Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. History

During the fall of 1985, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began to explore the idea of establishing a Latino-based fraternity at the University of Iowa.  Having seen the impact organizations like Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity had on their constituency, Mendoza-Madrigal knew something similar could be done for the Latino interest.  Without knowing the impact he would have almost 30 years down the road, Baltazar starting doing research on this possibility.

After months of dedicated research, Mendoza-Madrigal called for a special meeting on March 7, 1986.  Held at the Chicano Indian American Cultural Center (now known as the Latino Native American Cultural Center), this meeting would bring together the Latino students to discuss the feasibility of creating a social fraternity that would focus on the Latino culture.

“The Latino community was divided among several social groups at the time,” said Mendoza-Madrigal.  The enthusiasm in favor of establishing a social fraternity that could help in unifying the community was so great that word started to spread quickly across the University of Iowa campus.  Everyone knew that something great was about to take place.  After much planning, the ideology and philosophy of this new organization were finalized on April 4th, 1986.  Henceforth, this day is recognized as the official founding date of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity at The University of Iowa.

After over 30 years, our Fraternity has grown to over 120 collegiate entities spanning across 30 states from Coast to Coast.  Sigma Lambda Beta entities can be found at some of the largest institutions in the Big Ten or Pac 10, or at some of the most prestigious small private schools across the country. Moreover, our membership has expanded beyond our Hispanic-Latino origins making us one of the most culturally diverse Greek lettered organizations.  

LMU Betas

The Beta Beta Alumni Association

In the summer of 2005, the alumni brothers of the Belligerent Beta Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta realized the need to create sustainable transition practices for the continued success of the undergraduate chapter. The brothers aimed to preserve the undergraduate chapter through mentoring, financial assistance, and leadership. At the time, the creation of a chapter specific alumni association was viewed with resistance by the national organization. As leaders, these alumni brothers created the change they wished to see in the organization. This was the birth of the Beta Beta Alumni Association. Upon graduation from Loyola Marymount University, our brothers are inducted into the Alumni Association with a pinning ritual.

In the spring of 2014, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated officially recognized BBAA as the first Alumni Association. Today, there are over 10 Alumni Associations nationwide and 17 Alumni Networks. This accomplishment could not have been possible without the sacrifice and vision of the founding brothers of BBAA.

The Beta Beta Alumni Association continues to provide our undergraduate chapter with professional development workshops, career internships, job interviews, and financial support.