It all began during the Winter semester of 1998. A group of women started organizing with the strong desire to bring back the previously inactive Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma. Through the support and influence of the incomparable Michigan chapters, the necessary steps began to get underway. The vision had been presented, and contact was made with the National Board in the quest to become a colony.
Communication between four women continued throughout that summer. Plans were made to recruit strong, dedicated, and hardworking woman to join in the foundation that Fall of 1998. After a tenacious and trying semester, in the end, the interest group comprised of 10 committed women. They were: Desirea Alvarez, Lucy Arellano, Cynthia Carrillo, Ixsy Ramirez, Amanda Rico, Jennifer Rivera, Norma Sanchez, Veronica Sanchez, Aileen Tung and Lily Wu. These women are the founding sisters of Beta Chapter. Alicia Ortez accepted the position as Chapter Advisor, and they now had one extraordinary mentor and counselor in their corner. They knew they were unstoppable!
On February 20, 1999 the University of Michigan was granted Colony status. It was hard work to get to this point, and in the pursuit of achieving Chapter status it would get much harder. Throughout that semester and continuing into the summer, the group met, formed structural and organizational bodies, put on several academic programs, executed fundraisers, participated in community service, promoted cultural awareness, and stressed the need for networking and social interactions. The bond of sisterhood resonated amongst the group.
Finally, on September 20, 1999 the University of Michigan Colony was granted the distinguished honor of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Beta Chapter by the National Board. The founders became sisters at Central Michigan University on October 17, 1999.
With more than a decade of existence and a millennium to look forward to, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. is committed to the empowering of one another, bettering our community, our country, and the world.
Sigma Lambda Gamma is the largest Latina-based Sorority with a multicultural membership in the United States. We strive to be the premier organization for the empowerment of all women. The foundation has been laid...now the legacy shall continue...
