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Lambda Phi Epsilon, Purdue University History
On October 18th, 2000 an organization called AIFA was
established with hopes to form an Asian interest fraternity at Purdue. AIFA
stood for Asian Interest Fraternity Association and was principally founded
by Alex Chen and Wonhee Oh. In the Fall of 2000 the two principle founders
of AIFA set out to find other Asian men on campus who shared the same dreams
and aspirations as them. Not long after, 8 more members were recruited and
AIFA was officially started. Sebastian Thong, Donny Theanchai, Miguel Su,
David Ly, Li Liang, Alex Chen, Kuan-Ren Su, Victor Lau, Dohyung Shim, and
Wonhee Oh made up the members of AIFA.
During the semester of Fall 2000 AIFA worked hard to make a packet to
present to all the chapters of Lambda Phi Epsilon. The packet’s purpose was
to give the brothers a chance to get to know AIFA and essentially was like
their interview. AIFA sent out their packet to the respective chapters on
December 6th, 2000. When the members of AIFA went on their Christmas break
they all waited eagerly for an answer of whether a bid was given or not.
Returning to Purdue, AIFA got together for one last time, for they were
given a bid to pledge for Lambda Phi Epsilon. On January 19th 2001, the 10
men were no longer known as AIFA but as Purdue University Charter Pledge
Class.
Chi Chapter – University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, was to be the host
chapter of Purdue Charter Pledge Class. Under the guidance of Feleo “Lady
Jaye” Tuazon Jr 10 men worked hard for 12 weeks to learn about what Lambda
Phi Epsilon truly stands for, Brotherhood. On April 22, 2001 at 10:45:39 am
a new chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon was founded at Purdue University. For
the 10 men of the Purdue Charter Class, a long journey had just come to an
end, and another was just only beginning.
Important Chapter Dates
April 22, 2001-Purdue University Lambda Phi Epsilon Established
May 25, 2003-Purdue University Lambda Phi Epsilon Obtains Associate Chapter Status
May 28, 2006-Purdue University Lambda Phi Epsilon Obtains Active Chapter Status-ALPHA IOTA
Lambda Phi Epsilon, National History
Ethnic fraternities first developed as a result of the need to share and
celebrate diversity of cultural experiences. In 1916, the first Asian
fraternity was founded at Cornell as Rho Psi, which now exists as an alumni
club with chapters in New York, Hawaii, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and
Hong Kong. While the concept of brotherhood and unity isn't new, our
dedication and commitment towards promoting it is. A new dynasty has
arrived- here's our story...
Traditional Asian campus organizations were often split along lines of
national origins. The lack of continuity among the memberships in those
organizations meant that at best, student associations provided a circle of
friends spanning the years of undergraduate study and at worst, a group of
familiar strangers encountered during periodic social functions. The yearly
turnover of most organizations' officers made it extremely difficult to
pursue any extended project as each new officer core set its own agenda. A
solution to this dilemma was the adoption of a fraternal social structure.
Not
satisfied with the single Asian fraternity on the campus of University of
California, Los Angeles, Lambda Phi Epsilon was founded on February 25,
1981, by principal founder Mr. Craig Ishigo and a group of eighteen other
dedicated men.
Noticing
that Asian fraternities and sororities at the UC campuses were recognized as
only service organization due to their memberships focus on Asians and to
the exclusion of other ethnic groups, the goal of the founders was to
transcend this limitation. The founders hoped to set new and higher
standards of excellence for all Asian-interest organizations to follow,
while feeling a need to offer a fraternity that would be recognized by the
IFC and the Greek system. While the original charter focused on Asian-Pacifics,
people from all ethnic backgrounds were welcome to join and support the
brotherhood of Lambda Phi Epsilon. Their vision was that the members would
eventually become the leaders of their respective communities and bridge the
gaps that divided the Asian American community through the affiliation with
a common organization.
Mr.
Craig Ishigo and Darryl L. Mu signed the charter as president and
vice-president, respectively.
The Founders of Lambda Phi Epsilon:
Mr. Craig Ishigo
Mr. Hunter Chang
Mr. Randy Fujomoto
Mr. John Hanvey
Mr. Jeff Kaku
Mr. Bobby Kawai
Mr. Dean Kumagawa
Mr. Jim Lee
Mr. Bruce Mau
Mr. Ted Mihara
Mr. Neil Miyazaki
Mr. Darryl L. Mu
Mr. Kelvin Sakai
Mr. Kevin Shida
Mr. Albert Sun
Mr. Weyton Tam
Mr. Jamie Watanabe
Mr. Bennett Wong
Mr. Fred Wong
Unknowingly, their efforts had set the stage for the emergence of the
largest organization of its kind.
