In fall of 1996 a group of six women gathered with the purpose of starting an organization. The group wanted to bring an organization to Truman State University that celebrated cultural diversity and met the needs of Latina women on campus. They founded the Coalition of Latina Sisters and were granted colony status from the National Board of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority on November 23, 1996. The six members of that first coalition were Caroline (Caro) Hernandez, Angie (Expresiva) Nicholson, Abrey (Cacahuate) McIntosh, Rachel (Fantasma) Moreno, Skylar Martin, and Stephanie Fortney.
On January 25, 1997 at 10:45 p.m. the colony from Truman State University was inducted as an associate member of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority. These thirteen women included the previous six as well as Beth (Kraft) Wachter, Jusonda (Pasione) DeRouen, Catherine (Ai) Heyer, Iris (Fortuna) del Rosario, Linda (Mi-Cha) Reed, Heather (Kreativ) Jeffrey, and Kris (Kraic) Helke.
On June 20, 1997, at 8:37:30 p.m., the National Board chartered the Alpha Alpha chapter to Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. We are especially proud that we are the first chapter to be established in Missouri. After much patience and dedication, The Alpha chapter at University of Iowa initiated the Alpha Alpha chapter on February 7, 1998 at Danforth Chapel in Iowa City, IA.
The first line of the Alpha Alpha chapter was inducted on January 27, 1998. The Alpha Line "La Unidad,"Ginny (Tierna) Henderly and Sara (Esperanza) Durham, was initiated on April 15, 1998 at 1:07:30 a.m. Jennifer Joachimstaler, who is also a part of the La Unidad, was initiated on February 15, 1999.
Our second line, "La Renacimienta", was initiated on April 8, 1999 at 2:08:15 a.m. We are proud to have added two more beautiful sisters, Dominique (Apocalypsis) Kizine and Jeanette (Genesis) Martinez, to our sorority.
Our third line, "Las Sobras", was initiated on November 7, 1999 at 1:01:31 a.m.. This line was made up of Janise (Sortija) Hamilton, Andrea (La Voz) Isbell, and Merina (Mei-Li) Foster.
Through the five principles upon which Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority was founded, we hope that future generations of women at Truman State University will embrace their identity and heritage. We, as women of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, celebrate our cultural diversity and recognize the need to incorporate the five principles in our everyday lives. In the words of our chapter founding mothers, "We hope to enhance our understanding of one another and better our community, our country, and our world."
Colors:
Shocking Pink and Majestic Purple
Mascot:
Purple Panther
Flower:
Pink Rose
Jewel:
Purple Amethyst
Newsletter:
La Mensajera
Motto:
Cultura es Orgullo, Orgullo es Exito
(Culture is Pride, Pride is Success)
On October 22, 1989, a group of women gathered at the Chicano Native American Culture Center to form an organization of Latina/Hispanic women at the University of Iowa. Their goal was to form a group that would provide social and academic support to Latinas/Hispanic and women of all cultures. After a lot of hard work and dedication, the Panhellenic Council at the University of Iowa recognized Sigma Lambda Gamma as a sorority on April 9, 1990. This is the day that Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority recognizes as their Founding date.
Today, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority has Chapters from New York to Texas, and Florida to California and members from cultures more colorful and diverse than any other. Our members have recognized the need for togetherness and support among women of all cultures at their universities and colleges and are dedicated to the overall success of women in the world.