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El Iluminador – Summer 2005

 Hello and Welcome to the Summer 2005 edition of El Iluminador!
Some of you are familiar with El Iluminador,
while for some of you this is the first time you have
ever seen this publication. Following is a
breakdown of some of the sections and content you
will find in this new version of El Iluminador and
what you can expect to see in subsequent ones:
“To better our Community our Country and the
World”
The purpose of the section is to highlight
established projects that our brothers are involved in
and also to create awareness of other opportunities
for community service and philanthropy.
“Recalentado”
Recalentado is the Spanish word for re-
heated. When your mamá or your Titi pulls out
yesterday’s arroz blanco and frijoles from the fridge
and heats them up for you to eat, you are having a
recalentado. In this section we will pay homage,
gain perspective, and simple take a walk through
memory lane with some of the articles that were
originally published in the first issues of El
Iluminador. Many of those articles remain relevant
today, give an insight into the way we used to think,
capture some of our history, and in many ways help
old and new brothers understand what has shaped
Sigma Lambda Beta into the organization it is
today.
“Our brothers, our stories, our brotherhood”
The goal of this section is to share with the
brotherhood the collective and individual
experiences of our brothers and the role Sigma
Lambda Beta has and continues to play in their life.
“Recipe for Success”
In this section we highlight a project
(community service, philanthropy, academic, etc)
that one of our colonies, chapters, or districts
recently planed and executed with great success and
which because of its planning, organization,
implementation etc. makes it a blue print for other
groups to follow. Here you will read about projects
that turned out to be great learning experiences and
which proved to be a great benefit to our
brotherhood and/or other members of our
communities.
2 El Iluminador – Summer 2005
“The Workings of SIGMA LAMBDA BETA”
Not only “Who runs this…” but also How.
This section is meant to be a reference for all
brothers about the structure, relevant policies, and
procedures of our organization. Here you will find
information that will be beneficial to you in
understanding Sigma Lambda Beta as the entity that
encompasses all of our colonies, chapters, alumni
associations, and interest groups.
“Comings and Goings”
Did you or a brother you know recently
accepted a position with a company, started his own
business, got promoted, is moving jobs, graduated,
began a masters program, is moving to another
state, had a baby, got engaged, got married, or any
other notable accomplishments? This is the section
for those kinds of news. In Comings and Goings
We want to highlight the advances in intellectual,
personal, and professional excellence of all of our
brothers and also observe, celebrate, and be a part
of those important life milestones.
“District updates”
Here our District Governors and District
Officers are given an opportunity to highlight and
share with the entire brotherhood their current
goals, accomplishments, challenges, hopes, plans,
etc.
“Alumni Corner”
In this section you will find information
about our Alumni. Profiles, interviews, updates
from the Alumni Associations, News, and notes
from the VP of Alumni.
“Beta Athletes”
We have many brothers that participate in
non-collegiate (iron man, marathons, 5Ks, etc.) as
well as collegiate athletics (school teams, individual
participation, etc.) This is a section to highlight
those accomplishments.
“Calendar”
This section is for major dates and events
you want to have highlighted in El Iluminador.
This calendar is ideal for yearly events and events
that are happening with enough time for brothers to
read about them in the publication and then attend.
“Academic and Professional opportunities”
National Conferences, Scholarship
announcements, regional meetings and any other
opportunities for our brothers to advance their
academic goals and/or their professional careers
“Inspiraciones”
A creative outlet for our brotherhood. A
place for poems, short prose, artwork, etc.
“THE BACK PAGE”
Photos, photos and more photos. Our
brothers, our events, our family.

We are a brother driven publication and as such we derive all of our content from you, our
brothers. This issue features most of the sections outlined above, while some others we are
introducing to you as a way of soliciting your contributions.

Thank you for your support of Sigma Lambda Beta and El Iluminador and please enjoy
the publication and send us your feedback, articles, inspirations, art work, content contributions,
photos, etc.

Sincerely,

The Staff and Editorial Board of El Iluminador.

Brother Cesar Barradas Brother Cesar Ramirez

Editor-in-Chief Correspondent
Brother Michael Alvarez Brother Vinicio Alvarez
Copy Editor Editorial Board
Brother Louis Damian Summer 2005 Brother Mike Benitez
Production Editor El Iluminador is the official internal Editorial Board
publication of Sigma Lambda Beta
Brother Gerry Olmedo International Fraternity Inc. designed to Brother Christopher Garcia
Editor- Electronic Version keep its brothers informed about issues Editorial Board
that affect our organization and our
Brother Miguel Ayala communities, and to share the views, Brother Juan Gutierrez
Correspondent interests, stories, accomplishments, Editorial Board
challenges, and hopes of the brothers of
Brother Diego Back Sigma Lambda Beta with the brotherhood Brother Jose Romero
Correspondent of Sigma Lambda Beta. It is a publication Editorial Board
about our Brothers created by Brothers.
Brother Murali Balaji No part of this paper may be reproduced Brother Eric Simeon
Correspondent in any means for purposes other than Editorial Board
fraternity business without the prior
Brother Elvis Garcia written consent of the Editor. Brother Fernando Tirado
Correspondent Staff Consultant

Contributors:
Brother Maximo Z. Anguiano II , Brother Murali Balaji, Brother Cesar R. Barradas, Brother Delane Cleveland,
Brother Eduardo Diaz, Brother Juan Izaguirre, Brother Danny Navarro, Brother Jose Peguero, Brother William
Russell.

Contact us:
editor@eliluminador.com - feedback@eliluminador.com - submissions@eliluminador.com

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El Iluminador – Summer 2005
Hermanos:

It is with great pride that I address the most honorable Brothers of Sigma Lambda Beta International
Fraternity, Inc. After a noticeable absence in the communication matrix of our brotherhood El Iluminador is
back!

