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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
Hello and Welcome to the Summer 2006 edition of El Iluminador!
How long does it take to publish a publication like ours? Some times longer than we would like. The last
issue of El Iluminador was published a year ago. The “why” boils down to resources — both of the intellectual
and the financial kind. Moving forward our goal continues to be to have this publication available to the
brotherhood on a quarterly basis. The current International Board of Directors has made this also part of their
commitment to the brotherhood, and it is my conviction that the next IBOD will also see the value on having
this publication available to our brothers. As Editor-in-Chief I commit to continue working on making this
publication happen on a regular basis with content that is engaging and relevant, and which keeps to the purpose
of El Iluminador — a publication about our Brothers created by Brothers. My goal is to bring this publication to
Sigma Lambda Beta at no cost and eventually at a profit. We are currently fully-funded by our organization but
as we maintain a more consistent schedule and solidify our distribution we will seek out advertisers.
Please enjoy the contributions from our fellow brothers and keep on submitting!
Contributors:
Brother Maximo Z. Anguiano II, Brother Carlos C. Arreola, Brother David Ayento, Brother Ian Bautista,
Brother Alejandro Builes, Brother Delane Cleveland, Brother Benjamin Feller, Brother José Guardiola, Brother
Juan Gutierrez, Brother Salvador Hernández, Brother William D. Marquez, Brother Roger Montalvan, Brother
Daniel Navarro, Brother Pool Paucar, Brother Guillermo Puente, Brother Roberto A.Torres, Brother Manuel
Trejo, Brother Juan Valdez.
Contact us:
editor@eliluminador.com - feedback@eliluminador.com - submissions@eliluminador.com
Our Bama Brothers did not just choose to join the expansion efforts because of all the advantages this
fraternity has to offer, but also to bring a “Purple & White Remedy” of diversity to our school. We were given
that chance April 9th, 2006 in Orlando when the Founding Ship of the UA Colony crossed into the Eternal Beta
Brotherhood. For that we show deep appreciation, especially to:
-Brothers of the Southeast District, who were all represented well at the time of our crossing and establishment.
-Brothers of the Rho Alpha Chapter at Florida State University and Delta Gamma Chapter at Florida A&M
University, who drove hours and worked their hardest for our expansion to become a reality.
-Brother & International President Ammar “Corazon” Mufleh who entrusted us with his “Burden of
Brotherhood and Hard Work” that spring morning in Tampa.
-Brother & SE District REC Officer Gil-Cancel “Balance” Comas, who shared his wisdom and showed us the
true meaning of Brotherhood by giving 186% towards the establishment of our Colony.
-Brother & ME of our Founding Line Rafael “Matador” Hernandez, who gave up an entire semester of his
college career, only to move six hours away from home to a state he had never been in before. All his sacrifices,
just so that we would be well educated to face the obstacles that occur when forming a new entity in such a
traditional university. And last but not least….
-The Brothers of the Most Honorable Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc., who did not hesitate to
commend us for our accomplishment and gave us the chance to carry our hard earned letters in this new Beta
territory.
The South has always been a frontier for many nationally recognized organizations, and Sigma Lambda
Beta has just breached it. Our UA Colony is not just working to survive, but to thrive and make a difference in
this region. We hope in the future we will influence the expansion efforts of other southern colonies, so that we
can further spread the same Opportunity that we received. Until then, we hope you see our UA Colony as an
asset to our Fraternity and better serve the needs and wants of our people.
Our Brotherhood
By Brother Founding Father Juan Valdez, MD.
April 4, 2006, marked Sigma Lambda Beta's 20th anniversary. It certainly has been a privilege to be a
Founding Father of the fraternity and an honor to have served it in many capacities. However, most impressive
of all is witnessing how, over the years, it has become the premier Latino fraternity in the nation.
It does not seem like twenty years have gone by since a group of young men eager to start a new
organization/fraternity at the University of Iowa came together with an idea that has subsequently positively
impacted our lives. It is a tribute not only to our ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship, Cultural Awareness, and
Community Service but also to the values and principles of our creed that the Fraternity has multiplied and
flourished in all four corners of the nation. Our esteemed Fraternity was started by 18 men with a dream, and it
now has become a reality, touching hundreds of individuals of all colors and races.
I am deeply proud of the progress that Sigma Lambda Beta has made over the last two decades. I
am also impressed with the quality of the Brothers and Brotherhood we share. We have prepared and produced
present and future leaders of our respective communities, and I trust we will continue to do the same. However,
despite all the accomplishments of the Fraternity, there is always room for improvement. If we are to maintain
our status as the premier Latino fraternity of the nation, we must continue to expand and recruit quality Brothers
and educate them properly while, at the same time, maintain a high level of alumni support and representation.
