The 2013 National Conference was truly a historic one for Lambda Theta Phi. It was our first time in New Orleans, and the first time co-hosting our biggest annual event with another organization, Lambda Theta Alpha. Here’s a quick recap of some of our most memorable moments from this past weekend in the Big Easy.
Cris Rubio, National Director of Collegiate and Academic Affairs, Alpha Eta, Fall 2004
I’ve always loved the Awards Gala. It’s always great to see everyone decked out in their best wear, and this year women outnumbered us by a 50:1 ratio (note: ratio is unofficial). In one of the cooler things I’ve ever experienced, I met the first-ever Lambda/LTA married couple, Luis Miranda and his wife Yvonne.
As a former award winner (my chapter won Chapter of the Year in 2006), I can identify with the great feeling of seeing all of your work recognized by your beloved organization. It’s such a great feeling, but wow those LTAs put us to shame. When Maryland Area 1 won Sector of the Year, I looked back and saw this:
A minute later, when California Sector 2 picked up Sector of the Year, their celebration was a bit more…chill:
And then there were the non-winners from both orgs:
I can also identify with them. I applied for Undergraduate Brother of the Year some years back and didn’t win. Needless to say, I was salty.
In all seriousness, huge congrats to the winners and the applicants. Their hard work makes us better in many ways, and continues to challenge me to move Lambda forward.
Oliver Fajardo, National Historian, Beta Iota, Spring 2001
Attending the House of Blues in New Orleans on Thursday night was an experience I will never forget. Imagine a hot and humid day, the kind of day that within five minutes of stepping outside, you’re drenched in sweat. I didn’t know it was going to get even hotter at night. Why was it hotter at night than during the day you ask? Because the Lambdas and LTAs took over the venue!
Both organizations were at the House of Blues for the Salute competition during the joint National Conference. The House of Blues was packed on both levels, standing room only, with the members of the organizations that are the blueprint for the Latino Greek movement. What a sight it was to see all the teams, from Florida to California, New York to Texas, ready to represent the pride they have for Lambda and LTA.
Have you ever attended an event where one Brother kicks the call and literally hundreds more respond (seriously, there were hundreds in there)? The type of Lambda call that gives you goose bumps and leaves you with an echo in your ear after hearing it? I heard our call many times that night, and watched teams with discipline and intensity perform the art of Saluting. The crowd was hyped every time a new team came on stage for each organization. New Orleans was definitely a Conference that will be talked about in Latino Greek history. Thank you Brothers for keeping our traditions alive, that is something people on the outside would not understand, what it takes to be a LAMBDA MAN!
Hugo Vergara, Gamma Theta, Spring 2008
I will always remember the 2013 National Brotherhood Conference for its unique choice in location and all the great memories I created. As an alumni Brother, it was amazing meeting Brothers from my own chapter that have crossed and joined the Brotherhood since I graduated. In speaking with them it was as if I knew these brothers for many years. I will never forget walking down Bourbon Street and meeting brothers from across the country and catching up with others that I had not seen in years. It was also a pleasure seeing the sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha. New Orleans has such rich cultural history that you can see it throughout the city. Overall it was an amazing weekend filled with great people and great experiences.
Engelbert Santana, National Director of Induction, Beta, Spring 2001
What a sight to see, for two consecutive nights our Brothers and LTAs took over a strip of Bourbon Street…Chris Owens to be exact. I’m not sure who, if anyone, coordinated the rendezvous spot. But we all knew that after the planned activities for the evening we would meet up for an unplanned exodus from the Hilton at Riverside to a small strip of street where Brotherhood and Sisterhood commingled with the New Orleans Bourbon Street experience. Can’t think of a better place to have post-Conference festivities than New Orleans, Louisiana.
Roberto Andrade, Alpha Psi, Fall 2010
What’s something that will always stick with me from Conference? Wow, I can name more than a few. But I’ll give you three words: Saluting on Bourbon.
Anthony Lopez, National Director of Programming, Chi, Spring 2006
Overworked and can’t figure out how to delegate? Can’t maneuver the Constitution or APM? Does Risk Management make you nervous?
Our Sector Vice Presidents took part in the very first Lambda Institute during our National Conference in New Orleans this past week. Sessions consisted of training in areas of Risk Management, the Constitution, A.P.M., Effective Leadership, Effective Meetings and Delegating. The Lambda Institute is our official leadership training program in which Sector and Chapter Leaders become certified in everything LAMBDA. Every Vice President is now equipped with the tools and resources to lead their Sectors and Chapters. Once the Lambda Institute was complete I could see the drive in their eyes although that could have been mistaken for information overload.
Nonetheless, I see a brighter future for LAMBDA thanks the Lambda Institute and our Superhero Sector VP’s.
Curtis Porter III, Lambda Pride, Tau, Fall 2009
Reinario Reyes, NJS2 VP, Gamma, Spring 2010
There were many memorable moments at the 2013 National Conference. One in particular that stood out occurred during an elevator ride down for breakfast. As I entered the elevator, filled with Lovely Lambda Ladies, I greeted them with a “Good Morning.” After they said good morning back, one complimented on how well-dressed and professional-looking the Brothers were, while another expressed how well we carried ourselves during this function.
Sometimes the small details, like dressing up, can make a great impact on the outside perspective. Hearing these kind remarks from another organization makes me proud to be a Lambda Man and motivates me as a leader. We truly are Leaders of the Latino Greek Movement and I hope to see this organization keep moving forward.