APSU hosted interest meetings for students of cultural backgrounds interested in becoming part of one of the multicultural Greek societies, Sigma Lambda Gamma and Sigma Lambda Beta on Tuesday, Sept 15.
Young men and women interested in joining the organizations attended separate meetings in the Morgan University Center to learn about the messages of each society from senior members and alumni to get more information on how to join.
Both Sigma Lambda Gamma and Sigma Lambda Beta are Latino/Latina based organizations that over time have expanded to accept members of any ethnicity.
SLG and SLB will be the first multicultural societies at APSU.
“Many people have this perception of what Greek life is… I think that a lot students from different backgrounds are looking for people they can relate to in the Greek community,” said John Hofschneider an alumni member of Sigma Lambda Beta who helped represent the fraternity at the interest meeting. “As you look at your historically African American fraternities and sororities which have met the needs of African American college students you’re seeing a growth in Hispanic and Latino populations that are seeking the same thing, [SLB and SLG] are a part of a growing population of organizations that have a base culturally but are open to different members.”
Lexi Cabrera, director of education for Sigma Lambda Gamma, spoke over video conference with women at APSU interested in the goals and principles of the organization.
SLG’s purpose as stated in the meeting is “primarily one of promoting standards of excellence in morality, ethics and education.”
SLG and SLB participate in community service by supporting and taking part in fundraising events for multiple charities.
Currently SLG and SLB have a focus on breast cancer awareness and the Federal TRIO program, which assists low-income, first-generation and disabled students through their education.
According to their mission statement, the women of Sigma Lambda Gamma “[strive] to be the premier organization committed to providing a mechanism of empowerment to all women.”
Though most students who join a sorority do so sometime from freshman to junior year so they have longer to participate.
Women who join Sigma Lambda Gamma in their senior year are still welcomed to participate in many projects and events as alumni.
The Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity supports the Dream Act, which supports finding ways to set undocumented students on a pathway towards citizenship.
SLG and SLB encourage voter registration, and their mission is to “nurture and further a dynamic, values-based environment which utilizes our historically Latino-based fraternity as a catalyst to better serve the needs and wants of all people.”
Similar in purpose to Sigma Lambda Gamma, Sigma Lambda Beta promote excellence in morality, ethics and education, and alumni members have many chances to help out.
“Even when you’re done with college, there are still ways to be involved,” said Hofschneider.
Students can learn more about Greek life at APSU by emailing the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at [email protected].