Lambda Theta Delta
Lambda Theta Delta (ΛΘΔ), is a collegiate fraternity. Founded in 1983 at the University of California, Irvine, LTD (as it is nicknamed) is the first and largest Asian American interest fraternity at UC Irvine.
History
Founding Fathers
On February 17, 1982, a group of close friends started a club at University of California, Irvine called LTD which held dances and parties on campus. LTD stood for limited since club membership was limited to only a few. As the friendships grew stronger between the members of LTD, four of them decided to start a fraternity. In the Winter of 1982, the members of LTD traveled to Lake Tahoe on a ski trip and drafted the Lambda Theta Delta constitution. On March 2, 1983, Lambda Theta Delta was officially founded at the University of California, Irvine, becoming the first Asian-American interest fraternity at UC Irvine.
Four men are recognized as the Founding Fathers of Lambda Theta Delta: Eddie Chang, Steve Chiu, Carson Hsieh, and Paul Woo. At a time where no Asian-interest fraternity existed on campus, Lambda Theta Delta effectively provided an outlet for young Asian-American men who were looking to become involved in the Greek scene.
Charter members
The charter members (Alpha Class) were the first new members of the fraternity, and worked with the Founding Members to share ideas on shaping the fraternity and its pledge program. The Alpha Class members are: Robert Chong, Howard Chow, John Chow, Jeff Eto, Keith Fujii, Keith Han, Gary Ho, Whitman Hui, Paul Kihm, Sam Lee, Shaun Ly, Roy Okida, Don Sohn, John Wang, Geoff Wychgel, and Dean Yokota.
Fraternity colors
The colors of Lambda Theta Delta Fraternity are maroon and white. Maroon and white have several meanings that are held close to the hearts of members of Lambda Theta Delta. Maroon, a deviation of the color red, stands for blood, meaning sacrifice, courage, and loyalty. The color white stands for innocence and purity.
Involvements
Lambda Theta Delta is the most active Asian-interest fraternity on campus, with heavy involvements in a vast array of affiliations both on and off campus.
Campus involvements
The members of Lambda Theta Delta past and present are involved in campus organizations such as the Associated Students of UCI, Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA), Intramural sports, Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP), Order of Omega honor society, as well as renowned dance teams such as the Chinese Association Dance Company (CADC) and KABA Modern.
Lambda Theta Delta is also a founder of the Asian Greeks of Irvine (AGI). AGI was founded in the Fall quarter of 1995 by four organizations to fulfill a greater need for social interaction between the UC Irvine Asian Greek organizations. AGC was created to promote communication among organizations and to collaborate philanthropy and social events between the groups.
In addition, Lambda Theta Delta is also the only Asian-interest fraternity to be regularly involved in the UC Irvine Greek community, including IFC & Panhellenic philanthropies and Greek Songfest.
Off-campus involvements
The Asian Greek Council of Southern California (AGC) was founded in 1982 at the University of Southern California (USC). AGC is a governing body that consists of over 20 full-member groups. The stated purpose of AGC is to promote, maintain, and regulate cooperation among its many group members.
In 1982, all the fraternities and sororities in the Asian Greek Council of Southern California were based in Los Angeles. The majority of the organizations in AGC believed that Lambda Theta Delta was located too far away from Los Angeles to become an active member. However with the help of Sigma Phi Omega (ΣΦΩ) at the University of Southern California, LTD was put on probationary status in 1983. The members of Lambda Theta Delta showed everybody that they could be an active member by showing up in great numbers at all AGC events. The following year (Fall 1984), Lambda Theta Delta was officially voted into the Asian Greek Council of Southern California. Currently, LTD is the only fraternity at UC Irvine that is still recognized by AGC.
The brothers of Lambda Theta Delta team up with the sisters of fellow UCI Asian-Greek and AGC member Kappa Zeta Phi and participate in the AGC talent show called Groove, held at the USC Bovard Auditorium. Each year, the collaboration of the two organizations showcase a hip-hop dance routine that has placed every year since Groove's inception in 1997.
Community involvement
In 1996, Lambda Theta Delta embarked on the journey to bring together the untapped Hip Hop talent from all over the Southern California region to meet at the University of California, Irvine. Starting from meager resources and support in 1996, Vibe has grown to become one of the premiere entertainment and talent events offered at any University.
As the premier collegiate / street hip-hop dance competition and musical showcase on the West Coast, Vibe performances have been graced by the likes of Daz Dillinger and L.B. All stars, Styles of Beyond, West Coast Rockers, Freaks of Nature, Jin, Far East Movement, and DJ Virman (KPWR Power 106 LA) just to name a few.
With approximately 3,000 attendees annually, VIBE is the largest event held by a student organization on campus, and Lambda Theta Delta continues their involvement with the community by donating a portion of the proceeds to the Orange County Interfaith Shelter. Previously proceeds have also benefited Boys and Girls Club of Irvine.
Objectives of VIBE:
* Establish an avenue for aspiring dancers to showcase their talents.
* Increase the visibility of various college dance groups in mainstream media.
* Promote greater diversity in the Southern California arts and entertainment industry by opening an avenue for various ethnic dance groups.
* To promote and emphasize the need to contribute back to our community.