May 12, 2020

Dear Families, Friends and Supporters:

In this increasingly unique and dynamic time that is COVID-19, all of us continue to be challenged by a new norm and a future that is every-changing and uncertain. An epidemic that has become a pandemic may very well forever change how move about and interact with the world and each other. Undoubtedly an unsettling thought, but not one that must stifle or hinder us from staying spiritually and socially connected while social distancing.

An interesting consequence of self-quarantine and stay-at-home has been the innovative ways in which we have entertained ourselves and focused on family, significant others, loved ones, pets and self. We have learned creative ways of remaining connected and engaged. We better understand the value of quality time spent being present and the increasing need to focus on mental health and well being.

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., empathize with, and in many ways share, your experiences of loss, grief, and anxiety. We have been impacted by the loss of one of our Hermanos. Some of our Hermanos have recovered after being diagnosed COVID-19 positive. We have Hermanos grieving the loss of parents, family members, and friends. Our prayers, condolences and well-wishes to our Hermandad and to you and your families. We will survive this, and we will be stronger and better prepared.

As an organization we have prioritized how we can be supportive as we continue to manage through these times. A few examples include:

• A Mental Health Initiative Team building out a toolkit and resources for our Hermandad to increase internal awareness and support including tools for sharing and distribution within their respective communities and networks
• Exploring ways of supporting our Hermanos disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; especially our undergraduates and newly graduated Hermanos
• Planning as an organization for whatever the remainder of 2020 and into 2021 holds for our ability to remain active and engaged on campuses and within our communities and neighborhoods

Key to successfully managing through this time, supporting our families and taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally, will be partnerships and collaborations. We are committed to working with community organizations, academic institutions, and peer organizations to ensure broad support for each other and the communities we serve.

We are all in this together. Please continue to follow safety guidelines and to practice self-care. If we want the best for and to care for our families, we must make sure we do all we can to be here for them.

Wishing you and your families continued health and wellness.

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina

Hermano George Bouldin Gates, MBA
National President
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

La Unidad Para Siempre, Hermanos!

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. are pleased to welcome and congratulate the Neophytes of Spring 2020 to La Hermandad.

During this unprecedented time you experienced a New Member Education (NME) process you did not expect. It is also not the experience for which we planned. As the nation rapidly responded to the growing pandemic, universities took unparalleled actions to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. Simultaneously, we took necessary steps to protect our Caballeros and Hermanos by suspending all fraternal activities, including intake.

Despite the challenges this semester posed, we were fortunate enough to initiate 114 Hermanos into the folds of La Unidad Latina. Though all of you were not afforded the opportunity of a complete process, you remained steadfast and committed and are nonetheless, Hermanos, de la Fraternidad! We will continue to equip you from a national and regional perspective with the core components and knowledge to help you contribute to the future of our organization.

This pandemic has forever changed the world and our organization. We look forward to your insight in moving La Unidad Latina onward.

Welcome, Hermanos, and congratulations! Thank you and our chapter Hermanos for patience, flexibility and commitment to compliance as we navigate these times.

Para Siempre,

Hermano George Bouldin Gates, MBA

National President

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

Welcome to La Unidad Latina!

On April 20, 1991, I had the honor of becoming a Founding Hermano of the Iota Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. at Rutgers: The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick. Summer of 2019, I had the privilege of becoming the National President of our beloved Hermandad.

I take the helm at a time of growth and maturation for our organization. Change is inevitable and critical to any organization’s viability. It will not be an easy journey, but it is a necessary one. I am confident we will emerge stronger, more resilient. I have asked our Hermandad to trust me as we embark on this collective journey. “Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy” – Nicholas Sparks

As National President, I have committed my term to be inclusive of:

• Supporting the Board of Directors in successful execution of the comprehensive Strategic Plan developed developed in 2019

• Supporting the effective roll out and implementation of our revised New Member Education (NME) process. I am extremely proud of the work the NME Task Force has contributed to this process. As an organization, this revamp sets us up for sustainability, strengthens our process. As an organization, this revamp sets us up for sustainability, strengthens our relationships with university administration, and identifies opportunities for working collaboratively with our peers

• Focusing on mental health. In short, mental health is something impacting all of us! Whether as individuals, an Hermandad or within our families and communities, we do not often effectively address mental health, and sometimes do not always know how. A Presidential Mental Health Initiative Team will create a toolkit for Hermanos and explore how we can address this issue nationally, regionally and locally

I invite you to peruse our website and join us on our journey. We welcome the company, support and any willingness to partner with us.

Today, we are a brotherhood approaching 3,000. We are diverse, inclusive, and more forward thinking than ever. This does not mean that we can rest on our laurels. There is still much to do and accomplish. Through collaboration and partnership with academic institutions and peer Greek-letter organizations, we can achieve collective impact for the betterment and longevity of our respective organizations, our members, and the communities we serve.

I look forward to working with you.

Respectfully,

Hermano George Bouldin Gates, MBA
National President
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

“All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” – Jim Rohn