Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.

By: Yesenia Frausto

On every campus, each sorority chapter is distinctive in their own way. Women organizations go
back in history as early as 1851, as being part of “fraternities,” since there wasn’t another title
available. It wasn’t until 1882, that “sorority” was coined and since then many have followed to
coordinate, join and take part in these sisterhoods - each enriched with their own unique story
and history.

In 1990, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. was founded under the recognition of
providing empowerment to women of all cultural backgrounds. Constructed at the University of
Iowa by Esther Materon Arum and Mary Paterson, with the vision of creating a network of
academic and social encouragement for Latina women. With the founding sisters dedication and
guidance, Sigma Lambda Gamma has flourished to many college campuses, recognizing the
need for togetherness and support among women of different cultures and success of women
globally.

“We promote academic excellence and higher education for all women via a dedication and
incorporation of the sorority principles - Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness,
Moral & Ethics and Social Interaction.” Through their mission, Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority,
Theta Beta chapter, will incorporate their principles during “Founder’s Week,” which commenced
on Saturday, April 2nd with their “Founder’s BBQ” - where food and games were enjoyed to
promote their Social Interaction principle.

Anayeli Hernandez, president of Sigma Lambda Gamma, says “I joined the sorority because I
wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to find a group of girls that would accept me for
who I am and where I come from. I came in not knowing a single soul and now I have life long
sisters. I wanted to strengthen the confidence in myself and now I am the president of my
sorority. I joined for all the good reasons and now it’s become a part of my life.”

Founder’s Week will continue with their Academic principle on “Game Night,” where brain
games will be featured as a way to promote brain fitness by improving faster thinking, better
memory, enhance cognitive skills and overall boost brain functionality. Moral & Ethics principle
will be valued during a “Self-Defense Seminar” taught by the Stephen F. Austin University Police
Department. On Thursday, April 7th, for their Cultural Awareness principle, Sigma Lambda
Gamma will host a “Voto Latino,” providing the Latin community the opportunity to register to
vote - located in front of the student center between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. To end the
week, the sorority will express their Cultural Awareness principle by participating in “Relay For
Life of Nacogdoches,” starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 8th.

A sisterhood of almost 3,000 and growing, this multicultural organization thrives to achieve
personal development and awareness through community involvement. “We stress the
importance of morals, ethics, and education in our daily lives so that we serve the needs of our
neighbors through a mutual respect and understanding of our varying cultures,” per their Vision
Statement. Through their philanthropy, as a national organization, Sigma Lambda Gamma
promotes TRIO Programs and Breast Cancer Awareness, donating over $14,000 to 20 breast
cancer organizations.

“The term sorority to me means sisterhood for a lifetime, a bond that can never be broken.
Sisters you can trust with anything and tell them whatever with no judgement from them. They
are my family away from family,” says Kristen Valle, sister of the Riotous Rho line of Fall 13’.

Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. offer their sisters opportunities towards
leadership, community involvement, academic support, professional network, empowerment of
women and a lifelong family bond within a diverse sisterhood across the nation embodying the
value of true “Woman of Distinction.”

If you would like to join Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. or for more information,
please visit or your local chapter.

Yesenia Frausto
allstarmayhem@outlook.com
allstarymayhem.weebly.com