Historically El Iluminador presented opportunities for brothers from around the nation to highlight their
particular experience of SLB and the world around them. Articles ranged from programming initiatives to
cultural, poetry, art, and political discussions. The resurrection of El Iluminador opens new avenues for
brothers to share with our vast brotherhood both collegiate and professional experiences and accomplishments.

On behalf of the entire elected and appointed leadership of our family I would like to extend a sincere
thank you to the volunteer staff that made this edition possible. Further I would like to extend a challenge to all
brothers, young and old: take the time to contribute to your national publication! If you have the time and
passion please look into volunteering as a staff member or contact the current staff and seek out particular areas
where El Iluminador can best utilize your skills. Moreover, sit down with your chapter or alumni association
and outline your successful programs and bios on alumni progressing in their respective fields. This is your
opportunity to shine and contribute to the professional and community based network we are continuing to
develop as we forge into the future.

Your IBOD is dedicated to open dialogue and full transparency. In future editions we will send articles
to the staff outlining particular program initiatives along with presenting differing viewpoints on issues that are
critical to the future of our honorable fraternity.

Enjoy the edition and please get the word out to your chapter and regional brothers that El Iluminador is
back in circulation!

Fraternal Regards,

Ammar Mufleh
Ammar “Corazon” Mufleh
International President
2002-2006

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Sigma Lambda Beta’s Tsunami Relief Drive.

Brothers,

Thousands of miles away, a natural disaster killed more than 140,000 people. Billions of dollars worth
of property was destroyed. Poverty, disease and famine became a way of life for those who at one time lived
comfortably. These are only some of the atrocities caused by the Tsunami disaster that struck the coast of the
Indian Ocean late last year and shattered people’s lives.

Sigma Lambda Beta did what it could to help. As a result of our efforts, $1743 was raised to help the
relief effort of the Tsunami disaster. Eleven chapters from across the nation donated to the fund, which began
as a joint effort of the Alpha Beta Chapter, the Minnesota Alumni Association, the IBOD and the District
Governors. The money raised by the Brothers was donated to Direct Relief International, an organization based
out of Santa Barbara, California that works to improve the health of people living in developing countries and
those who are victims of natural disasters, war, and civil unrest.

The idea for creating the relief fund belongs to Brother Roberto Valadez. He felt that it would be good
for Sigma Lambda Beta to help out the millions of people affected by the disaster, rather than sit at home and do
nothing. “We’re stronger together than we are apart,” Valadez said. “I just wanted to have something that the
whole nation could focus on where all Brothers could join in.”

Although the fraternity fell short of its original goal of $32,000 (an average of $40 per brother) the effort
shown by the Brothers who either contributed to this cause, or organized their own Tsunami relief drive, is still
commendable.

“I was deeply moved by the proactiveness of our Fraternity as they took the task of creating a National
fraternal movement to deal with the Tsunami Relief Fund,” said Juan Izaguirre, District Governor of the
Midwest. “Although the disaster took place during the winter break, Brothers worked hard to make sure that
they made a difference, either on the local or national level. I was very pleased to know that this initiative was
taken on by the Alpha Beta Chapter and the Minnesota Alumni Association.”

Brother Valadez hopes that this can be the start of an annual tradition for Sigma Lambda Beta. “Every
chapter is required to do philanthropy, so if we all work together, we will make a much bigger impact than a
bunch of small groups doing different things. Each year, we can pick a different theme.”

Food for thought.

Brother Delane Cleveland

Alpha Beta Chapter
University of Minnesota Alumnus

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El Iluminador – Summer 2005
Each one of our brothers has a very interesting and important story which is part of the History of Sigma Lambda Beta.
Whether it is as a collective or as an individual, we honor and celebrate these stories because they are about us, about our
brothers, and thus about our brotherhood. In this issue of El Iluminador we share with you a handful of these stories. These
pieces were written at the 2003 Brotherhood Retreat in Anaheim, California, and while many of them were shared under the
Anonymous rubric we all know a brother, perhaps even ourselves, whose life experiences are echoed in the narratives shared
here. With the hope to provide a glimpse into the texture of our brotherhood, of our Sigma Lambda Beta, we humbly present
to you:

Who are you?

By Anonymous Brother.

-I was born and raised in Denver Colorado.
-My mother left me at the age of 8, ever since I was
raised by my father.
-Around that time I was depressed, vulnerable, and
vowed never to commit to any woman, or get
married.
-I underwent a lot of changes in my life.
-I was a troubled youth. I used a lot of drugs, drank
and was a tagger, aka “Graffiti Artist.”
-I graduated from High School.
-I left all my negative aspects of my life behind me.
-I was the first in my family to go to college.
-I pledged the most honorable Sigma Lambda Beta,
“ the love of Lambda Beta is my life.”
-During my first year of college I had to adjust to a
lot of changes.
-I did not see my family even though I was only
thirty minutes away.
-I was officially a minority.
-I changed my career plans and major.
-I realized I wasn’t as outgoing as I could have
been, therefore not as happy as I could have been.
-This summer I realized I was no longer a child.
-I decided to take one last break in my life. This
summer I planned not to work, to travel instead. I
went on a rod trip to Tucson, I went to Retreat, and
I am going to Cancun.
-I just want to live my life as a humble person, be
patient, be honest, be respectful, be true to myself,
and let everyone know how much they impact my
growth.

Who am I?
By Anonymous Brother.

In a few words, I say, “I am a seed who has turned into a flower. A flower that can blend with other
flowers in the garden. Now why do I make this statement?”
I grew up in a poor neighborhood in Pocos de Caldas, Mina Brazil. In my neighborhood, I can recall all
of my friend’s black, white, brown all having a good time. But that all changed in the summer of 1989.
I moved to the United States in August 1998. I entered a grammar school in Newark, NJ. But it was different,
most of my classmates where white Portuguese or Brazilians and there was no black. I was told by neighbors
not to hang around “prietos” or Puerto riqueños. It was different since my best friend in Minas was black.
So throughout my teenager years I grew up around white Portuguese. I have no regrets, but I didn’t
really blend in. I remember I used to hate my hair because it was too curly. All my friends had straight nice
hair. It wasn’t until college that I started to hang out with other ethnicities. When I entered the Fraternity in
March of 1999 things became different. Now I had friends and special bonds from the Philippines, India, South
America, the Caribbean and white America.
Now almost 15 years later I feel like I honestly found a piece of my life again. I wear my hair curly and
share my different qualities with other people.

