Before Lambda Theta Phi, Chris Acevedo was just another student. Now, wearing his fraternity’s brown and white letters, he carries the weight of a legacy of something bigger than himself.

At 27 years old, Acevedo, a graduate student from Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey, isn’t just another student navigating academic life. He is the heartbeat of Rowan University’s Omicron chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated. 

Lambda Theta Phi is the first Latino Greek letter organization in the United States. Founded in 1975 and established at Rowan in 1993, the fraternity’s mission is to empower Latino men through scholarship, volunteer opportunities, and, most importantly, their brotherhood. 

“When I wear my letters, I feel like I’m representing those who couldn’t go to school, and those who wanted to but never had the chance,” said Acevedo. 

His introduction to Lambda was less about recruitment and more focused on recognition. Acevedo saw in the brothers a lifestyle deeply rooted in a unique culture, devotion to service, and accountability amongst each other. That sense of acknowledgment soon grew into something deeper, an understanding that Lambda’s brotherhood extends beyond just titles or membership. 

“They showed me I didn’t need to be a brother to be part of the family,” said Acevedo. 

That overall sense of belonging, paired with Lambda’s values on leadership and unity, was enough to convince him that he had found right where he belonged. Omicron’s roots stretch back to 1993, when its founding brothers carried the vision of uplifting Latino students on Rowan’s campus. Three decades later, those same values remain intact. For Acevedo, those long-standing values aren’t just history; rather, they shape the way he lives brotherhood daily. 

“In unity there is strength. You’re not doing everything alone. Brotherhood means somebody’s got your back, whether it’s in academics, service, or just life,” said Acevedo. 

Those same principles come alive in his everyday life. He practices it by starting off with a simple question. Acevedo typically checks in with his brothers, asking them, “Hey, did you eat today?” or “Hey, I’m about to grab lunch after work. Would you like to grab something to bite? Let’s catch up, and I’ll pay.” He embodies one of the brotherhood’s core values and leads by example when it comes to “Chivalry Above Self.” 

“Chivalry Above Self isn’t just a motto. It can be something as small as holding the door open for someone or paying for someone else’s meal. It’s about putting others first,” said Acevedo. 

Dr. Kha’ Sadler, associate provost for wellness and inclusivity at Rowan University, finds inclusive communities for students on campus to be paramount. For Chris Acevedo, the fraternity isn’t just an organization but a lived example of what inclusive spaces on campus can provide students. 

“Having inclusive spaces across campus significantly impacts a student’s overall success, sense of belonging, and the broader campus culture. These spaces reflect the University’s commitment to fostering holistic health and well-being for all members of our community—where individuals of all identities are honored, affirmed, and supported,” said Dr. Kha’ Sadler. 

The fraternity’s identity is also tied to Hispanic culture, though it welcomes men of all backgrounds—not just ones of Latino descent. From saluting in honor of Latin American military traditions to collaborating with other Latino Greek organizations, Lambda builds unity through its cultural pride. 

“Representation is important. For me, it’s about showing that Latinos belong here in higher education, leadership positions, and service,” said Acevedo. 

Their service is what sets Lambda apart on campus and within the community. Each year, the brothers hand out white carnations for Women’s History Month, run food and clothing drives in Camden, and host Angel Tree gift campaigns during the holidays. They’ve even raised money for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria slammed the island in September 2017. As well as organizing youth empowerment events across South Jersey. These projects aren’t just symbolic. They reflect the fraternity’s core value of “Chivalry Above Self.”

“The most impact is sometimes when we don’t see it. Like when brothers quietly volunteer their time without asking for recognition,” said Acevedo. 

The fraternity’s commitment to academics is also just as visible. From group study halls to mentorship networks, Lambda pushes members not just to graduate but to thrive. On Lambda’s official Instagram, the organization points to Edwin Santos. A national founding member of the Epsilon Alpha chapter who graduated in three years with a 4.0 GPA while working as an immigration paralegal. Acevedo sees himself carrying that same standard. 

“My younger self would look at me now and say, ‘You came a lot farther than I expected,” said Acevedo. 

Like many student groups, Lambda was met with a unique set of challenges during the 2020 pandemic. Recruitment had slowed, events were cancelled, and the brotherhood had to be maintained virtually. 

“We leaned on each other. Even when we couldn’t meet in person, we stayed connected. That’s what kept us going,” said Acevedo. 

To outsiders, fraternities are often reduced to stereotypes of parties and hazing. Acevedo challenges those assumptions. For Lambda Theta Phi, their main focus is on “hermandad” or brotherhood, academic, and leadership opportunities. 

“We’re not about the image people think. We’re about building men of character who look out for their communities,” said Acevedo. 

Looking ahead, Acevedo sees the Omicron chapter growing not just in their number but in their influence. He envisions more partnerships with community organizations, more service anchored in South Jersey, and graduates who will carry Lambda’s values with them into their future careers. 

“When people look back at this chapter years from now, I want them to say, ‘They went the extra mile. They were a fraternity that looked out for us,” said Acevedo. 

For him, those letters are more than stitched fabric on a jacket. They are a lifelong identity.  

“When I graduate, I may take off the student letters, but that brotherhood? The culture and those values stay with me forever,” Acevedo said. 

As the fall semester begins, Lambda Theta Phi hopes to find new members to join their brotherhood. They invite students from varying backgrounds to learn more about their fraternity, ideals, and networking opportunities at their next informational meeting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8. Interested students can also message the fraternity via Instagram or come out to their Latin Heritage Month barbecue on Sept. 27.

For comments/questions about this story, DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email [email protected]