It is also imperative that we are sound financially. Further, we must also realize our potential political and
economical strength to bring about further change in our communities. But, above all, we must not forget why
we joined the fraternity in the first place, our Brotherhood.
I hope Sigma Lambda Beta continues to flourish so that we may be able to celebrate another 20 years of
its existence.
I have been part of this honorable brotherhood of Let’s not forget the important questions and the
men for almost eight years. The growth and answers we have found since the day we became
wisdom that we have acquired in my time of being interested in this Fraternity.
working close to my Chapter, District and Nation I do hope and pray that in the future we can
makes me proud. I have grown and will continue to understand where we are going and have a detailed
grow as the time passes. plan on achieving those goals. I want to wish
As we reflect in this first twenty years, let’s everybody a happy twentieth anniversary and let’s
not forget where we came from, why we are here. have many, many more.
20 years of history, 20 I've ever had. Brothers who Wisdom, Wisdom for Culture",
years of memories, and one helped me get through some that's why I joined SLB.
more year until SLB can legally very difficult times as an
drink, at least with our letters undergrad, and brothers who What will the next 20
off . continue to help me grow years bring to SLB? I hope it
In all seriousness, Sigma professionally as an alumnus. brings a constant interaction
Lambda Beta has been a part of Many of my fraternal brothers between mature Alumni and our
my daily existence for a large who come to my house are younger Brothers. I hope that
portion of my adult life. For the treated by my parents like they we build on our sense of
last nine years, it has brought were part of the family as well. "familia" and ensure that we as
me life-long experiences and My mom always jokes that I Alumni mentor the Brothers
friendships as well as personal have "more brothers than she that will come after us. It's our
and professional growth. can feed for dinner". responsibility to ensure the
Though I was born in Medellin success of our younger
Colombia, I grew up almost all In a world that continues generations, just like those that
my life in New York. I can still to push for worker productivity came before us helped clear the
remember ten years ago, I had and long work hours, our social way for us.
just completed my first full year and family lives tend to fall
at Penn State University. I victims to "re-prioritization". As your VP of Alumni, I
think it's safe to say that life in We put more time and energy will continue to do everything
State College Pennsylvania is into our careers and sometimes in my power to ensure the
quite different than NY. Being let our other responsibilities fall structure is set for Alumni
away from your family, your to the wayside. As our brothers Associations and individual
community, the culture you graduate and move on to Alumni to pool their talents,
were brought up in, takes many challenging and prosperous resources and good will towards
college students by surprise. careers, we must make sure to the betterment of our fraternity.
The culture/shell shock is not forget our "family", both One step at a time, one brick at
unfortunately enough to drive blood and fraternal. Someone a time. We will continue to lay
certain folks out of college. before us worked very hard to the road for brothers to
ensure we went to college, capitalize on their potential and
When people ask me earned our degrees and the support each other every step of
what SLB means to me, I opportunity to advance. Their the way. This is my
always respond "family". This efforts allowed us to prosper E.T.E.R.N.A.L . promise to all
brotherhood has introduced me and we must not forget to pay of my brothers.
to some of my closest friends back our debt. "Opportunity for
Por Vida
By Brother Salvador “Chato” Hernández — Phi Alpha Chapter, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
I have been a Brother of this honorable wasn’t just one or two brothers, it was the whole
fraternity for a little over three years now, and these chapter. I remember these men reaching out to high
past three years have been the best years of my life. school students, and inspiring them to get a higher
I was first introduced to Sigma Lambda Beta five education. There was one brother in particular, who
years ago, as a junior in high school and at that I saw as a mentor, Brother Edgar “Suave” DeLeon.
time, the Delta Beta chapter (University of He inspired me to be a better student, leader, and
Nebraska at Omaha) was brand new. These person. Even though, he may not realize it, but he
brothers were everywhere in the community. It played a tremendous role in my life. It was because
To think, that this happened five years ago I am excited for the future of Sigma Lambda
and now I am a senior who will be graduating from Beta, as we continue to structure and mold Sigma
college in May of 2007. As a fraternity, we have Lambda Beta into the premier fraternity. It will
been around for 20 years, growing into the take time, but I believe in another 20 years from
strongest, largest, and most diverse Latino based now, Sigma Lambda Beta will be at the top, setting
fraternity. It is an exciting time to be a brother the standards for other Greeks. I wish a happy 20th
because we are so young, and the opportunities to Anniversary to all the Brothers across the Purple
help continue the structuring of SLB are there. I and White nation!
feel that we have accomplished a lot at such a
young age, but at the same time, I feel that it is Por Vida!
