TO: All Brothers of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
FROM: José Grajales, National President 2012-2016
DATE: August 01, 2016
Brothers,
Four years ago today, I began my first day as National President and embraced the opportunity to drive our brotherhood in a new direction. I remember the anxiety tied to knowing everything and nothing at all. It had been a dream of mine to reach this point and in just a matter of hours it would all come true. But little did I know how much the work that lay ahead of my administration and the change we sought would require of us all.
Our vision of building our future by creating a stronger, adaptive, innovative and more professional brotherhood was at its very core based on the principles of strength and longevity. Through the tireless efforts of leadership and the trust our brotherhood had in our vision we were able to achieve milestones many never thought possible. From changing our focus toward fiscal responsibility and internal development to expanding our reach via the Graduate Induction Process and brining on full-time staff to handle the day to day tasks hindering progress, we now have an established ten year strategic vision building upon bonds of brotherhood and commitments to excellence that I could never be more proud of. But despite all of those achievements, I look most fondly upon our philanthropic partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) as a defining moment in the alignment of our mission and ideals with a worthy cause and the opportunity to impact the lives of Latino Youth across America. Lambda has unequivocally now grown to embrace and embody its position and historical presence as The Leaders The Latino Greek Movement.
As I look back at the countless late nights, sacrifices and risks my administration has taken over the last four years, I am grateful and humbled by it all. I am thankful for all of you who believed, encouraged and fought so that my vision, our vision of a brotherhood strong enough to meet the challenges of tomorrow could become a reality.
I now leave this post a changed man. A man that wholeheartedly believes that the monikers our founders wove into our identity of “Chivalry Above Self” and “En La Unión Está La Fuerza” are not only tools to carry us into the next century, but the essence of who we are. And while the closing of this chapter is a bitter sweet moment, my belief in the capabilities of President-Elect Henry Silva, his leadership and the foundation we have built is more than enough for me to look forward to our future and rest easy as a member of our Board of Trustees.
Thank you for all of the wonderful memories and the opportunity to grow in service to you all. May God bless all of you and our brotherhood.
Fraternalmente and Forever Grateful,
José Gustavo Grajales
National President
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.