6 El Iluminador – Summer 2005

Untitled
By Anonymous Brother.

There is one word that
encompasses everything I am.
Latino. The word means so
much more than coming from a
certain region. I come from a
Mezela de Sangre, European,
indigenous and African. Latino
speaks of the struggle living in a
society where I’m meant to fall.
Sometimes I feel week and
almost succumb to everything
trying to hold be back. But
Latino means strength and
fighting for what I believe in.
The word also speaks of
hardship, murder, genocide,
pain, tears that my people have
gone through. Sometimes I am
lost and feel like my life is
worthless but my strength my
family and Brothers pull me
together and keep me sane. But
living in the US and seeing my
people killed and raped because
their lives are worth less than
commodities such as oil, it
burns a hole in my heart to see
that.
I am Latino rich in
culture that everyone else
knows and envies deep in their
hearts when they call us
uncivilized. Merengue, salsa,
cumbias, rancheras run through
my blood. Music to take us
away from this messed up
world and make us happy and
sane. The sound of the
tambores keeps my heart
beating. As I hear the sound,
which is built from anger and
hate but exposed and released
through, art. Our art reflects
who we are and releases the
negative and keeps us positive.
And of course there is the food,
that no McDonalds or Jack in
the Box could replace. Food
made from the heart as a lover
offering from one another. It’s
not just a meal but also a way of
revisiting and acknowledging
the spirit of the family. From
enchiladas to empanadas to
pupusas, this is the love that
fills our mind, body and soul.
There are many things that
Latino encompasses and can
never be defined but
experienced. My life is full of
many experiences and life
lessons and all of them make
the strong, confident and self-
aware Latino.

Who am I?
By Brother The Golden Child.

I’m unique But only I know who I was

Just like this story
I’d rather poetry
Always the child that was never spoiled
But loved to spoil himself as I still do
The one in the family that wanted to be different.
Grow up to do what no one else did
Son of immigrants, Cubano, Mexicano
Raised on working values
Mother nurtured to grow strong
Father worked to make my life easier
College! That was a freaking shocker
First one EVER to go
It is these first few years that make me realize
Just how freaking unique I really am
So who am I?
I’m still telling you
My parents made who I am
There really is only one way to know though
Someone or even something
SLB
Has to show you
To take it deep from your heart you soul
Open its hands in you face say here you are
Ambition, tears, Latino, pride, cocky, Brotherhood,
family,
Player, lover, energetic, creative, leader, follower,
during, humility,
Thoughtful, goofy, mature, professional, twisted =
Unique
That what I saw!
That is who I am and what I found
Do you really know who you are?
Or have you just not found yourself?

