Cayetano Socarrás (left) and José Quiles

In response to the title, José Quiles has stated, "I always felt I was a father of the Fraternity in the sense of being a technical resource, because a lot of the internal development was carried out by the Founding Fathers themselves."  Founding Father Agustín García concurs: "These two men fathered the brothers.  A father teaches and these two men had taught."  The creation of Lambda Theta Phi was a learning process, and the two Fraternal Fathers were instrumental. With numerous decisions to be made and strategies outlined, the brothers received guidance from two members of the Kean College faculty/administration. Specifically, Dr. Cayetano J. Socarrás, who passed away on January 24, 1994 and José Quiles, recognized within the brotherhood as the Fraternal Fathers of Lambda Theta Phi. Each of these men provided support, mentorship, and guidance to the Founding Fathers and have continued to do so as the Fraternity has developed. Their devotion to the ideals and brothers of Lambda extends far beyond what can be captured in a website.

Dr. Cayetano J. Socarrás (1922-1994)
Fraternal Father Dr. Cayetano J. Socarrás provided most of the assistance in developing a truly “Latino” identity for the Fraternity. Knowledgeable in the art of heraldry (crest design), Fraternal Father Socarrás guided the brothers in designing the original shield in 1976. As Fraternal Father Socarrás focused on the symbolic aspects of the brotherhood, Fraternal Father José Quiles assisted with the organizational components, including the structure and administration of the Fraternity.

Fraternal Father José Quiles
Experienced with and knowledgeable of fraternities and the Greek system in general, Fraternal Father José Quiles assisted the Founding Fathers to ensure the newly founded fraternity would fit into the Greek system on campus. Fraternal Father Quiles has often described his role in the Fraternity as a “technical resource” and continues to be a valuable asset to the brotherhood.

Founding Fathers
From September to November of 1975, a group of students, from which would eventually emerge the Founding Fathers of Lambda Theta Phi, met to find the solution to uniting the different Latino groups on campus.

These meetings were initiated by Founding Father García, who had already spearheaded a important breakthrough for Latino students by becoming the first Latino elected to the Kean College student government. The major topics of discussion at these meetings were the need to become politically conscious and active as Latino students and the unification of all Latinos, since at the time "Latin Unity" was not common among students of different Latino national origins.

At a meeting on November 11, 1975, Founding Father García proposed the idea of founding a fraternity. Having become familiar with the workings of the college administration and student government he recognized that a fraternity could promote Latin unity through brotherhood. He also understood that fraternities were an organizational structure that college administrators acknowledged and one with which they were accustomed. Lambda Theta Phi was founded as a Latin Fraternity, which was specifically stated in its original constitution, making it the first "Latino" fraternity in the United States.

Founding Fathers:

Wilfredo Ayes
Juan Hernández
Hiram Cardona
Rinaldo Lago
Rafael Crespo
Luis Miranda I
David Díaz
Henry Muñoz
Agustín García
Walter Pardo-Villa
Enrique García
Raul Roger
José Ginarte
Raymond Rosa

National History
In September of 1975, Founding Father Agustin Garcia entered Kean College as a freshman. A politically active individual, he ran for a position on the Freshman Student Council and became the first Latino elected to the Kean College student government. A man of vision, he was concerned over the disunity among the Latin students and took it upon himself to begin to organize the Latinos at Kean. From September to November of 1975, Founding Father Garcia and a group of other students met to find the solution to uniting the different Latino groups on campus. Founding Father Garcia initiated these meetings and reached out to all Latino students, irrespective of their ethnic background. The major topics of discussion at these meetings were the need to become politically conscious and active as Latino students and the unification of all Latinos. At a meeting on November 11, 1975, Founding Father Garcia proposed the idea of founding a fraternity. He believed this structure would best meet the needs of the Latinos by promoting unity through brotherhood............