To be a part of Sigma region in the country, and helped mold leaders and
Lambda Beta International investing in our financial future. winners into positions that make
Fraternity Inc. is such a an impact on society. Most
blessing. It’s hard to put into Brothers nationwide notably, we collectively have
words the exact feeling of being should be mindful of all this, made our world a better place to
a Brother, as it is easier to just because imagine what we will live for all men of color.
experience rather than explain. collectively be able to achieve The future looks very
It’s an honor and privilege to be in the next twenty years. Even bright for our Brotherhood. We
recognized along with this more intriguing, Brothers young have to give thanks and pay
illustrious Brotherhood. and old will have the tribute to those Brothers who
opportunity to take an active have given their all to make our
On our 20th anniversary, role in giving back to the organization what it is today.
I feel so lucky to help carry on organization. This can be done Without them, we would not be
the legacy that our founders from the local stage to the in the position of greatness that
nationwide began. Our national level, in areas such as our Fraternity is in. We are in a
respected organization has chapter advising, financial great position to do even better
covered so much ground in such donations, running for a things for the forthcoming
a short period of time and position on the IBOD, or by years.
accomplished what has taken becoming a part of an alumni
other organizations far longer. association. Our first twenty years
could not have gone better.
In twenty short years Every Brother Here’s to the future and many
we’ve grown tremendously, everywhere helps make a more years of productivity,
literally chartering from coast to difference inside and out of this prosperity, and eminence.
coast, developed strong alumni organization. Over the past
associations in every major twenty years, this Fraternity has
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
10 El Iluminador – Summer 2006
Epsilon Gamma Chapter at Prairie View A&M University.
By Brother Manuel “Patron” Trejo
As we move forward into the new era in time of Brotherhood Sigma Lambda Beta, Epsilon Gamma
Chapter at Prairie View A&M University, thanks all Brethren for their support and assistance on achieving
chapter status.
We, the PVBETAS, express our thanks and gratitude to all surrounding chapters and colonies of the
Dirty South, for your support!!! The Dirty South has been representing here at PV since the fall/winter of
1991, “Texas Bound Baby” PVAMU. Our two PV founders, #1 Daniel “Rude” Alcantar and #2 Jose “Mellow”
Luna, enlightened this Historically Black University with a new Latino based fraternal swing.
In the early 90’s you can recall SLB as a Paul Revere type story, meaning if you wanted to start a colony
outside of Iowa, you had to send letters, via postal mail, up state to the SLB National Headquarters. There was
no e-mail! Our two Prairie View founders story was quite a tall tale that shows the intestinal fortitude of what
our fraternity is all about.
The two PVAMU founders were inspired by Sigma Lambda Beta’s accomplishments and felt a need to
bring this to Prairie View A&M University’s historical black campus. It took a lot of hard work and dedication,
the two founders of our colony, the “Dos Lobos” line, flew up north to the lovely city of Chicago in the state of
Illinois to meet and show how bad they wanted to be a part of SLB. They were rushed into the fraternity and
inducted by some of the national eighteen founding fathers and the SLB members of UIC. They brought this
back down to the Prairie lands of Texas on the outskirts of Houston.
You may be wondering how a Latino based fraternity survived at a Historically Black College and
University (HBCU)? The truth is it was not easy, and we almost didn’t. The “Dos Lobos” rushed many lines,
but the way things go down here if you are not apart of the Divine Nine it is very hard to be recognized as a
Greek organization. It took until the Zeta Line for Prairie View to resurrect. In the spring of 2005 SLB
returned to PVAMU. From there we were able to achieve colony status in less than a semester and chapter
status in less than a year. Brother Jacob "Papi" Rodriguez and Member Educators, Ricardo Valdez and AME
Liborio Betancourt, helped revive PV.
We thank the brothers that came before us not only in our region but in the nation, and we give special
recognition to the brothers who helped the colony at PVAMU gain chapter status as the Epsilon Gamma
Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta.: Magdaleno Orozco, Manuel Trejo, Jorge Martinez, Jesus Del Valle, Juan Pirir,
David Grimaldo, Armando Guiterrez, Isais Palacios, Jaime Juarez, Juan Carlos Ramirez, Gerardo Torres, and
last but not least Aaron Funk.
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
The Southwest District of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
By Brother Diego “Chapin” Back, Southwest District Governor
As many brothers know the Southwest powerhouse of the Greek community. In the pages
District is the largest District in the nation. It that follow, you will find an update of what each
encompasses five states, which include: California, school and chapter in the Southwest has
Idaho, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado. With accomplished and wishes to accomplish within this
19 entities and 4 alumni associations within the 2005-2006 Academic year. The Southwest District
Southwest, each school, as well as each alumni is one of the premiere District’s in the nation and
association in each state goes beyond the call. From shall continue the trend of excellence within the
helping their communities and putting Sigma Greek Community.