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El Iluminador – Summer 2005
Zeta Beta Chapter, living the Creed at the University of Florida.
By Brother William Russell.
Busy isn’t a word, it is a way of life at Zeta
Beta. As the saying goes on around here, “Remember
this, you are a BETA man, so only two people can stop
you: God and yourself.” We have made a commitment to
make sure that we live up to the principles that we
pledged for, and continue to lead through example
within both the campus and Gainesville community. Our
proud president, Ivan Ceballos, and the rest of our
Executive Board have done a great job leading us to new
levels in these past six months and are working
diligently to make this next semester an even greater
success.
Brotherhood is very important within the
chapter, we have started a program affectionately named
“Brother Nights.” A brother hosts a dinner for the
evening to give us the opportunity to separate ourselves
from our hectic lives and sit together as a family and
enjoy each others’ company. We have also hosted and
co-hosted many club parties throughout the semester.
One was for a state wide Hispanic-Latino leadership
forum held on our campus. The forum was attended by
many of Florida’s rising student leaders. We were able
to enjoy the workshops throughout the day and party at
night. We hosted a party for our week, in which we got
the opportunity to promote our organization to the UF
community, and also had a coming out show for our
neophytes at the end of the semester. We had a variety
of socials with sororities in our council and in the Pan-
Hellenic and National Pan-Hellenic Council. Our
Valentine’s Day themed social was held with a local
Greek interest group for Theta Nu Xi Multicultural
Sorority, Inc, and during our week, we held our annual
Super Bowl Social with the ladies of Sigma Lambda
Gamma . We also had a Caveman/woman themed social
with a local sorority, Gamma Eta. As the semester came
to a close we were invited to have dinner with the ladies
of Delta Zeta and co hosted an end of the semester pool
party with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha
Chi Omega
In following the principle of community service,
we participated in our semestral Itchetucknee River
cleanup. We have been proudly doing this community
service since the fall of 2001 and have made a big
impact in removing a destructive species of water lettuce
within the river. We also participated in a road cleanup
with Sigma Lambda Gamma. We pledged 10,000
8 El Iluminador – Summer 2005
minutes in a community service drive sponsored by our
student government and not only completed our goal but
surpassed it. Along the way, we helped our local Red
Cross to clean and organize their warehouse after this
terrible hurricane season.
In following the principle of cultural awareness,
we held forums on investing with Delta Sigma Pi
business fraternity, as well as a forum describing queer
culture. We also pioneered a forum were the Caribbean
student groups on campus were able to display their
culture and answer questions about their customs.
We were proud to have the highest GPA in our
council and the third highest among all fraternities at our
university. We take scholarship very seriously and we
have created a “test/notes” bank so brothers who are
taking similar classes can look over these materials and
help them study.
Brothers have also held positions in many other
campus organizations. Our own VP of Internal Affairs,
Alexander Cosimano, is also the President of the
Multicultural Greek Council, and William Russell, is the
Executive VP of the Council. We have had brothers who
have been Presidents of the NAACP, Hispanic Student
Association, and the Indian Student Association. We
currently have brothers involved in student government.
We pride ourselves on living up to the principles
of this great fraternity. Humbly, we are making moves
and getting better with each day. We will continue to
strive and make a difference not only here in the small
city of Gainesville, but also in our community our
country and the world.
Gamma Alpha Chapter’s “Costumbres” Program
By Brother Jose Peguero.
The brothers of the Gamma Alpha Chapter
at Johnson & Wales University are constantly
involved with the community. We are always
trying to educate ourselves and the people of our
community on something we and/or they probably
did not know about. An example of our efforts is
our annual “Costumbres” program.
We began putting this program on in 2001.
The goal of “Costumbres” is to educate the campus
community and the off campus community on
different cultural backgrounds of countries in the
South and Central American regions. We highlight
traditional elements of the cultures such as local
dances, foods, and traditions. The abundance of
cultures in South and Central America makes
“Costumbres” a different experience every year.
Some of the cultures we have already shown are:
Bolivian, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Puerto Rican,
Dominican, Peruvian, and Spanish.
The showcase of dances from those cultures
is accompanied by the food and other traditional
elements of such. When its time for the show, the
performers come into the place with the traditional
dress of the culture being highlighted and they
perform their cultural dances, at the same time they
take time to educate the audience on why they do
such things and where these dances come from. We
are proud of this program at Gamma Alpha and are
please to report that because of its success, it was
recognized with the Cultural Program of the Year
Award for the academic school year of 2004-2005.
Gamma Alpha has had a wonderful school year
bringing home five on campus awards:
Highest GPA (third year in a row.)
Greek program of the year.
Excellence in Programming.
Cultural program of the year.
Fraternity of the year.
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El Iluminador – Summer 2005
The East District Chapter of the Year
The Alpha Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta
By Brother Maximo Z. Anguiano II.
This story of Sigma Lambda Beta
International Fraternity Inc. at a small rural school
is a very long and extraordinary one. Grand Valley
State University is located in Allendale, on the west
side of Michigan. Some thought Sigma Lambda
Beta would never survive in a school where of the
22,000 or so students only 2,000 are people of
color; a number inclusive of all ethnic minority
students. Nonetheless Sigma Lambda Beta was to
make its appearance and presence felt, on a campus
where much cultural awareness was necessary.
It began as the Grand Valley State Colony of
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. on
December 5th 1998 founded by Brother Jeremiah
“Profeta” Garza. Soon after, Brother Miguel “Oso
Negro” Ortiz crossed as the Alpha Line. The colony
was in a great position to succeed because of the
strong motivation that drove these individuals and
the support from some of the SLB groups at other
schools in the East District such as the Epsilon
Chapter at Western Michigan University and the Pi
Alpha Chapter at Michigan State University. Things
were beginning to look good and the future seemed
bright for this young foundation.
A short time later, some pitfalls and set
backs hit the colony. Shortly after crossing,
Jeremiah Garza graduated to leave Miguel Ortiz
alone as the only active Brother on the campus.
Because of some family and financial troubles,
Miguel was forced to become a part-time student
and live off campus. Recruitment and the viable
operation of the colony became very difficult during
this time and it seemed like Sigma Lambda Beta
was indeed not to be at GVSU. The Grand Valley
State Colony was dying.
10 El Iluminador – Summer 2005
It is during trying times that the substance a
brother is made of begins to show, and true to his
vow to do everything in his power to keep the
organization alive, Brother Miguel Ortiz took on the
challenge of staying true to his commitment and
working hard to make SLB’s presence in GVSU
permanent. For the next four years Brother Miguel
single handedly programmed, networked, and
performed community service all in the name of the
organization. His hard work was bringing
recognition to the organization on campus and soon,
the fraternity caught the eye of other like minded
individuals. People began to see the lifelong
commitment and love for the Brotherhood and
wanted to be a part of it. Grand Valley State truly
believes that the biggest thing that has set them
apart from other Greeks is the cultural ties that
bound then together.
On August 10th 2002, with help from
surrounding schools, the light that almost came to
extinction was to glow brighter and stronger than
ever. Brothers Hermen “Inolvidable” Diaz
resurrected the group and became only the third
Brother to cross at Grand Valley in 5 years. While
balancing school and work, Brother Hermen
worked tirelessly to petition for reinstatement to
colony status. Still a one man entity it was now up
to Hermen to take over the small organization and
run it to the best of his ability.
Hermen also fought against some of the
same struggles that Miguel did. Grand Valley’s
campus is not a very diverse one and finding young
Latino men who wanted to be a part of a Fraternity
was not an easy task. Yet, these Sigma Lambda
Beta men found a way to overcome these obstacles
by going straight through them. They understood
that the organization’s existence rested on their
shoulders, which is what kept them driving for
intellectual excellence, growth and in the end:
Chapter status.
One year later, the Gamma Line was born.
On March 1st 2003, Brothers Santiago “Somoza”
Gayton and Ramiro “Pupillo” Padron became
Sigma Lambda Beta men. Now there were three
full-time active Brothers to push the organization
forward. Slowly but surely, these young men would
achieve what some said they could not. The process
of attracting new members was a difficult one for
many reasons. Being a group of only three
individuals was definitely a disadvantage. The
demographics of the school were another. What
makes Sigma Lambda Beta attractive to many
potential members is how non-mainstream Greek
we are, but that was also a challenge for
recruitment. But these young men were focused and
motivated, and they had the vision and a plan to
push forward. The Brothers realized that it would
take time, just as it did in the past. They were
prepared and started to take the Fraternity to new
heights on Grand Valley’s campus. They did all of
the things that a successful twenty member Chapter
did. They conducted successful cultural programs
such as “Los Americanos” Art Exhibit, Cultural
Poetry slams, and Salsa dance lessons. They also
participated in many community service events.
Creating awareness and defining Sigma Lambda
Beta at GVSU; the future again looked bright.
A year later, three other men saw the light.
On March 21st 2004, Brothers Maximo “Soldado”
Anguiano, Sunil “Prometeo” Shrestha Astudillo,
and Chris “Moquenque” Rodriguez crossed as the
Delta Line. The hard work, organization, and
commitment that this group of Betas was showing
on campus was carving their place on the yard. The
Brothers on campus were student orientation
leaders, resident assistants for on campus living
centers, and active in on-campus Greek life
activities. They strengthened their ties with staff in
the Office of Student Life, the Office of
Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Latin
American Studies.
They were doing all this work while at the same
time fulfilling their academic responsibilities and
goals. The colony had the highest fraternity G.P.A.
on campus and was tied with the highest amongst
all Greeks with a 3.13 G.P.A. A small group of
brothers with strong hearts and commitment were
pushing forward and showing what true love for an
organization can bring about. Sometimes it seemed
like they had too many responsibilities but they kept
on strong and pushing together which brought their
Brotherhood to new heights.
During the 2004-2005 school years, Sigma
Lambda Beta at Grand Valley blew up. In the
summer of 2004 at our International Convention,
the group was awarded Colony of the Year. On
November 2nd 2004, the goal that Brother Jeremiah
Garza and Miguel Ortiz dreamed of became true.
The hard work that the Grand Valley State Colony
had done was to earn them the recognition as the
Alpha Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta
International Fraternity Inc.
The Alpha Gamma chapter in 2005 has
crossed 9 brothers, has had one of its members
Brother Hermen “Inolvidable” Diaz named as
Greek Man of the Year for the entire campus, has
earned for the third year in a row the Standard of
Excellence Award, the highest Greek award that
any organization can receive at GVSU, and very
deservingly has earned the distinction of Chapter of
the Year at the Sigma Lambda Beta East District
Formal
Commitment, discipline, and strength in the
face of adversity are character elements that the
Brothers of the Alpha Gamma chapter have made
part of what it means for them to be Sigma Lambda
Beta men. A true sample of diversity and cultural
awareness, they continue to build and strengthen
their brotherhood, they keep putting out solid
programming, performing community service
around the campus’ needs and bringing the name of
Sigma Lambda Beta at GVSU to even greater
heights. The Alpha Gamma Chapter is currently 14
members strong. Congratulations brothers on your
commitment to greatness!
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El Iluminador – Summer 2005
 Greek Dodge Ball @ Gamma Alpha