The history book was released in November of 1994 at the fraternity's nineteenth annual awards banquet in Wayne, New Jersey. Below are excerpts from the history book regarding the essence of the fraternity and the fraternity's symbolism for the "Conquistador." "Lambda Theta Phi provides the Latino college student with the opportunity to be part of a congenial family with a mission. What is this mission? To cultivate a spirit of brotherhood, to value an education, to promote unity among all Latinos, to be proud of and cherish our heritage, to assert roles of leadership, to develop character, to practice chivalry, to serve mankind, to aim for the stars. In short, to raise the social and cultural conscience of the Latin male college student."

"Lambda Theta Phi has conquered new lands-the campuses of institutions of higher learning. Lambda Theta Phi has conquered a multicultural people-each and every brother, by becoming a Lambda, has taken an oath to uphold the ideals of the Fraternity, tenets we cannot confine to a college campus, but which constitute a lifetime commitment, something many may be unable to relate to. Lambda Theta Phi is building the Latino leaders of tomorrow, those who will provide the guidance and leadership for our community and nation." "The twenty-first century quickly approaches. It will be accompanied by growth and change. As an organization, we will have to adapt to changing times. Let us not fear the future. Our unity and ideals shall illuminate our path to conquer the twenty-first century." "Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Incorporated.
Ayer,
Hoy,
Mañana...
Siempre."
No materials from "The History of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Incorporated" can be reprinted without the expressed written consent of Lambda Theta Phi, Fraternidad Latina, Inc and Jesus Pena, Esq. (The following excerpts are not reprinted in the book's order. Some of the text was omitted for space.)

Chapter History
In the midst of September 1998, three men with a dream came together. They had a dream of starting up a Latin Fraternity in the University of South Florida's campus. Jose Fernandez, Alexander Bravo, and Henry Yanes held their first meeting in the parking garage of the University. They contemplated on the idea of the fraternity and decided to embark their journey by searching the web. After prolonged hours of research, their search was over. They came across the best Latin Fraternity in the Nation its name; Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Not long after this, Jose and Alex drove to Orlando to visit the Alpha Alpha chapter of the fraternity and meet the brothers. They came back with an ambition to be part of this brotherhood. The search now began for other men with a strong will for leadership. The second meeting was held in the Tampa Room of the Marshall Center at nine in the evening. By this time, two more had joined the group, Hector Guerra and Randall Miranda. During this meeting brother Ramon Rivera, a transfer student from UCF joined us in preparing us for the task at hand. Our minds were set and our ambition was growing. During the meetings that followed, three more men joined us, Sean Cotto, Erick Aponte, and Andrew Obando. These were the chosen eight. The ones that will cross the line between going to college and preparing for a job, and going to college and preparing for life. They were ready to make a difference. These eight men on November First nineteen ninety-eight became the Alpha Line of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Inc. Today Alpha Psi chapter has grown to gain recognition in the USF campus as well as in the Tampa Bay community. Our brother's ambition and desire to be the best and set the example as our founders did, has enabled this chapter to succeed. In just our second year since our founding, we won the Chapter of The Year Award for the State of Florida, Chapter of the year Nationally amongst Lambda Theta Phi and Amongst all Latino Greeks. We have also won, USF's Outstanding Fraternity of the Year. We have become the youngest chapter to have ever accomplished such feats. We have set our mark amongst the other Greeks on campus, We have set an example Nationally since 1975, and locally since 1998. Alpha Psi chapter will continue to make a difference in the Latin community in the future as it has in the past, as it represents Lambda Theta Phi to the fullest!

Why the Conquistador?
As the Founders moved forward with the development of the Fraternity, many issues had to be addressed and the “culture” and symbolism of the Fraternity had to be created. The fraternity colors needed to be selected, a method of pledging determined, and the ritual associated with the brotherhood. One item which has generated controversy over the years has been the use of the Conquistador as the mascot of the Fraternity. In addition, the individuals participating in the fraternity’s induction or pledge process are referred to as Conquistadores. The concept of the Conquistador as a symbol of the Fraternity was introduced by Founding Father Agustín García and Founding Father Wilfredo Ayes interjected the Conquistador into the pledge process for the first pledge line in the spring of 1978.
Representing the Spanish crown, the Conquistadors came to the Americas in the sixteenth century and committed genocide of the indigenous populations. Why, then, would our Founders adopt the Conquistador as a symbol of our brotherhood? The literal definition of the term, as opposed to the role the Conquistador played in our history, was the overriding consideration: one who conquers; one who overcomes; one who triumphs.