Lambda Beta at its highest, to scholarship, to
cultural awareness events; each school makes CONGRESSI SUPERAMUS, DIVISI CADIMUS
Sigma Lambda Beta at their respective regions the
State of Colorado:
Auraria Campus Colony — is the newest entity to the Colorado region. This group of six dedicated brothers
is diligently working towards establishing the fourth chapter in Colorado. Located in the downtown Denver
area, Auraria Campus, is a prime location to establish the brotherhood in the state of Colorado. Their
accomplishments include the development of a Latino council and bringing many high caliber speakers to their
campus. Currently, Auraria Campus is spearheading the Latino graduation for their campus and the new Latino
student Orientation. Auraria Campus is seen as a critical entity to the state of Colorado. By developing and
sustaining a strong chapter the brothers of Colorado can use the Auraria Campus as a spring board to further the
growth of Sigma Lambda Beta in the state of Colorado and throughout the region.
Iota Chapter-Colorado State University — has long been an established and solid chapter of Sigma Lambda
Beta. In its 16th year of existence, the brothers of Colorado State continue to work closely with the campus and
city of Fort Collins community. The Iota chapter has established many annual events which include the
Hispanic Latino Leadership Institute (HLLI), Hispanic Heritage Month, and Cinco de Mayo. Currently, the Iota
chapter is planning its 4th Annual Los Manos Youth Leadership Conference, a College Culture Workshop, and a
Diversity Leadership Training in conjunction with the Poudre School District.
Lambda Chapter-University of Colorado Boulder — also displays a strong presence within its campus and
community. The brothers of the Lambda Chapter have continued to develop many quality programs despite
having only approximately half of their brothers active due to study abroad and recently graduated brothers.
Currently, the brothers of CU-Boulder are planning a Women of Color Appreciation Dinner where they will
recognize women of their community and their mothers. They are also planning their annual San Juan Easter
Egg Hunt and their participation in the La Raza Youth Conference.
Upsilon Beta-University of Northern Colorado — Over the past few years it has gone from a stagnant colony
on the UNC campus to a powerhouse organization both within their Greek System and within the community.
This is due to the tireless efforts of both new and alumni brothers throughout the state of Colorado. This year
the brothers of Upsilon Beta were awarded the Chapter of Year from NALFO and won the highest fraternity
GPA for the third straight semester. Currently, the chapter is putting its focus on its 3rd Annual Latino Youth
Leadership Conference, in which they host well over 300 children from the Greeley community.
Arizona State University - Chi Beta Chapter — for the Spring Semester of 2006 the Chi Beta Chapter of
Sigma Lambda Beta had a week long of events to honor its most honorable fraternity. This week is Called Beta
week and considered to be the most important week for the Fraternity. The activities begin on Tuesday with a
community service event, where the brothers sponsor a school to shadow for the day. This is very important
because it gives the young children the importance of going to college and that it is possible to succeed
academically. The next day event is considered to be the most important event, because it honors one of our
brothers in the Omega Chapter, Brother Victor Correa Ortiz. Brother Victor passed away because of a drowning
incident. In his memory the XB Chapter hosts a CPR Awareness workshop in which the people who attend are
trained to properly perform CPR on someone in need. This is special because help from donors and sponsors as
well as the Chi Beta Chapter, anyone who attends this workshop does not have to pay anything to attend.
State of California:
University of California - Santa Cruz — as a young colony, they are producing big events within their six
months of existence in Santa Cruz. A big event for the Spring Semester was the Identity Diversity Talk
sponsored by Sigma Lambda Beta and other clubs on campus. UCSC is closing the gap at this school and
changing the perspective other officials have on Greek Organizations as a whole.
Santa Clara University - Psi Alpha Chapter —they have done various community services and cultural
awareness on campus. One that they did last semester was “Posadas.” This was a great event that involved not
only the community of Santa Clara, but surrounding communities.
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
State of California (continued):
San Jose State University - Lambda Alpha Chapter — last Semester they brought in a notable speaker to
talk to the community of San Jose State about pertinent issues that face college students. In addition, their
community service as well as their involvement with the planning of the 5th Annual Northern California formal
is what keeping them busy.
California State University - Dominguez Hills - Tau Chapter — the First Chapter established in the west
coast in 1992 is still keeping the trend of excellence. A big Cultural Awareness that they do every year is Las
Posadas. This event is highly popular not only for Sigma Lambda Beta, but for the Dominguez Community.
