ensuring a respectable amount of attendees. Our nerves were kicking into high gear as months turned into weeks, then into days. But, as always, Hermanos came through in the nick of time and the event ran as smoothly as can be expected. Seeing Lambda Day from every perspective allows me to have a high level of respect for the event and the people that contribute their time and energy into carrying it out each year. I always look forward to it and am deeply saddened when I’m unable to attend. I hope that when I am much older, I can enjoy it with many generations of my family, hopefully some will be members. I look forward to seeing you all at this year’s celebration. !Venceremos!

.


Hermano Adam Reyes with his family at his graduation

Special Reports

Teaching Abroad: Hermano Adam Reyes in Japan By: Hermano Adam Reyes – Spring 2008 – Xi Chapter While I was enrolled at the University of Connecticut, I always wanted to study abroad in Japan. Unfortunately, I couldn’t squeeze a semester abroad while I was still an undergraduate student. Staying true to my purpose, I searched for another way to go to Japan after graduating and came across the JET Program. This program is based in Japan and works through Japanese embassies around the world to recruit people interested in working in Japan either as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT), Coordinators for International Relations (CIR), or Sports Exchange Advisors (SEA). This is the program that matched me with my contracting organization, the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education, which was looking for an ALT with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Proficiency in Japanese was not a requirement for the job but it was highly recommended and so, since I had known for a few years that I wanted to apply to this program, I studied Japanese in college for three semesters. Aside from the language, the most difficult thing I had to do to prepare to work overseas was get enough money to get by my first month in Japan before I got my first paycheck. I didn’t have any credit so no bank would give me a personal loan and credit card companies were also not providing any options. Luckily I was later approved for a credit card and was able to take a cash advance to help me get by my first month abroad.

I am currently living and working in Japan as an assistant English teacher at an academic “Super Science” High School. I live in a small city of about 40,000 people called Ena. In the same way that the US is made up of 50 different states, Japan is subdivided into 47 different prefectures. My city is located in Gifu Prefecture and I am contracted by the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education to work at Ena High School as an ALT. When I got to Japan, I was drunk with thrill beyond imagination. I was excited to be abroad beginning a new adventure in an exotic land. However, I sobered up real quick when I realized that the simple things I took for granted in the states where a hundred times more difficult if not impossible because of the language barrier.


Hermano Adam Reyes as drawn by a 5 years old Japanese Student

Translation for the writing:

(Left) Ada(bu- is crossed out)mu

*Adamu (Adam’s name in Japanese)

(Right) Sensei (means teacher in Japanese)

A sample of the Japanese scenery

Special Reports I was like a baby and could barely do anything without the assistance of my supervisor or someone else to work as an interpreter. Dealing with the language barrier impacted me the most after my arrival in Japan. I feel like I have a much better understanding of what some of my family members must have went through when they first landed in the United States and struggled to get by with little English speaking ability. I’m now slowly picking up on the language but the experience of dealing with this wall is something that I will never forget. I’m convinced that my experience with working under high stress situations as an LAU Hermano makes dealing with the difficulties of traveling abroad much more bearable. Not to mention that the practice I got as being an ambassador of my culture with LAU, helps me fulfill the second part of my job: international exchange. I feel that thanks to LAU I was well equipped to take on the challenges of this experience, both on a personal and professional level. The reasons why I wanted to go to Japan can be boiled down to two main bullet points: (1) I’ve always wanted to experience Japan (2) I wanted to take this opportunity to find myself. Since I have been here I have had nothing but time to think about my future and plan my next steps. I feel like this experience will be a great stepping stone to whatever I decide to do next. Not to mention that I can help out back home with the decent salary I’m earning.


Special Reports

2011 Lambda Day Promises to Be a Night to Remember By: Hermano Omar Aponte – Spring 2008 – Beta Chapter As the date quickly approaches, the expectations start getting higher and higher about what new memories will be created at the upcoming Lambda Day. On December 10th, 2011, the Hermanos (members) of Latino América Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. will celebrate our 26th Lambda Day – Annual Anniversary and Awards Banquet at the Renaissance of Astoria in Queens, NY. For 26 years now, our organization has been a brotherhood of professional men working to promote the development of the Latino community throughout colleges and neighborhoods across the nation. The brotherhood serves as a support system to assist its members in realizing their personal and professional goals and empowers the Latino community by establishing a network of professionals and constantly developing programs aimed at the betterment of the surrounding community. Our Lambda Day – Annual Awards Banquet is open to all ticketed guests. Everybody interested in sharing this special occasion with us is invited to attend. Information about the program, amenities, ticket prices and other information is available at our event webpage http://lday.lambdas.com There has been much anticipation in regards to the Hermanos to be recognized as: Undergraduate of the Year, Alumni of the Year and Hermano de la Década. Also in regards to the chapter who will be awarded Chapter of the Year and, for the first time in the history of Lambda Day and the Seven Metas Award, the presentation of this award to a female recipient. This year will also mark the first time for Latino América Unida / Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. to award an undergraduate Hermano with an “Academic and Involvement Example Scholarship”. This scholarship will be awarded to an Hermano whose academic performance and contributions to his chapter and the organization make him an example to recognize and to be emulated by other Hermanos. This scholarship was made possible this year thanks to the contributions of Mr. Hector Serrano, the Fuego Dance Group and the Caliente Dance Group. There are other surprises being planned by the coordinators. Don’t miss the chance to join us for this special celebration on December 10th, 2011!