Annual Events
The majority of programs, events and initiatives sponsored by Lambda Theta Phi are carried out at the undergraduate and alumni or sector levels. These activities include charity fundraising, community clean-ups, mentoring in schools, educational and cultural programming, and hosting motivational speakers on campus. Social events at the undergraduate level include picnics, mixers, and parties. Our alumni also engage in social activities ranging from poker and domino nights and pool tournaments to networking receptions.
Throughout the country, sectors convene to sponsor regional dinners and conferences modeled after the national events. Although special National Board events are presented sporadically, certain events are consistently sponsored by the National Board

Annual Anniversary Awards Banquet
The Fraternity has sponsored an annual awards banquet dating back to December of 1978. The banquet is a formal event, which features keynote speakers, dancing and entertainment in an elegant ballroom setting. At the banquets, the National Board recognizes individuals, chapters and sectors for their contributions and accomplishments.

National Convention
The National Conventions are hosted every two years convening the voting representatives from all of the fraternity’s regions and the National Executive Board. Issues concerning the Fraternity at a national level are addressed, constitutional amendments, if any, are discussed and voted upon, and elections for the various national offices are held at these gatherings.

Brotherhood Conference
National Brotherhood Conferences are held on odd numbered years as a method to continuously educate our brotherhood on a variety of topics. Workshops are facilitated by alumni brothers and non-brothers, who specialize in specific fields. The conferences are aimed to meet both undergraduate and alumni interests.

In addition to the above, at our conventions and conferences, the attendees also enjoy recreational and social events. The locations have varied across the country based on proposals submitted by various sectors, which are selected via a competitive process conducted by the National Executive Board.

Milestones & Awards
Over the years, the Fraternity has achieved many milestones in light of the contributions of other notable Lambdas. Among these milestones was Lambda Theta Phi becoming the first Latin fraternity to be accepted into the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC), the association composed of all national college fraternities of the United States and Canada. The process to gain acceptance into the NIC began under former National President Carlos Rivera and was completed in May of 1992 under former National President Arcelio Aponte. This major accomplishment was due, in great part, to the efforts of former National President Jesus A. Peña, Esq. and Brother Sham Bacchus.

In 1994, another important moment in the history of the Fraternity occurred with the publication of The History of Lambda Theta Phi. Authored by former National President Jesus A. Peña, Esq., and now in its second edition, this book serves as the authoritative text on the history of Lambda Theta Phi. In addition, it is the first historical account of a Latin, Greek-letter organization to be published.

In 1995, during the presidency of Brother Reinaldo Cortés, the first national Lambda Theta Phi website went online. Since then various undergraduate and alumni chapters and sectors have posted sites.

The year 1998, witnessed the establishment of the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Educational Foundation. This entity would be separate and distinct from the Fraternity. On July 26, 1998, former National Presidents Jesus A. Peña, Esq. and Jorge Díaz established the Foundation. These two brothers wrote the Foundation’s initial constitution and set forth its purpose: “…to raise funds in order to award scholarships/grants to Latino high school and college students, including Lambda Theta Phi brothers, for their leadership and educational development.” The Foundation is recognized by the NIC and Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) entity. Through the years, Founding Father Agustín García has served as the Foundation’s Chairman.

In 2004, Lambda Theta Phi became a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) under the leadership of former National President Jorge Díaz. Lambda Theta Phi has taken an active role as a member of the Latino Greek Letter Organization (LGLO) community.
In addition to all that has been documented, the history of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. continues to be written each day by notable Lambdas across the country and in other parts of the world.