Delta Chapter wins the 1998 Copa Dorada
In Annual Award Ceremony sponsored by Gamma
Alpha, New York City's Graduate Chapter of LUL,
La Unidad Latina Honors Delta Chapter as the Undergraduate Chapter of the
Year
New York - On February 21, 1998, the Delta Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. was recognized by the Gamma Alpha Chapter as the Undergraduate Chapter of the Year. The award, known as the Copa Dorada, is given to the undergraduate chapter that distinguishes itself in service to the Latino community at its respective chapter.
Highlights of Delta Chapter's (comprised of Hermanos enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Temple University) accomplishments this year include the following:
- In collaboration with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), Delta Chapter spearheaded the creation of their 1st Annual Christmas Toy Drive. Looking to provide holiday cheer to the most vulnerable population in any community, the children, Delta Chapter and SNMA raised $1000 to buy gifts for close to a100 children in North Philadelphia. Their toy drive efforts culminated in a Christmas party held at Concilio, a community center in North Philadelphia, where the children and the two organizations were able to hold a celebration featuring music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
- Every Hermano of the Delta Chapter devotes a minimum of 4 hours a week to participate in a chapter mentorship program which pairs Hermanos with 4th and 5th grade students from North Philadelphia. Activities at these mentorship sessions include help with homework assignments, recreational games, as well as trips to the University of Pennsylvania's campus designed to expose participants to the world of higher education.
- In addition to it's commitment to the community at large, Delta Chapter also participated in a number of University sponsored events. One was the Penn Fund Phonathon, which is designed to raise much needed resources for the reserve fund that is set aside for students needing emergency financial assistance to complete their studies. The Hermanos, as an organization, raised $1000, making them one of the most effective groups participating in the event. Each year the Delta Chapter also volunteers at the Admission Office to call admitted Latino students and encourage them to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Hermanos call approximately 300 students and answer questions regarding the quality of life at the school, financial aid, campus organizations, etc.
- In November, the Delta Chapter held its 10th Annual Pa'lante Thanksgiving Dinner. Since its inception, the event was designed to provide home cooked meals to students and faculty who can not enjoy the holidays with their families. This year's event was successful, bringing together over 150 faculty members and students. Not only did the event benefit members of the University community, but proceeds from donations requested at the dinner went towards Taller Puertorriqueno, a community center in North Philadelphia.
In addition to being recognized by La Unidad Latina, Delta Chapter was nominated for 10 of 12 awards at the University of Pennsylvania's Greek Awards Banquet sponsored by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. A milestone for the chapter was being awarded the Saide T.M. and Raymond P. Alexander Award of Excellence for the Most Outstanding Bicultural Inter-Greek Council Organization.
Since it was founded and chartered at Cornell University in 1982, La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. has been committed to enhancing the quality of life of all Latinos, as well as other historically underrepresented groups. In a multi-tiered approach which seeks to address: contemporary issues of higher education, the importance of exploring and propagating the richness of Latino culture, community service, and creating professional networks, La Unidad Latina continues onward into the next millennium in service of the Latino community.