http://lday.lambdas.com


Special Reports

http://lday.lambdas.com

Amenities:

- 6 Hours of Open Bar* (Liquor, Beer and Wine)

- 2 Main Course Options + 2 Sides + Dessert

- Souvenir

- Live DJ

- Valet Parking

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

7:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Renaissance of Astoria

27-34 21st Street, Long Island City, NY, 11102

* Bar will be open for guests over the age of 21.


Hermano Michael Piña (third from left to right) with

the rest of the Spring 2011 Xi Chapter’s Beta Class

Up Close With an Undergraduate

Hermano Michael Piña New Hermano from the Spring 2011 Class By: Hermano Michael Piña – Spring 2011 – Xi Chapter While attending Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU), I joined Latino América Unida / Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. in the Spring of 2011 under the Xi Chapter, based at the University of Connecticut (UConn). My major is generalized in the field of Sociology with a concentration in Latin American Studies. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, my background consists of Guatemalan and Dominican roots. I am right between two older brothers, two younger sisters and one younger brother. I decided to attend school in Connecticut because I wanted a different experience than what I was accustomed to in my hometown. However, I still sit back and ask myself, “Who would’ve thought my life would have brought me here?”.

During my sophomore year at ECSU I served as the Vice President of the Student Government, Vice President of the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and a Resident Assistant. Throughout the multiple roles I played on campus, I networked with many different people. One day, before an OLAS meeting, I received a phone call from a friend of Chris Sanchez, one of the Founding Hermanos of the Xi Chapter of LAU. The call was to ask for permission in order for Chris to speak during open discussion about LAU. Not knowing much about fraternities, we granted space for Chris to speak. It was then that he presented a brotherhood distinct to any other I have heard about. This presentation would end up being an important factor in my decision to become an Hermano of LAU.

Throughout my time at ECSU, Chris and I maintained contact. Sometime after meeting Chris, I was forced to withdraw from ECSU because out-of-state tuition presented issues beyond my control. Despite this, I maintained my focus and continued my education at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell only to withdraw after a semester. Not knowing what my future would hold, I took a job as Customer Experience Manager for the Flagship Victoria’s Secret in Downtown Boston. Although a great experience, I knew my true destiny was to go back, complete my program and graduate at ECSU.


Hermano Michael Piña receives the Latino Distinguished Honor Award from

Eastern Connecticut State University

Hermano Michael Piña (fourth from left to right) with Hermanos

from Connecticut and Massachussets at a bonding event

Up Close With an Undergraduate During my time away from ECSU, Chris always kept in touch with me, always showing concern for my personal and professional well-being. I saw that he wasn’t just seeking me out to be another member of his fraternity. Rather, he genuinely cared about getting to know me as a person and being my friend. Luckily that summer, I received a letter from the President of ECSU introducing a program that would make my tuition significantly less expensive. That, along with the amount of money I saved, allowed me to re-enroll to ECSU for the fall 2010 term. Coming back, one of my main goals was to join LAU. I completed my Acolitos Program in the fall and joined the Xi Chapter with the class of Spring 2011. Regardless of the obstacles in my path, there was always a destiny that was going to make me an Hermano of this fraternity. Looking into the future, I hope to bring my talents for the advancement of our brotherhood. Through the network and experiences that this organization is offering me, I’m gaining the tools to become a better man and Hermano so that I may mentor another potential Hermano in the future and most of all give back to the hand that once fed me and was there to support me when I needed it the most.