Furthermore, these brothers on that campus have brother nights, community services, and study hours to help
other brothers. They have been on their campus for 14 years and these brothers on that yard are still going
strong with all their programming.
University of California - Irvine - Theta Alpha Chapter — is also a notable campus known for community
services and cultural awareness events on their campus. They feed the homeless, as well as have different
cultural awareness events on campus with different organizations. A big fundraiser that this chapter does is a
TV Taping. They go and watch a favorite sitcom and in return get money for the chapter. This chapter grows
and grows each semester with the addition of new members.
Loyola Marymount University - Beta Beta Chapter — within the last year it has done various community
services and cultural awareness events on and off campus. A big Community Service that this campus has is the
Adopt-A-Highway. They adopted a highway off a freeway in the Los Angeles area and they clean it every
month. They also do an annual step show that teaches the rest of the LMU community the culture of stepping.
In addition, they feed the homeless, have a CPR awareness in April, and a Car-Show in May. This academic
year of 2005-2006, the LMU Chapter is focused on not only winning the Cultural Fraternity of the year, like
they have done in past years, but also on winning Fraternity of the Year on their campus.
Long Beach State University - Kappa Beta Chapter — running the Show on their campus, the Kappa Beta
Chapter is a notable entity at Long Beach State. Their Community Services and Cultural Awareness that they
provide the community of Long Beach, CA is what keeps them apart from the rest of the organizations on
campus.
Occidental Chapter - Omicron Beta Chapter — this young Chapter has made an impact on the campus of
Occidental College. As the first multicultural – Latino based Fraternity on their campus, these group of men
have won in the past three consecutive years the title of Philanthropy Fraternity of the Year. In addition, they
have attained an above 3.0 GPA among all the active brothers.
Cal State University Los Angeles - Pi Beta Chapter — this chapter keeps the Community Service events
going at their campus. A big community Service that they do is the “Reading to Kids.” Every other Saturday,
they go out to a low income area to read to children from four to nine years old. In addition, they have taco sales
on campus and Garfonos nights as fundraisers.
Cal State University - Northridge – Colony — this group of men has various community services with other
organizations on campus. In addition, they team up with other chapters in the Socal region to promote our
principles.
San Diego State University – Colony — is a young colony with high expectations. These men do various
community services with the city of San Diego and have made a strong impact within the San Diego community
Southern California Alumni Association – SCAA — does many events throughout the year to keep the
undergrads and alumni in touch. Some events that the SCAA operate are the fall Semester , Turkey Bowl
Football competition, the spring semester Beta Cup Soccer Tournament, the summer term Beta Hoops
Basketball Competition, and a Co-Ed Softball tournament between the Chapters of Sigma Lambda Beta and
Sigma Lambda Gamma.
SCAA operates regular workshops for the undergrad chapters, from e-board transitions, to financial
operations, to how to run an effective chapter/colony. SCAA brings everything to the table and furnishes the
undergrads the necessary tools to become successful individuals in life.
What will it take to enhance the base? I have treating the Brotherhood as if it were our personal
several ideas that I firmly believe can strengthen our business.
structure. First and foremost, we must position the We must start to build a legacy of
Brothers with professional talents in the most partnership throughout the country. We need to start
appropriate areas. With the ever-evolving alumni sharing best practices, benchmarking activities, and
population, we must retain the talents of our fellow promoting a unified Brotherhood throughout the
Brothers after their undergraduate studies have been country regardless of the area where you were
completed. There is certainly a positive trend in the initiated. We must continue programming activities
number of active alumni Brothers, and I commend that build on our reputation, and serve our
those that are assuming responsibilities with alumni communities simultaneously. The partnership
activities. Alumni initiatives will continue to be a attitude is contagious when utilized effectively. I
crucial element to our success as we build on our firmly believe that a legacy of partnership within
foundation. the Brotherhood will carry us into the future.