What was the project? “Greek Dodge ball.”
Who was involved? The program was targeted to
all of the Greek organizations on campus
What steps did the brothers take to make it
successful? The project was planned by Brother
Marcelo “Matador” Moyano. Brother Matador
clearly described in his proposal for the program his
views, goals, and the benefits of executing the
project.
We advertised and gave other groups plenty of
notice in order to increase turnout.
Steps specific to the actual program:
• Establish the rules of the game
• Decide how many players per team
• Determine how much will it cost per team to
enter the tournament
• Decide what will the winners will get as a
prize
• Create invitations for all of the Greek
organizations on campus describing the
rules, how many players per team (multiple
teams per organization are welcomed), and
the prizes that the winning teams will obtain
• Formulate a tournament sheet that displays
the order of the games that will be played.
• Get the necessary materials for the program,
in this case the balls, and the place
• Determining the day and time the event
should be held
What did you learn?
As a chapter we learned that working as a team we
can execute great programs and make the best of
them.
What did it accomplish? Greek Dodge Ball
enhanced the unity amongst Greek organizations on
our campus and also gave us a fund raiser
opportunity.
The success of our program was recognized by the
Greek Community on campus with the “Greek
Program of the Year” award.

3rd Annual Latino Greek Leadership Conference

“Ahora Es El Tiempo: El Promixo Paso”

On behalf of the University of Kansas we would like to invite you to attend the 3rd Annual Latino Greek
Leadership Conference (LGLC), March 31 – April 1, 2006 at the University of Kansas.
The Latino Greek Leadership Conference is designed to address issues that face Latino/a Greek Letter
organizations on predominately white campuses. Latino Greek Letter organizations are the fastest growing
organizations in the country and have relevant issues that must be addressed through collaboration and
education.
The theme of the conference is “Ahora Es El Tiempo: El Proximo Paso, The Next Step.” A partner
of the National Black Greek Leadership Conference, the LGLC addresses relevant issues that face students and
advisors on our campuses. In order to have progress the “time has come” for a conference that meets the
specific needs of undergraduate Latino/Latina organizations. The Latino Greek Leadership Conference
promises to offer its participants a wealth of knowledge and practical applications on issues that face minority
Greek Letter organizations. The conference will also offer the opportunity for advisors to explore ways to assist
these organizations through workshops, forums and the sharing of information.
We look forward to your participation in the Latino Greek Leadership Conference. It is our hope to
provide you and your delegation with a valuable experience that meets the needs of Latino/a Greek Letter
organizations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Juan Izaguirre at 785-864-4351.

