| Lambda Sigma Upsilon | |
|---|---|
| ΛΣΥ | |
 | |
| Founded | April 5, 1979; 46 years ago (1979-04-05) Rutgers University–New BrunswickLivingston Campus |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Cultural -Latinos |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Latinos Siempre Unidos "Latinos Always United" |
| Colors | Baby Blue and White |
| Symbol | Taino head |
| Philanthropy | H.I.V./A.I.D.S. research and awareness |
| Chapters | 43 active undergraduate 5 alumni |
| Nickname | LSU, Upsilons |
| Headquarters | 344 Grove Street, Unit #1279 Jersey City,New Jersey 07302 United States |
| Website | www |
Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΣΥ) is an American intercollegiateLatino orientedGreek letteredfraternity. It was founded in 1979 atRutgers University–New BrunswickLivingston Campus inMiddlesex County, New Jersey. Lambda Sigma Upsilon has chartered 84 undergraduate chapters and nine alumni chapters, and associations. The fraternity is a member of theNorth American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and a member of theNational Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO). It is the brother organization ofMu Sigma Upsilon, a multicultural-based sorority.
In the mid to late 1970s, protests and acts of civil disobedience became commonplace atRutgers University–New Brunswick as students asserted their disappointment with university, professors' tenure, national issues, and Latino student rights.[1][2] In the spring of 1979, a group of students at theLivingston Campus inMiddlesex County suggested the creation of a Latino social fellowship.[3][4] After meeting regularly, they officially established theLatinos Siempre Unidos Latino Social Fellowship (LSU) or Lambda Sigma Upsilon on April 5, 1979.[3][5][6]
The fraternity's twenty founders were men who believed that underrepresented groups, particularly ethnic minorities, at colleges and universities were not getting the attention or services needed to advance their academic successes.[2] They created Lambda Sigma Upsilon to act as a support group for these groups, as well as to provide a family away from home.[2][7] The founders developed four goals of academic excellence, cultural awareness and diversity, being role models to the community, and brotherhood.[8]
Initially, the fraternity expanded to other campuses in New Jersey.[5] A second chapter was established atWilliam Paterson University in 1982, followed by chapters atStockton University in 1983 andMontclair State University in 1984.[5][9] In 1995, the fraternity chartered its first chapter outside of New Jersey atBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.[5]
Lambda Sigma Upsilon has been touted as being a "catalyst for change, and a vehicle for pertinent conversation regarding relevant issues between student and the university administration".[10] It is a Member of the National Greek councilNorth American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and theNational Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).[11] Its national headquarters are at 344 Grove Street inJersey City, New Jersey.[12]
The fraternity's Greek letters were selected from its motto ofLatinos Siempre Unidos or "Latinos Always United".[2] Its colors are baby blue and white, symbolizing unity, clarity, and purpose.[8][3] Its symbol is aTaino Head.[3][8] Its nicknames are LSU and Upsilons.[3]
Lambda Sigma Upsilon has chartered 84 undergraduate and nive alumni chapters.[12][5] In 2025, it 43 active undergraduate chapters and five alumni chapters, and associations.[5][12]
Lambda Sigma Upsilon participates instepping and hosts cultural programs.[3][13] After the passing of one of its founding fathers, Alberto Rivera, in June 1989 due toHIV/AIDS complications, Lambda Sigma Upsilon selected HIV/AIDS research and awareness as its primary philanthropy.[14][7]
The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation founded on October 2, 2017.[15] It operates separately and independently of the fraternity. The purpose of the foundation is to provide scholarships to Latinos, as well as other minorities, enrolled in high school or college who have shown a commitment to leadership and education. The Latinos Siempre Unidos Foundation also endows surrounding neighborhoods and communities with new prospects to further learning by supporting fiscally and physically organizations, groups, clubs, associations, and companies that show values in line with the organization.[16]
In January 2020, the fraternity's chapter at theUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte was suspended through 2022 after allegations of underage drinking and hazing were reported to have occurred in October 2019.[17]