Next, we must start to strategize our Last, we need to find ways to empower our
operations as owners of this organization. We, as Brothers. We must do a better job of providing
Brothers, hold the keys to the longevity of this critical information, the information that fuels our
organization. Without stretching too far into the operations, to our Brothers. Identifying Brothers
business side of the organization, we must take that have the technological and organizational skill
actions to ensure our operations have a long-term sets to help us provide that information is pertinent
goal, and are not just fulfilling a short-term need. to our success moving forward. This will also allow
When we recruit, when we educate, and when we us to build on the transparency in our operations
complete service activities, we must think of the that have already been established. As the Sigma
impact we have on the fraternity as a whole. We Lambda Beta homage states, “an informed Brother
must start to think about “the big picture” of our is a dangerous Brother.” If we want to build a
operations. By “big picture,” I mean the impact we legacy of partnership and ownership about Sigma
have on the entire Brotherhood when we make Lambda Beta, we must be treated as such by our
decisions at the local level. Although our numbers Headquarter operations, our fellow Brothers, and
are increasing rapidly, we are not immune to our colonies, chapters, and alumni associations.
deficiencies that can weaken our Brotherhood. One This will enable us all to join hands and continue to
bad decision has the ability to significantly affect build the foundation for the next generation of
our entire organization. We must take actions to Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.
derail those potential weakening activities by
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
Brother Anselmo “Cara” Bueno R.I.P.
October 15, 1978 – May 3, 2006
By Brother Carlos C. Arreola
It is with great sadness that I write this. On May 3, 2006, Brother Anselmo “Cara” Bueno passed away.
He was a devoted brother, great friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.
For those that did not know him, he became a brother at our Alpha Alpha Chapter at Purdue University
– West Lafayette, IN. He entered our beloved brotherhood on December 15, 1996 as the captain of a line of six
men. At the time of his crossing, the chapter was a small one. Yet, this brother made an immediate impact on
the university and the surrounding community. He held various positions within the chapter throughout his
undergraduate career.
As an alumnus, he returned to his hometown of East Chicago, IN and began his career at Mittal Steel
Company #7 Blast Furnace as an Operations Engineer. Even as an alumnus, he continued his service to the
community, the chapter, and the Indiana Alumni Association.
Anyone who knew him would all agree that he had an infectious personality. Whether he knew you for
five minutes or five years, you felt you had known him for a lifetime. He always tried to make everyone feel
comfortable. For this reason and many more, he had countless friends everywhere he went. We all mourn such
a great loss. He will be forever remembered and missed. We love you and will forever cherish our memories.
Daniel Enrique Roman was born July 30, 1986. He resided in Kissimmee, Florida where he attended all
up to high school there, graduating with Honors. He became involved in the band, playing the bass guitar. He
was always a humble, generous, and loving young man. He was always loved by many, from children to
teachers; he had that caring & welcoming presence.
As reality checked in, graduation had passed and it was time to attend college. Things changed, and
destiny had placed him at Florida State University where he majored in Communications. His first semester was
a calm one, the usual schoolwork, occasional partying, the numerous episodes of Smallville, Batman, and
Family Guy, countless hours on Superhero chatrooms, and most importantly his frequent visits home.
As time continued, second semester came around. He had already settled in and got accustomed to living
on his own. It was time for a change, and along with some friends, he attended a Sigma Lambda Beta
informational. It was a start of a whole new chapter in his life. With his mindset, courage, strength, dedication,
and the everlasting bond of his nine line brothers, on April 21, 2005 he PROUDLY became a Brother of Sigma
Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. Amongst the Brotherhood, he was known as #72 “Cortes” of the Rho
Alpha Chapter. He had lived up and continued to live up to his name, meaning courteous and felt the
extraordinary accomplishment, which he so rightfully earned and everyone saw.
On July 23, 2005, a week before his 19th birthday, he passed away in a tragic car accident on Florida’s
turnpike. He lived up to his name up to the time of his death, every single day. His mother knowing of the love
he had made for Sigma Lambda Beta, allowed his Crossing shirt to eternally rest with him.
For those who ever got the extraordinary chance to truly meet a wonderful man, he was known for his
love of Batman & Superman, his spaced shuttled Matrix, and his control of spending money. Even though he
may have left our sights, he will not leave our hearts, for he will always be one of Las Diez Maravillas Del
Mundo.
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
Preparing for the next 20 years
By Brother Alejandro Builes, Vice President of Alumni Operations
As Sigma Lambda Beta rounds the corner for growth for our brotherhood and communities
on it's first twenty years of existence, I think it's alike.
