Opportunity Through Brotherhood.

Founded at the University of Iowa in 1986, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. was established to create a culturally conscious brotherhood dedicated to leadership, scholarship, and service.

A New Idea from Iowa.

During the fall of 1985, Baltazar Mendoza-Madrigal began exploring the idea of establishing a Latino-based fraternity at the University of Iowa. After months of intensive research, Baltazar called a special meeting on Friday, March 7, 1986, with several Latino students at the Chicano Indian American Cultural Center (presently known as the Latino Native American Cultural Center) at the University of Iowa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need for and feasibility of creating a new social fraternity with an emphasis on Latino culture.

At that time, the student body at the University of Iowa was predominantly Caucasian, and the Latino community was divided into different social groups. As a result, the students who attended the meeting sought to strengthen and unify the Latino community while promoting a positive image of Latinos at the University of Iowa.

The enthusiasm for establishing a fraternity was so great that word quickly spread throughout the University of Iowa. Everyone knew that something special was about to take place. After extensive planning and numerous meetings, the students finalized the philosophy and ideology of the organization on April 4, 1986. Consequently, this date became the official founding date of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity.

Founded on the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, Community Service, and Cultural Awareness, the 18 Founding Fathers envisioned the creation of a diverse organization that would promote a positive image of the Latino community at the University of Iowa and other campuses through scholastic achievement, lifelong brotherhood, the dissemination of our rich cultures, and service to our communities.

More than thirty years later, the fraternity has grown to include more than 120 collegiate entities and 30 alumni associations spanning 30 states across the country. Moreover, its membership has expanded beyond Hispanic and Latino cultures to encompass a broad, diverse, and multicultural membership.

Founding Fathers

From Iowa. to Coast to Coast.

Our Four Pillars.

The fraternity was founded upon four pillars that continue to guide brothers today.

Our Symbols.

The official motto of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
Opportunity for Wisdom. Wisdom for Culture.

This motto reflects the fraternity's commitment to education, leadership, cultural awareness, and service to our communities.

Continue the Story.

In 1998, Sigma Lambda Beta found a home at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with the establishment of the Phi Alpha Chapter.