Lambda Phi Epsilon - the University of Virginia
National History:
Lambda Phi Epsilon was founded in 1981 on the campus of University of California at Los Angeles by Mr. Craig Ishigo, the principal founding father, and eighteen other men. The goal of the fraternity was to transcend the limitations to which traditional Asian American organizations were subject. While traditional Asian campus organizations were often split along lines of national origins, the founders sought an organization that drew its membership equally from the different segments of the Asian American community. Their vision was that the members would eventually bridge the gaps fragmenting the Asian American community through their affiliation with a common organization.
In order to facilitate the process of rapid expansion and to seek standardization throughout the nation, the existing six chapters came together on Memorial Day, 1990, to form what is known as Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity. At this conference, a national governing body was established to better coordinate each individual chapters efforts, a national philanthropy was adopted, national expansion policies implemented and Memorial Day weekend was designated as the official date for the annual convention of Lambda Phi Epsilon National. That fall, with the admittance into the National Interfraternity Council, Lambda Phi Epsilon became the first and only nationally recognized Asian-American Interest Fraternity.
In the Active division, numerous programs were developed to address the needs of the collegiate brotherhood throughout the nation and abroad. The National Service Program adopted several national philanthropies. The most notable is the Asian American Bone Marrow Donor Program. To date, no other organization in the United States has enlisted more registrants to the Asian bone marrow donor library than Lambda Phi Epsilon. The National Academic Committee developed guidelines and scholarship programs to encourage academic excellence in our collegiate chapters.
Today, there are thousands of brothers in the United States and throughout the world. Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity continues to strive to achieve its motto, "To Be Leaders Among Men," by providing services to assist brothers in achieving their fullest potential. Ultimately, it is the principles of Lambda Phi Epsilon that will inspire all brothers to lead their communities to a better, brighter way of life.
The fraternal structure has allowed Lambda Phi Epsilon to perennially maintain the leadership and quality of membership so that we may be able to meet our status quo as well as continually better ourselves as students and members of our society. With many social and service events planned throughout the year, we invite everyone to check out what Lambda Phi Epsilon has to offer. As you may already know, college is not only about improving your mind but also about personal growth and establishing oneself as an individual. Let Lambda Phi Epsilon help you in providing those resources.
Chapter History:
As birds were chirping outside, Yuan Ren sat in his dorm for hours thinking of a new name for the interest group, he decided to stay with the old name, BUYA, The Brotherhood of United Young Asians. After all, what's most important is concentrating on how to give new meaning to an old name.
One day, Charles says, "Hey Burita, I heard some guys are trying to start the fraternity interest group again."
"Again? We've been doing it for three years already."
"So do you wanna do it?"
"I don't… I'll do it if you do it."
"Naaah."
Five minutes later... "Sure? C'mon, I'll do it if you do it."
Party at Szechuan Chinese Restaurant, Fall 2001.
In the mens room, a lanky fellow approaches another man, not nearly as tall.
"Hey guy, whats your name?"
"I'm Tuan, wsup."
"oO niice, im Burita."
After washing their hands, Mr. Burita Em says, "Hey guy, I'm in the Asian-American Interest fraternity. We're meeting up pretty
soon, if you want you should come check it out."
So starts the story of how determination drew together different crowds of the Asian American network at the University of Virginia to come together and realize their dream. In a school dominated by traditions, these young men felt an urge to venture off the beaten path. They decided to face the fork in the road... and head on straight.
One evening late in May, Mr. Tuan Huynh and Mr. Yuan Ren gathered a handful of hopefuls as well as Mr. Charles Lota and Mr. Burita Em, members of past interest groups in the lounge of the Tuttle Dorms. They wanted to introduce themselves to each other and get to know each other not as screen names, but as ambitious individuals with a common goal. Through the course of the next few weeks, these men continued to call out members of past interest groups such as Mr. Thinh Nguyen as well as recruit other potential brothers, among them Mr. Eugene Lee, Mr. John Lee, Mr. Vivek Taneja.
Once the summer started, these men decided that some things can't be rushed, and that their friendships would take time to mold. After meeting for dinner with Tonka, an alum from SUNY Buffalo, and McGruff, a newly crossed charter from Rutgers University, any doubts that had risen in these men were now gone. They promised to themselves that nothing would hold them back from fulfilling their dreams.
As fall came around, these men continued the journey towards eternal brotherhood. As these men were leaving after a general meeting, Mr. Tuan Huynh noticed Mr. Cheng Lu and Mr. Terry Hsiung, old high school friends with his roommate. The entire group spoke to the two freshmen about the fraternity interest group, its goals and ambitions not only as an interest group but as a brotherhood that fosters appreciation of the Asian-American culture. Ultimately, the group concluded that before they can seek acceptance into a national brotherhood of men they must seek brotherhood amongst each other.
After a year of hard work and diligence, eleven men rose from the rain-battered fields of Baltimore, Maryland on March 16th, 2002 at 6:20 in the morning.