12 El Iluminador – Summer 2005

The Midwest District of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
By Brother Juan Izaguirre, Midwest District Governor.
As one of the younger Districts in our
honorable Fraternity, the Midwest District has been
making great strides with each Brother, Chapter, and
Colony making a difference on the local and national
levels.
This past semester, we have taken on several
different projects and have enjoyed much success. We
awarded several awards for our Annual District
Banquet, we had several Brothers graduate from their
respective institutions, and welcomed several new
members to the Brotherhood.
Events that should be highlighted are as
follows: The 3rd Annual Cultural Celebration was
hosted by the Alpha Beta Chapter at the University
of Minnesota and involved eight different
organizations. As the main organizers, they have
provided a night of entertainment and a variety of food
for guests to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures
located on the UMN campus. At the same time, the
University of Nebraska at Kearney Colony hosted
the 3rd Annual Cultural Unity Conference, which is
an annual conference designed to assist high school
students of color, primarily Latino students, to explore
the option of attending college. This year, they had
over 300 students from Western Nebraska attend the
The Central District of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
By Brother Eduardo Diaz, Central District Governor.
Greetings Brothers! As my term as Central
District Governor comes to a close at retreat in
Indianapolis there have been many growing pains
through my four years as DG. I am very happy to
report that the Central District is more united today
thanks to the calibration of the chapters, brothers and
my excellent district officer team. We have had many
exciting and innovative events within the district from
our first district party, retreats, parties, chapter events
to the last and very emotional district meeting.
District Party-The first district party was great
event and yes not everything went as planned, but
day Conference. Brothers from the Phi Alpha
(University of Nebraska-Lincoln) attend and support.
The annual KU NPHC Step Show was held in April
2005 and again, the Mu Beta Chapter at the
University of Kansas participated in the annual Greek
Step Show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
While their Caribbean show got them second place, the
Chapter did win the KU NPHC Fraternity Chapter of
the Year for the second year in a row. Introduced by
the Omicron Chapter at Iowa State University, the
Box Tops Education Philanthropy has been adopted
by the District. This is a program run by the General
Mills Company and as a District, we have begun
collecting “box tops” to be redeemed for participating
schools. The exciting part is that each semester, all
box tops collected will be given to one Chapter to
donate on behalf of the District to a participating area
school.
Each entity within the District has done an
excellent job promoting the Fraternity at the local level
on their respective college campuses. Planning for the
fall 2005 semester has already begun for future
programs. The 2005-2006 academic term will be filled
with even more events and activities that will follow
and fulfill the principles set forth by the Fraternity.
when does it? The venue was at capacity and everyone
who was looking for a great time found it.
National Convention 2004- The district put
there suits and intellectual minds to work
at convention. The reps decided to stay in at night and
discuss the proposal and see what issues are faced at
the chapter level. This act showed how dedicated the
chapter reps were and gave the district confidence.
Convention showed us that we still have a lot to work
at the district level.
District Retreat-Another great event was the
district retreat which required two representatives from
13
El Iluminador – Summer 2005
each chapter for a great weekend at our Nu Alpha
Chapter-Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Here the district was taken back to the education
process and reflected why they became Sigma Lambda
Beta men. The district had a great time over a two day
retreat and cannot wait for the fall district retreat in
October 2005.
Neophyte Orientation-This is where make we
make sure are that our neophytes are up to date with
the fraternity at the local, district and national level and
answer any questions they might have regarding being
a neophyte through this eight hour session.
Olympics-An event that is not district
sponsored but is noteworthy is the Greek Olympics
that were held on March 13, 2004 at our Kappa
Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign Campus. The brothers from the chapter
worked diligently to setup an enjoyable experience for Much Lambda Love and God Bless!
the brothers participating in the Olympics by providing
food, and opening up their home to brothers that
needed a place to stay. The events that were being held
Southwest District Highlights:
Cal State Dominguez Hills - Tau Chapter
-Held its Annual “Posadas” in December promoting
our heritage and our culture.
-Participated in the Los Angeles Marathon
Community Service Program.
University of California - Theta Alpha Chapter
-Worked together with the IFC and participated with
a Sorority in "Song Fest.”
-Held its annual fundraiser to benefit Breast Cancer
victims.
Loyola Marymount University - Beta Beta Chapter
-2005- Cultural Awareness Chapter of the Year at
LMU.
-2005- Community Service Chapter of the Year at
LMU.
-Held its Annual Car Show as a Cultural Awareness
program.
14 El Iluminador – Summer 2005
included soccer, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball and
an obstacle course. The schools that participated in the
Olympics were Western Illinois University (Beta
Chapter), Northern Illinois University (Eta Chapter),
and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(Kappa Chapter). A small ceremony followed
afterwards where pictures were taken and trophies
were awarded. It was an overall a very enjoyable
experience for all brothers and everyone had a good
time.
Overall the district has been a great experience
for all the brothers involved. It has been a pleasure and
a humbling experience serving the central district and
the fraternity as district governor for the past four
years. If any of you are in the Boston area look me up
at Boston College as that will be my home next school
year.
-Participated in the “Thanksgiving Dinner in Echo
Park,” which feeds over 850 people each year.
-Community Service - "Adopt-a -Highway" Adopted
the 105 freeway in Los Angeles, CA
Southeast District Highlights:
University of Florida - Zeta Beta Chapter
-Completed 10,000 minutes pledge Community
Service
-Certified 103 people for CPR
-Highest GPA
-3rd highest GPA - Fraternal GPA at UF
University of South Florida - Psi Chapter
-Greek Week Champions
-Completed 848 Community Service hours
University of Central Florida
-Most creative organization on Campus
Alumni Reinvigoration Campaign.
By Brother Alejandro Builes, Vice President of Alumni.
In this communication I'd
like to discuss my interpretation of
the role of the Alumni in our
Fraternity. What seems like many
years ago, I met an older brother
from Indiana who was working at
Penn State on his master’s degree.
Brother Ruben Flores spoke to me
of what it means to be a Sigma
Lambda Beta man. Months later I
took a leap of faith and joined an
organization that changed my life
forever. This brother took my line
brothers and I under his wing and
mentored us on how to be better
men. He taught us professionalism
and organizational skills, and
because of him our chapter and our
brotherhood flourished and
matured quicker than other entities
I have seen.
When we look back at life, we
see many people who have
positively influenced us and helped
us become who we are today.
Teachers, parents, siblings, friends,
they all taught us something that
has made a lasting impact on our
lives. If we sit back and look at the
similarities, one thing always
stands out. Someone took the time
to mentor us and share the
knowledge they had in order to
make our lives easier/better.
I once heard a speaker by the
name of Manuel Gallegos explain
the importance of mentoring
through the symbolic action of a
man climbing "the corporate
ladder". Many minorities who
graduate from college and get a
good job w/ a competitive salary
get lost in the rat race upon
entering the corporate world. They
never had money and this new
found wealth leaves them hungry
for more. Success is now measured
by material objects and you work
your ass off to climb the corporate
ladder as quickly as possible, b/c
ultimately that is what defines
success. The problem is that you
climbed so fast, without looking
back, that when you get to the top
you find yourself by yourself, with
no support network to assist you. If
you had only looked at your own
family, your heritage, you would
have know this is not they way
to grow.
We as minorities, who were
given the opportunity to advance
ourselves through higher learning,
have the responsibility to share that
knowledge. Our families struggled
to give us this opportunity to attend
college. Many immigrants crossed
desserts and oceans and endured
difficult times to give us this
opportunity. Our success is built
on the backs of those who came
before us. It's our
RESPONSIBILITY, as we climb
this ladder, to always look back and
ensure we reach our hand down and
bring someone with us. It is our
RESPONSIBILITY to mentor our
younger generation and ensure that
the knowledge we have attained, is
passed on to them. Only then will
we reach the top and be able to
stand on solid ground, for we have
built a support network of
individuals that we've have helped
along the way. Not only will
they support us, but they too will
bring someone with them, and only
then will our people move ahead.
El Iluminador – Summer 2005
This simple concept of always
reaching back and bringing
someone with us is the core
message that our Alumni
Movement is inspired by. Our
most important role as alumni is
simple, take the time to mentor our
younger brothers and support them
in becoming better man. When we
were Associate Members we
looked to our "Big Brothers" to
guide us. As Alumni, we must
continue to play the role of Big
Brother and guide not only our
undergrads, but our younger
Alumni as well. Our recent
Alumni need to support our
undergraduates and provide
resources and guidance to ensure a
successful transition from the
university to the professional
world. Mature Alumni need to
serve as mentors for new Alumni to
ensure steady progress in their
careers as they encounter the "glass
ceilings" of the corporate and
professional world.
In the near future, our
Database Portal will allow Alumni
and Undergrads to look for brothers
throughout the country and seek
out matches that will allow for
further growth in their development
plan. In the mean time, I challenge
ALL Alumni to reach out and
support someone and pass along
the knowledge that was given to
you. Serve as an "older brother"
that looks out for his family as they
weather the storms of life. Your
reward will be their success, and
nothing is more pleasing than that.
15
 An understanding of Sigma Lambda Beta as a national entity should be an important part of every
brother’s knowledge base about our organization. It is good to know how your Chapter, Colony, or Alumni
Association works, but by knowing the overall structure you can better articulate your needs as a brother, the
needs of your individual group, of your district, and ultimately, of our Fraternity as a whole. Knowing how Sigma
Lambda Beta works at the national level should be information you are sharing with your current associate
members and with all of your chapter, colony, and alumni association brothers.

