The Gamma Kappa Graduate/Alumni Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda
Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., was formally recognized in the Sunshine
state of Florida on January 1, 2001.
The initial motivation to establish a chapter began
with two Hermanos, David Asencio and Juan Carlos Pagan . These Hermanos
were familiar with one another as they had pledged together at Buffalo
State College in the Spring of 1997 (Gamma Alpha). They met once again
in the greater Orlando area during the Fall of 1999. From the very beginning,
they sought to establish a Graduate/Alumni chapter in the state of Florida.
With this in mind, they began research to determine if there were other
Hermanos residing in the state. While sightings of Hermanos in South
Florida were mentioned in various e-mails, finding them proved to be
difficult.
The first big break came when, while wearing his
letters, Juan Carlos Pagan was noticed by another Hermano who proceeded
to flash the sign. The customary Para Siempre and tight grip lead to
meeting Hermano Gil Cortes.
Not long thereafter, news resulted of an Hermano
living in the West Palm Beach area. The initial contact with Hermano
Henry Ponciano was accomplished via a phone call placed to David Asencio
during the Spring of 2000.
Interestingly enough, Henry knew of several Hermanos living in the Miami
and Ft. Lauderdale areas. After several weeks of inquiries and searching
for more information via e-mails and phone calls, contact was made with
the following Hermanos during the Summer of 2000: Renato Molina, Luis
Ocasio , David Ocasio , David Martinez, and Ramiro Mendoza .
In August 2000, a flurry of e-mails and phone calls
lead to the discussion of establishing a graduate chapter in Florida.
With input and guidance from all, a proposal was drafted which outlined
the chapter's future objectives and goals. In September 2000, eager
to fulfill the fraternity's mission, the Hermanos of the Sunshine State
put forth its hopes and dreams for expansion. On October 21, 2000, the
Gamma Kappa Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity
Inc. was born.
The new millenium brought to the chapter Hermanos
Wally Escolastico and Luis Ortiz.
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity,
Inc. has been at the forefront in addressing the issues that affect
the Latino community. The Hermanos of the Gamma Kappa Graduate/Alumni
chapter have committed themselves to continuing this tradition. The
aforementioned Hermanos have all graduated from various universities
in the Northeast corridor of the US yet they have come together in Florida
as professional men working in various industries in order to continue
their commitment to fulfilling the fraternity's mission and uplifting
the Latino community.