critical that we reflect on who we are today, and I ask you to imagine a world where SLB
where we want to be tomorrow. Nine years ago, I brothers are interconnected with brothers of similar
was first introduced to the concept of "Opportunity ideals throughout the world. A world where our
for Wisdom, Wisdom for Culture". These words, undergrads are being prepared for the real world by
and their similarity to the concepts that I have their Alumni mentors, giving them a leg up on the
always held dear in my heart, led me to join a competition and ensuring a prosperous career upon
family of 4,000 plus brothers with similar ideals. graduation. Imagine a world where SLB brothers
A brotherhood that stood for Cultural Awareness, throughout the country are pooling their collective
Scholarship, and Service. In a world where society resources in order to support the same philanthropic
moves us forward at the speed of light, it is critical initiative and therefore greater impact on the issues
that we have a firm understanding of where we are at hand. Imagine a world where brothers and
going. We must learn to navigate our lives on our supporters of SLB have attained positions of
terms, else we might see another 20 years pass us leadership within our government and corporations
by in the blink of an eye. and have the sphere of influence to continue to push
the highest ideals of SLB. In this world, many of
I believe that now more than ever, it is the obstacles that face our communities today can
critical that we look back to the words of our be overcome by the collective compassion and
Founding Fathers and ponder on how we continue resources of the largest Latino based fraternity in
to live the creed today. SLB has grown into the the world.
largest Latino based fraternity in the world, far Your SLB National Alumni Senate is hard at
surpassing our Founding Father's wildest work building the interconnections and best
imagination. Our network of brothers is truly practices that will enable our Alumni networks to
"coast-to-coast". Our leaders have invested years flourish into this world. Three years ago, we had
into carefully developing the fraternal structures we three active Alumni Associations. By convention
have today. With the values our Founding Fathers '06, we could have as many as 17 AA's throughout
instilled into the organization, the dedication and the country. This growth is being driven by
hard work of our brothers, and the continued revitalization in the role of Alumni within our
enhancement of our infrastructure , SLB is poised to fraternity. The next two years, our Alumni Senate
continue to produce leaders that will positively will focus on grassroots projects geared towards
impact our "community, our country, and the making these Alumni Associations more efficient
world". and viable, as well as more in touch with the needs
So now what? How do we live up to the of our undergraduates. It is our intention to make
high ideals of a Sigma Lambda Beta man? How do the world we dream of a reality.
we continue to ensure that a concept from 20 years This reality can only be accomplished with
ago continues to be a driving for the betterment of your support. We need our current Alumni and
our people? future Alumni to continue to support our
It is my belief that our Alumni hold the keys organization after graduation. Our Alumni
to our future. We have the potential to be a driving movement has a clear goal, the development and
force of empowerment for our people. As our advancement of our brotherhood. All we need is
Alumni base and respective networks continue to your help to ensure that path that was laid twenty
flourish, our brothers access to resources throughout years ago, continues to be the path to a better world.
the world will continue to grow. This network, if One that we look forward to sharing with our
leveraged appropriately, can provide opportunities brothers, sisters and children for years to come.
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
Cervantes of Santa Clara Caterpillar, Inc.’s offer to join our program, 3 of us are brothers. The
University – Psi Alpha Chapter and program. program has grown from its first
elipe Gomez of Southern Illinois As we shut down our booth class of 12 participants to over 110
Univer er and packed everything on the participants. Our most recent
. shuttle bus, Felipe spotted a training brought us together in San
Caterpillar employee he knew from Diego, CA where everyone was
school. The employee introduced wondering what the 3 Latino males
Felipe to our coordinator who spent were doing with their hands (see
. Our the entire 25-minute ride back to picture attached).
the hotel conversing with Felipe To the engineering brothers
and learning about his interest in who have a strong interest in
manufacturing. When we departed manufacturing and have at least a
the bus, the Cat employee told me 2.8 GPR, make sure you visit the
he was a brother from Southern Caterpillar, Inc. booth at the next
Illinois, and as time would tell, SHPE conference… I’m sure you
Felipe also accepted Caterpillar, will run into one of us.
Inc.’s offer to join our program.
Our program has been in
existence since January 2000, and
of the five Hispanic males in the
Zeta Beta Chapter Brother JOINS TEACH FOR AMERICA
DANIEL NAVARRO TO TEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE IN NEWARK NEW JERSEY AS PART OF
NATIONAL MOVEMENT TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP
Gainesville, FL May 15, 2006 – Daniel Navarro, a brother at the University of Florida and 2001 graduate
of Stranahan High School joined Teach For America. Teach For America is the national corps of
outstanding recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and
become lifelong advocates for educational excellence and equity. Navarro, who recently completed his
studies in Food Science and Human Nutrition from The University of Florida, will teach middle school
science in Newark, New Jersey.
Navarro joins the 2006 corps along with 3,500 other recent college graduates, chosen from nearly
19,000 applicants. Those selected bring to the position such qualities as leadership, perseverance, personal
responsibility, strong critical thinking, the ability to influence and motivate others, and strong organizational
ability.
“I truly believe that I can make a difference in the lives of so many students I will come across in my
two years of teaching. I think these students need a positive role model and someone who can help guide
them through the struggles they will face throughout their academic career.” said Navarro. “Whether I stay
in teaching beyond this experience or continue on to graduate school for Health Administration, I’m
confident that my experience in Newark will shape my future work and how I approach those I serve
through my chosen profession.”