We begin this section of “The Workings of Sigma Lambda Beta” by discussing our National
Governance and its elements.

Organization of the Fraternity.

Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc., is a fraternal and benevolent corporation organized for
purposes other than pecuniary profit, which means that we are a brotherhood organized for the purpose of doing
good with intentions other than making money. We are primarily a collegiate organization composed of
undergraduate men affiliated with collegiate chapters at accredited colleges and universities worldwide. Alumni
chapters and other groups operating within the Fraternity exist for the purpose of assisting and developing the
collegiate chapters of the Fraternity and for perpetuating on alumni members the benefits derived from
collegiate membership in the Fraternity.

Government.
The general government of our Fraternity is vested in our Convention which is made up of the delegates
that represent each one of our groups in our National business meeting which occurs every two years.
Fraternity business, functions, and affairs are conducted through an elected Board of Directors and appointed
officers. We, the members, chapters, colonies, alumni associations, committees, and all officers, are governed
by our Constitution. Sigma Lambda Beta’s legislative body then is our House of Delegates; our managing body
is the Board of Directors, Executive Officers, and appointed District officers, and our Committees serve as
policy and procedure recommending agencies relative to their specific areas of expertise.

Here is our National Structure:

We have one President
Six Vice Presidents:
Vice President-Collegiate Operations
Vice President-Program Development
Vice President-Alumni
Vice President - Academics
Vice President-Finance
Vice President-Expansion
Three Undergraduate Representatives:
Undergraduate Representative Central
Undergraduate Representative Eastern
Undergraduate Representative Pacific
One Fraternity Secretary
One Executive Director
One Associate Executive Director
One Part-time Staff

16 El Iluminador – Summer 2005

 The Vice President of Collegiate Operations has under his jurisdiction the District Governor Caucus, a
group made up of our District Governors who facilitate the operations of the fraternity at the regional level. We
currently have seven District Governors who handle the Central, East, Midwest, Northeast, South, Southeast,
and Southwest districts of our Fraternity. The District Governors have the ability to appoint Lieutenant District
Governors and the appropriate number of regional reps for his district.

Each Vice President has the ability to appoint officers to assist him in carrying on the duties of his
position. To that effect we currently have the following standing committees: Programming, Alumni,
Academics, Finance, and Expansion, some of these are chaired by the respective VP while some others are run
by a chair appointed to that position by the VP in charge of the particular committee. The goal of most of these
committees is to have a member from each one of our geographical districts, while the Alumni Committee is
made up of the presidents of each one of our Alumni Associations. We also have a Constitution Committee and
a Ritual and Education Committee which have been formed in order to assist on other responsibilities
associated with our governance and our membership.

There are also special groups that are formed to facilitate certain activities of the organization and
which called upon as needed, such as the Brother Conduct Judicial Board which handles matters involving the
request for disaffiliation of a member, the Symbolism Committee charged with developing and refining
programming pertaining to Brother rituals and enlightenment programs, the International Presidential Advisory
Committee which is composed of former International Presidents of the organization who are there to advise the
current President and the Board on matters of Strategic Planning and the direction of the organization.

All these brothers are involved in helping Sigma Lambda Beta maintain its organization and carry on its
operations to fulfill our goals as an International Fraternity.