National Expansion
By 1990,
six chapters had formed at the University of California at: Los Angeles,
Davis, Santa Barbara, Berkeley, Irvine, and the University of Texas at
Austin. As most of these chapters were founded in the late eighties, it
became evident to the brothers of Lambda Phi Epsilon that rapid expansion
loomed near. In order to facilitate this process of rapid expansion and to
seek standardization throughout the nation, these six chapters came together
to form what is known as Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity.
Seeking
recognition from the National Inter-fraternity Conference (NIC), the
pioneers of the fraternity met in Davis. Representatives from all chapters
convened and discussed what needed to be done. Having met the minimum
requirements of five chapters and five years of existence, all that needed
to be done was to draft a national constitution. The brothers at this
meeting also laid the groundwork for the first National Convention.
Pioneering Achievements
On May
28, 1990, all six chapters met on the campus of UC Irvine for what came to
be known as the first National Convention. At this Convention, a national
governing body was established to coordinate the individual chapters'
efforts. The first order of business was to designate Memorial Day weekend
as the official date for the annual convention of Lambda Phi Epsilon
National. At this time, Mr. Robert Mimaki from Beta Chapter was elected as
the first National President. Eric Naritomi was appointed Southern Governor,
while Doug Nishida was appointed Northern Governor. Other accomplishments
included the establishment of a national policy, an expansion policy, and an
agreement to standardize pledge programs.
On
September 8, 1990, Lambda Phi Epsilon became the first and only nationally
recognized Asian-American interest fraternity in the United States with the
admission to the National Inter-fraternity Conference (NIC).
Over the
next few years, Lambda Phi Epsilon National had grown tremendously. Between
the years 1990 and 1995, Lambda Phi Epsilon increased in size to over twenty
chapters. In 1995, we became a California non-profit corporation changing
our name to Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity, Inc. Once again, the
first Asian Interest Fraternity to do so.
How did
we become a national fraternity?
According to Doug Nishida of Delta Chapter, this is how it happened:
"Lambda
Phi Epsilon's reputation was fast growing as evidenced by a phone call
during my chapter's second year (1989). An interest group from Buffalo, NY
had inquired about the fraternity and possible affiliation. Unfortunately,
we were unprepared to assist the group because of our limited resources and
lack of proximity. Thus nothing came to fruition. So it was with great
satisfaction that I learned the group was still interested in affiliating
with Lambda Phi Epsilon a couple of years later. The Texas chapter
independently contacted Craig Ishigo and received their charter. Michigan
soon followed as some of their Founders befriended a group of Stanford
brothers aboard the infamous Love Boat."
Unprecedented Endeavors
In order
to better serve the fraternity as a whole, legislative processes divided
Lambda Phi Epsilon into two separate divisions, Alumni and Active, each with
its own officer CORPS, policies and procedures.
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.
The
National Expansion Committee (EXCOMM) developed formal procedures and a fair
application process for all interest groups.
The
National Brotherhood Program sent national staff members to collegiate
chapters to demonstrate different methods of building brotherhood and
character. The National Brotherhood Program also established an Annual
Brotherhood Showcase, where brothers from around the nation exemplify their
understanding of brotherhood through artistic expression.
The
National Junior-Active Leadership Retreat Program was recently developed to
introduce leadership methods and applicable knowledge to our young leaders
so they would be prepared and empowered for success.
Enduring
Legacy
Lambda
Phi Epsilon continues to establish and perpetuate Brotherhood and fellowship
among its members. Part of that Brotherhood is expressed in our motto "To be
Leaders Among Men." We not only seek to bring together a diverse group of
men who share interest, concerns, backgrounds and cultures, but who believe
that the strength of many are forged into the power of being one.
Grounded
on the principles of wisdom, honor, and courage; our Active Division
continues to teach young men principles of leadership and strong moral
character. Our Alumni Division then provides a forum in which brothers may
apply these beliefs and become true leaders of society. It is that unique
life long commitment to lead in every arena of life that makes " the
Lambdas" the most respected organization of it's kind.
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Recent News
April 20, 2008 :: Congraulations Mu Class!
February 25, 2008 :: Happy 27th Anniversary Bros.
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