Hermano Stephen Santa greets US President

Barack Obama at an event with students

Up Close With an Alumnus

Hermano Stephen Santa Nu Chapter Alumni Advisor By: Hermano Stephen Santa – Nu Chapter – Spring 2007 Reflecting on my experiences as an Hermano of Latino América Unida / Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., some of the most memorable moments are those in which I was directly involved in different aspects of the organization. As a founding Hermano of the Nu Chapter, in the Spring of 2007, my line brothers and I were given the opportunity to begin a legacy at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Prior to attending college, I faced many challenges being a Puerto Rican male growing up in the inner-city streets of Philadelphia, PA. Working for a non-profit organization while in high school, I witnessed the lack of support for Latino students. Always determined for success, although growing up in what is known as “the badlands,” I knew I wanted to be a first generation college student and make a difference in the lives of others, as well as be a familiar face for the younger men and women in my neighborhood who might believe that they cannot have a prosperous future. As an undergraduate student I took my academics extremely serious, while consistently holding a proper balance with co-curricular organizations. I was a Resident Assistant (RA) from freshman year until graduation day, Latino Recruiter Intern for the Office of Admissions, student worker for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, member of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society, treasurer for the Latino American Student Organization, Founder/Chapter President of LAU, member of Alpha Delta Kappa Greek Service Society, and in the spring of 2008 was named a recipient of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. In addition to being a full-time student, I continued traveling back and forth to Philadelphia, to practice and perform salsa dance nationally with the Fuego Dance Company. Balancing academics, co-curricular activities, and salsa became rough at times, but were all equally important and fulfilled me.

Since becoming an Hermano of LAU, I have held the chapter presidency position, Chief Expansion Officer 2010/2011 on the National Executive Committee, and the current Alumni Advisor for the Nu chapter. Through these experiences I have built on many skills, some including leadership, effective communication, team building, budgeting, and much more.


Hermano Stephen Santa (center) performing as part of

the Lethal Lambdas National Stroll Team in 2010

Hermano Stephen Santa (front-left) with Hermanos of the Nu Chapter receiving the

Chapter of the Year Award

Up Close With an Alumnus In addition, I was able to incorporate my passion of dance and performance within the Lethal Lambdas National Stroll Team, having been a member for four years, and captain during my final two years. Being a member of such a dedicated team that consisted of brothers from a variety of states was definitely a challenge at times, but I would not trade the good times, hard practices, traveling, and anticipated performances and wins we all experienced. Some of my best friends are Hermanos of LAU, and every time I interact with a senior or new Hermano, I am reminded how satisfied I am with choosing LAU to be my lifelong family. Through mentorships, I have learned valuable skills which have allowed me to do the same for those who have come after me. After graduating with my B.A. degree in Communication Studies, I worked for the largest insurance company in the USA, learning the ways of Corporate America. After two years, although a great experience, I decided to pursue my passion working with students in higher education settings, so I decided to go back to school to pursue my Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration, at Michigan State University.

I am currently a full-time graduate student, working as a senior staff member in Residential Life, with a diverse population of undergraduate students. Since I was a young man, I’ve been striving to succeed myself so that I can help others. That vision still holds dear to me, and I work every day pushing and helping guide undergraduates to reach their full potential. I would encourage all Hermanos to continue striving for success in all you do. Follow your heart, mind and passions, and continue to participate in civic engagement for the betterment of society. Always remember “People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it” – George Bernard Shaw


Quick Posts Congratulations to our newly inducted Hermanos! Welcome Fall 2011 Class! Theta Chapter – Lambda Class Manuel Llano (Dominican Republic) Intake Coordinator: Hermano Harold Winston (Theta Chapter)

Xi Chapter – Gamma Class Ernesto Soto (Peru & Venezuela) Intake Coordinator: Hermano Christian Bedón (Xi Chapter)


Quick Posts Congratulations to our newly inducted Hermanos! Welcome Fall 2011 Class! Omicron Chapter – Delta Class Freddy Ríos (Peru) and Chris Bautista (Dominican Republic) Intake Coordinator: Hermano Daniel Mejía (Omicron Chapter)

LAU Hermanos at Xi Chapter’s Annual CONNdela Dance Party …


Hermano Luis Zaldua’s

son: Ilan Zaldua

Hermano Luis Zaldua’s son:

Gaehl Daniel Zaldua

Hermano Jason Tavarez’s

son: Jayson Javier Tavarez

Hermano Jesus Ruiz’s

daughter: Alyssa Ruiz

Hermano Jason Tavarez’s

son: Jayson Javier Tavarez

Quick Posts LAU Children Trick or Treating …

More LAU Children …


Hermanos: Christian Bedón (third from left to right, front row) and Bryant Domínguez (sixth from left to right, front row) from the Xi Chapter receive a Travelers EDGE

Recognition

Hermanos from the different chapters located in the Connecticut region while

attending Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU)

Meet the Greeks

Quick Posts

Thank you for taking the time to explore ¡Venceremos!

Please visit our webpage: www.LAMBDAS.com

This publication has been prepared by the National Executive Committee of Latino América Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. for public distribution.

For comments, questions and concerns please write to the Chief Public Relations Officer at: [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed on each of the articles are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Latino América Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. as an organization.

Venceremos - Winter 2011 Edition

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