Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., was founded in December, 1975 at Kean College, now known as Kean University, in Union, New Jersey.  After research conducted by Kean College's Dean of Students, Dr. Jose Quiles, Lambda Theta Alpha was recognized as the first sorority in the nation to put focus on Latinas in higher education.  

In March 1979, Lambda Theta Alpha was incorporated as an academic sorority.

With the growing number of female students at colleges and universities during the 1970s, it became necessary to have the appropriate support systems on campuses.  This was true for all women, but especially Latinas, who often came from large familial and cultural communities, to find themselves the minority on these campuses.  Kean College was no different than other campuses, and a group of female students decided to make a change.

Thirty women gathered in Willis Hall at Kean College to discuss the the formation of a support group for Latinas.  They discussed the idea of creating a sorority whose main goal would be to provide support for women of all ethnicities.  They wanted this sorority to focus on the educational goals of its members, while taking part in the social activities, political issues, and community service that other campus groups participated in.  By coming together as an organization and a sisterhood, this group of women could join in every aspect of campus life.

Seventeen of those thirty women became the founding mothers of Lambda Theta Alpha.  Today, 25 years after our founding date, we hold strong ties to our founding mothers and their original ideals of sisterhood and community. Every chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha around the U.S. and its territories works toward these ideals everyday.   Every sister upholds Lambda Theta Alpha's goals of scholarly excellence, the empowerment of Latinas and the universal woman, cultural and political awareness, and community activism.  We live each day by our principles of Unity, Love, and Respect and believe in a true sisterhood that will last long after our college years.

Today, Lambda Theta Alpha is composed of sisters from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life.  Although our Founding Mothers were women of mostly Latin descent, among them were women of African and Indian descent. And just like our founders, over the years our sisters have discovered a love of all cultures and strive to share this love with the greater community.

Through their community service, cultural, and educational events, sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha have continued the dream that began in New Jersey in 1975. With the continued support and love from our Founding Mothers and alumni, Lambda Theta Alpha has provided organizational opportunities and a sisterhood for hundreds of women.