Chapter History
Epsilon Chapter is the 5th chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha. Our chapter was founded at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on November 15th, 1987. Our chapter was founded by 9 strong, motivated, and dedicated women who are still active and present at Rutgers University. Our chapter was founded at Frelinghuysen on the Latin Images special interest floor. Epsilon chapter is known as the chapter of EXCELLENCE, a legacy that we hold dear to our hearts, as we perpetuate the mission of Lambda Theta Alpha here on campus and in the greater community.
Epsilon chapter has been extremely innovative and has been responsible for significant progress within Lambda Theta Alpha. Epsilon Chapter is responsible for the creation of the national newsletter of Lambda Theta Alpha known as Moonlighting. We were also the first chapter to establish a chapter website. Epsilon Chapter was also the first chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha to bring a full-length play to our college campus.
Epsilon Chapter also has a strong focus on community service initiatives. We participate in the annual AIDS walk in New York City, the Breast Cancer Awareness walk, the March of Dimes, and the Big Chill just to mention a few. Our chapter also always achieves 100% participation in the annual Rutgers University Dance Marathon to raise money for our Adopt-a-Family child and the Embrace Kids Foundation for children with cancer and blood disorders. We have also been actively involved in the New Brunswick community by volunteering at local elementary schools and tutoring New Brunswick youth.
Our chapter philanthropy is known as Aspire High, which is a non-profit program founded by a sister from Kean University. Aspire High allows us to reach out to youth and make them globally conscious citizens and active partners in their communities. Ultimately, the emphasis is on reaching youth from low-income backgrounds to strengthen their interest in regards to post-secondary options and improve post-secondary outcomes.
We have also won various prestigious awards from our National Board. Epsilon chapter made history by being the only chapter awarded a chapter of the year three times in addition to being awarded community service initiative of the year. We have been ranked Category One, the highest Greek ranking, by the Rutgers Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs for the past 10 years in addition to Programming Achievement Awards, Highest New Member GPA Award, and Most Academic Improvement Award. Additionally, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organization recognized our chapter as a chapter of the year every time we applied for the award.
As far as our on-campus involvement sisters at Epsilon Chapter are involved with various campus organizations including the Latino Student Council, Rutgers Union of Cuban American Students, Black Student Union, and Latina Focus Group. Additionally, our Sisters are involved in various Honor Societies including Psi Chi, Order of Omega, Rho Lambda, Chi Alpha Epsilon, and Cap and Skull.