Before heading to Newark with his fellow 2006 corps members, Navarro will participate in Teach For
America’s intensive five-week summer training institute in Philadelphia. There, he will learn the
overarching approach utilized by successful teachers in low-income communities, teach in a summer school
program, work with a faculty of experienced educators, and participate in numerous professional
development activities. Once in Newark, Navarro will continue his professional development and have
access to Teach For America’s local training and support resources.
Corps members go above and beyond traditional expectations to impact the lives of children growing up in
low-income communities. In fact, a recent independent study found that students of Teach For America
corps members make 10% more progress a year in math than is typically expected, while slightly exceeding
the normal expectation for progress in reading.
At the same time, through their teaching experience, corps members gain insight and conviction that
influences their career trajectories and sense of civic duty, making them a powerful leadership force
working from within education and from every other sector to effect the systemic changes needed to ensure
educational opportunity for all.
Since its first 500 corps members entered classrooms in 1990, more than 14,000 outstanding college
graduates of all academic majors have joined Teach For America. Corps members teach in 22 locations in
underserved communities across the country. For more information on Teach For America, please visit:
www.teachforamerica.org. or contact: Brother Daniel Navarro at 954-559-9335.
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24 El Iluminador – Summer 2006
A Tradition that keeps Burning
By Brother José “Oso” Guardiola
“I may give away everything I have, and have taken in and made it our own tradition. I
even give up my body to be burned - but if I have remember being in Talent Search, a program
no LOVE, this does me no good.” Then you feel through the Trio Program at Colorado State
the heat coming towards your body and in a second University, and I remember seeing my counselor,
you hear a PSSSSSSSSTTTTT or maybe a crack or Brother Nate “El General” Cadena, and seeing the
some popping and the foul smell of your burnt skin brand on his arm. That was in 1994. little did I
slowly airs up to your nose. Then the brother that is know I would be handed down a tradition that many
branding you grabs a paper towel and pats down the say started at his chapter—later my own chapter—
freshly burnt skin. After that you have some time to the Iota Chapter. Iota branding comes directly from
get ready for the next letter, and a brother reads the the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Brother Cadena’s,
same passage from the bible. (1 CORINTHIANS good friend was a “Que”, and branded him and
13), over again and you stare at the point they told taught him how to brand and that started a tradition
you to stare at so you don’t see the hot iron hanger that continues to this day.
that is molded like one of our beloved fraternity
letters burning you. Many Brothers old and new have gone
through the sacrifice of getting our letters branded
All this is done at a brother’s house, with for many different reasons, but whatever those
only brothers in the room, branded or unbranded reasons are, one reason is always for the love of the
brothers. The brother getting branded and the letters and the fraternity. Don’t get me wrong, one
brother branding are not under the influence of thing I tell the Brothers I brand is that there are
alcohol or drugs—it’s a dry branding process. So great Brothers that are not branded and that the
both brothers are in the right mind to do this Brother makes the brand, and the brand does not
beautiful body modification of burning our letters make the Brother. The brand means much more to
on our skin. This type of ritual is practiced us than just a body modification that scars and
throughout our Purple and White nation from coast sometimes keloids and sometimes becomes just an
to coast. I have been branding for 6 years now and unrecognizable scar or it just fades away. Yet it’s
still have the same fire when a brother emails me or another sacrifice we went to show our love and
calls me and asks to be branded by me. It has pride for our fraternity. At any event, you can
always been a pleasure and honor, knowing that the always see a brother with his sleeve rolled up or
brother you are going to hit up doesn’t care how its shirt off, pridefully displaying his brand to the
going to look or come out, because you never know world. Displaying the pain he went through to get
how it will look after it heals, but still the love of branded—the long weeks of picking the scab so it
the fraternity drives him to burn his own flesh with can come out nice and maybe keloids, or maybe just
the letters we pridefully love. enough scars so you can see it. Brothers take great
pride in their brands. To this day, branding is a
Branding has been around for years in our practiced ritual coast to coast in our family, and it
fraternity and nobody really knows where it started will continue to be a tradition forever, as long as we
or what chaptered started it, but one thing is for have brothers that want to show their love in this
sure, is Greek branding comes from the African- form.
American fraternities, and now is a practice that we
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El Iluminador – Summer 2006
HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY
To all Sigma Lambda Betas
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 make 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. If you have something to contribute for the next issue 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. Want to see what other brothers have written? Visit www.eliluminador.com.
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.
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28 El Iluminador – Summer 2006