The point of highlighting this information on El Iluminador is to inform you not only of how our
organization handles its “business” but also to help you conceptualize the size of our organization and the
multiple, constant, and accessible opportunities each brother has to help move Sigma Lambda Beta along. Each
position and function has its detailed and specific description, rules, procedures, etc. The goal here is not to
make you and expert but to help you gain a general understanding of how things fit together.

There is a group of 10 elected brothers who bear the responsibility of the progress, development, and
operations of Sigma Lambda Beta, but there are over 70 brothers who in one capacity or another volunteer their
time, talent, and treasure to help facilitate, execute, develop policy, and carry out our operations on a constant
basis. ALL brothers who are part of the governance and organizational structure of Sigma Lambda Beta are
unpaid volunteers.

Who runs Sigma Lambda Beta? We all do! The opportunities to effect change, shape our direction,
make an impact, and contribute are ever present. The key is knowing how, and that information is always
available.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact your International Secretary Brother Cesar
“Fantasma” Barradas directly at secretary@sigmalambdabeta.com or via phone at (312) 933-6715.

Knowing how we work helps us do things better!

17
El Iluminador – Summer 2005
 A brother for life!
By Brother Murali Balaji.

On the eve of his at the notion. "Simply put,

wedding last summer, it's an obligation," he said.
Brother Jontue Austin "We made a pledge. We
wasn't thinking about the didn't make some blanket
bachelor party. He was all promises...we made the SLB
business. Heading the pledge, that committed us to
Minnesota Alumni these ideals."
Association meeting in St. Austin's passion
Paul, Austin -- the stems from his background.
association's president -- Growing up in a household
asked why Brothers weren't that moved around the
moving ahead with several country, he says he never
professional initiatives. He had the chance to build
also pressed recently bonds with people. When he
graduated alumni to "step came to the University of
up their game" as liaisons Minnesota, he began
to the Alpha Beta hanging out with several
undergraduates. Austin's young men of color at the
commitment is no surprise campus. They eventually
to his chapter Brothers. asked him to join an interest
"He's as dedicated as they group of Sigma Lambda
come," said Bro. D.J. Beta, which he initially
Sanders, who crossed with Austin in the founding scoffed at. "I didn't have much interest in
line of the Alpha Beta Chapter in April 1999. "He's fraternities when I came to the U," he said. "But I
always willing to contribute the best he has to offer knew all the guys involved in the thing and where
to the organization." Despite a schedule that everyone was coming from." After several
includes long hours handling mortgages for Bank of community service events, Austin said he was
America, settling into his new townhouse outside of hooked to the cause. More than a year later, he
Minneapolis and spending time with his wife, became one of 12 founding line members of the
Phala, Austin continues to immerse himself in Beta Alpha Beta Chapter, serving as captain. He has
activities. He was recently re-elected as President of since helped make the chapter one of the most
the Minnesota Alumni Association, a group that has diverse in the entire fraternity. The fraternity has
become a model for other alumni associations in the also given him a family and a sense of belonging.
fraternity. "It's allowed me to learn a lot about myself," he
Austin has made it clear he intends to says. "It's made me look outside my own circle and
continue to be active in the fraternity, rousing learn about other people and empathize with other
fellow alumni into contributing and providing people. The friends I've made in this fraternity are
steady leadership to undergraduates. While many the oldest friends I've had in my life." Not even
alumni brothers detach themselves from SLB as marriage has diminished that bond for Austin, who
they get older, Austin scoffs says Phala has understood his commitment to the
fraternity.

18 El Iluminador – Summer 2005

"I'm a Brother for life," he said. "Being married is
not going to keep me from my obligation to the
Brothers. My wife does realize this was something I
was committed before I met her." Bro. Roberto
Valadez, who was recently married in
March, says Austin is an inspiration.
"Due to the fact that he can balance everything in
his life, he definitely knows how to handle himself,"
Valadez said. "He is the captain and he carries
everything...for the Alpha Beta family."
About Jontue Austin:
Age: 26
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Position: Account Executive, Bank of America.
Education: B.A., Classical Civilization,
University of Minnesota
Year of Crossing: 1999
Personal: Married to Phala Din and lives in
Brooklyn Park, MN. Parents, Jesse and Maria
live in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Older brother
Matt lives in Palmdale, Calif., and younger
brother Dan lives in Portland, Ore.
To reach this Brother: email him at
jontue.austin@bankofamerica.com

Familia:
Congratulations to Brother Daniel Z. “Jinete” Guerra and his wife Maria Guerra on the new light in their lives:
Sofia Ana Guerra was born on June 22nd 2005 in Barrington Illinois at 9:02am she weighed 7 pounds and 14
ounces. Brother Jinete is from the Sigma Alpha Chapter at DePaul University.

With this hermanos we conclude the Summer 2005 issue of El Iluminador,

Thank you to all of the brothers that took the time to share with us their stories, goals, challenges, and successes.
Please remember that this is a publication for Brothers by Brothers, so your contributions are what makes El Iluminador.
We need writers, photographers, artists, etc. We can help you put it in words and get it out there to the Purple and White
Nation.
You probably noticed that not every section outlined at the beginning of the publication was represented on this
issue. It is all about the contributions brothers. Please take the time to read those first few pages and if you have
something to contribute for the next issue that you feel fits into those by all means send it in. If you have a story or an
article you are not sure would be material for El Iluminador, please contact us and we can discuss.
We want to hear from you, is there something you would like to see, you liked, did not like, etc?
Please email us at: feedback@eliluminador.com
Ideas, questions, concerns,
Please emails us at: editor@eliluminador.com
Ready to send in an article, a poem, artwork, etc.?
Please email it to :submissions@eliluminador.com
Thank you to all of our current and past staff and board brothers who have in any way contributed to El Iluminador.

El I.

19
El Iluminador – Summer 2005
20 El Iluminador – Summer 2005