Laker Life

GVL / Marianna Saucedo

GV welcomes first chapter of Latina sorority in Michigan

By Lauren Fitch GVL Managing Editor
1/27/2010

The Hispanic-American students who make up about 3 percent of Grand Valley State University's student body are now better represented on campus through the new chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon, a Latina-based sorority.

The first chapter in Michigan and only the second in the Midwest, Sigma Lambda Upsilon was founded at GVSU on Nov. 29, 2009, and continues to establish itself on campus with currently seven members.

Sigma Lambda Upsilon has five main goals: academic excellence, sisterhood, leadership, community service and cultural awareness.

After already proving its academic excellence with the highest GPA in its Greek Council, Sigma Lambda Upsilon also remains dedicated to increasing awareness of the Hispanic culture on campus.

"We are trying to set the bar very high for the programming we include," said Delia Fernðndez, president of the sorority. "We want a level of professionalism to our organization so we can break down the stereotypes about Latinas and Greek organizations in general."

Some of the stereotypes Fernðndez said they wanted to overcome include the assumption Latina women in their early 20s are not in college, already have children and do not pursue their own career. The goal of the sorority is to show people a different side.

"(Sigma Lambda Upsilon) shows Grand Valley and the Midwest different aspects of Greek life," Fernðndez said. "We bring more exposure to different cultures."

Already, the group has hosted several events on campus, including a recent panel discussion, "Latinos and Race in the U.S.", and participation in a nationwide fundraiser for Haiti.

David Stark, Sigma Lambda Upsilon's adviser, said he is pleased with the sorority's work so far and looks forward to continuing to work with them.

"This is a group of bright, young, intelligent, articulate ladies," Stark said. "They focus on how to help people succeed."

Stark said he mainly lets the members of the group plan all the events and does whatever he can to help publicize them and offer advice when needed.

He noted the success of the panel discussion, which he moderated, as evidence of the "embrace of the community."

The group's next event will be an informal tea to give people more information about the sorority. It will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 in room 1142 of the Kirkhof Center.

Though the sorority is based in the Latina culture, it is not exclusively for Hispanic members, everyone is welcome.

"As long as people show a genuine interest in our sorority and what we stand for, we want to expand," said Ivett López, vice president of the group.

López said the sorority's focus for the current semester is to "put the name out there" and set an example as the first chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon in Michigan.

She said the administration has been very supportive and helpful in getting the new group established on campus.

Fernðndez agreed, saying the Greek Life administration had been nothing but helpful.

"We are excited to be here on campus and to have received so much support from other Greek organizations and the administration," Fernðndez said.

managingeditor@lanthorn.com

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