# Lambda Sigma Upsilon

Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΣΥ) ("L-S-U" or "Upsilons") is an intercollegiate Latino oriented Greek lettered fraternity, founded on April 5, 1979 at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Lambda Sigma Upsilon has 83 undergraduate chapters and 6 alumni chapters in universities and cities across the United States. The fraternity is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).

## Formation

During the period of the mid to late 1970s protests and acts of civil disobedience became commonplace as students asserted their disappointment with Rutgers University, professors' tenure, national issues, and Latino student rights. The protest became so fervent they began closing down institutions, buildings, and sporting events.
In the spring of 1979, a group of students suggested the creation of a Latino social fellowship. After meeting on a regular basis, they officially established the Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Social Fellowship on April 5, 1979. The official motto of the fellowship was "Latinos Siempre Unidos" (Latinos Always United), thus the acronym "LSU". They have been touted as being a "catalyst for change, and a vehicle for pertinent conversation regarding relevant issues between student and the university administration".

## Goals

The 20 founders of LSU were men who believed that underrepresented groups, particularly ethnic minorities, at colleges and universities were not getting the attention or services needed to advance their academic successes. They created Lambda Sigma Upsilon to act as a support group for these groups, as well as to provide a family away from home. The founders developed four Goals that would embody the purpose of Lambda Sigma Upsilon. These goals are:
* Academic excellence
* Cultural awareness and diversity
* Being role models to the community
* Brotherhood

## Affiliations

Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. is a Member of the National Greek council North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) It is the brother organization of Mu Sigma Upsilon, a multicultural-based sorority.

## Philanthropy

After the passing of one of their founding fathers, Alberto Rivera, in June 1989 due to HIV/AIDS complications, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. selected HIV/AIDS research and awareness as its primary philanthropy.

## Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation

The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation is a 501 c(3) non-profit foundation founded on October 2, 2017. It operates separately and independently of the fraternity. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide scholarships to Latinos, as well as other minorities, enrolled in high school or college who have shown a commitment to leadership and education. The Latinos Siempre Unidos foundation also endows surrounding neighborhoods and communities with new prospects to further learning by supporting fiscally and physically organizations, groups, clubs, associations, and companies who show values in line with those of The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation.

## Hazing and misconduct allegations

In January 2020, the fraternity's chapter at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte was suspended through 2022 after allegations of underage drinking and hazing were reported to have occurred in October 2019.