| Lambda Theta Phi | |
| Letters: | Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΘΦ |
| Crest: | Lambda Theta Phi Crest.png |
| Birthplace: | Kean College |
| Affiliation: | NIC |
| Former Affiliation: | NALFO |
| Status: | Active |
| Type: | Social |
| Scope: | National |
| Emphasis: | Latino |
| Motto: | Chivalry Above Self |
| Chapters: | 119 collegiate, 29 associate, 29 alumni |
| Colors: | Brotherhood Brown Pure White |
| Flower: | White carnation |
| Nickname: | Lambdas |
| Address: | 181 New Road, Suite 304 |
| City: | Parsippany |
| State: | New Jersey |
| Zip Code: | 07054 |
| Country: | United States |
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΘΦ) is a Latino non-profit social fraternity in the United States.
It was founded on December 1, 1975, at Kean College (now Kean University) in Union, New Jersey. In 1992, Lambda Theta Phi was the first Latino Greek-lettered organization in the U.S. to join the North American Interfraternity Conference.
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975, at Kean College in Union, New Jersey. Prior to this, there were no active Latin fraternities in the United States. The Greek-letter organizations existing at the time primarily served Anglo and African-American demographics. The founders of Lambda Theta Phi recognized a need to unite Latino students, nurture their leadership skills, emphasize the importance of education, and foster a commitment to community and culture. They saw the establishment of a fraternity as a means to achieve these goals, leading to the creation of Lambda Theta Phi, under the specific identity and name as a Latino fraternity. It kickstarted the post-1975 wave of the Latino Greek Movement alongside the sorority Lambda Theta Alpha, which followed the "principio" (principle) phase kickstarted by student activism on college campuses in 1898.[1]
Lambda Theta Phi has achieved several milestones, including becoming the first Latin fraternity to join the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1992. Additionally, the fraternity published "The History of Lambda Theta Phi" in 1994, authored by Jesus A. Peña, Esq., which serves as an authoritative text on its history.
The Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Educational Foundation was established in 1998, aimed at awarding scholarships and grants for leadership and educational development. The fraternity also became a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) in 2004, though it discontinued its membership in 2014.[2]
See main article: List of Lambda Theta Phi chapters.