History of Delta Phi Lambda - Purdue Colony

The Fall of 1999 marked a beginning for Asian cultural organizations at Purdue University. A large Midwestern school, Purdue is home to a very small minority of Asian-American and international students. Many were active members of various organizations; most, however, were members of their respective ethnic clubs. These clubs were very separate and exclusive, with little noticeable cooperation between groups, and even some heated rivalries. The Asian American Association (AAA) was an organization which saw unprecedented growth and activity throughout that semester, due to a new vision: AAA sought to close the gaps between organizations through mutual support, understanding, and friendship. Through these efforts, people began to enjoy a feeling of community never experienced before. Eventually, a group of visionaries emerged from the crowd, and an effort began to establish a chapter of an Asian interest sorority and fraternity at Purdue. Ms. Crizen Plaza and Ms. Linda Quach were members who realized what the power of these close relationships could develop with the fellow women of Purdue. With their fellow visionaries - Ms. Sue Chang, Ms. Kate Hwang, Ms. Helen Hwang, Ms. Robin Kwok, Ms. Esther Liu, Ms. Ting-Ting Lu, Ms. Lydia Oh, - they began to meet frequently, and in November of 1999, with the establishment of the Asian Interest Sorority Association (AISA) and Asian Interest Fraternity Association (AIFA), the promise of Asian unity through sisterhood and brotherhood was born. Both organizations fought valiantly against many trials and setbacks. After an extensive search for a sorority that fit their goals and personalities, it was a meeting in January of 2001 with University of Georgia founding sister, Ms. Sarah Cho, and several other Sisters which led the ladies of AISA to believe that Delta Phi Lambda would light their way to future sisterhood. Under the guidance of Ms. Cho, they dedicated their collective mind, body, and spirit to a new sisterhood and began pledging under Delta Phi Lambda in the Spring of 2001 and received their charter on April 15, 2001. These nine ladies are the "Niagara NIne," and are the foundation for Delta Phi Lambda Colony at Purdue University.