Phi Beta Chapter - The Beginning...

In October of 1998, the initial steps were taken in expanding Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated to the Northwest. Anthony Ochoa, University of Arizona Alumni and Co-Founder of the Kappa Alpha Chapter took on the challenge and began taking the appropriate measures to begin recruitment on the University of Washington- Seattle campus. Various presentations were conducted to student organizations and clubs with the goal of gaining interest. The informational held in October of 1998 at the campus Ethnic Cultural Center, Asian Room, proved to be encouraging. Enrique Aguayo was the first interested associate obtained.

The next two years consisted of active recruitment and encountered with struggle and challenge. Anthony, with the help of Enrique, worked together to obtain additional interest in the organization by various methods. The outcome was far from promising but after multiple attempts, one last effort was geared for the autumn quarter of 2000.

On October 5, 2000, Anthony, along with 23 members of Sigma Lambda Beta from Illinois, Ohio, New York, Wisconsin, California and Arizona culminated to once and for all introduce and expose Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. to the campus community. The result was numerous leads and potential interests. An informational gathering was held at the local Denny’s Restaurant on University Way, in the U-District of Seattle. Thus, acquiring Mauricio Chavez, Herber Cruz, and Ismael Montes as additional interests.

October 31, 2000 at 8:30 p.m. marked the first official meeting for the Sigma Lambda Beta interest group, which was conducted on the second floor of the Allen Library. The next few weeks the group endured a high fluctuation of interested individuals, but on November 21, 2000, Andres Martin was acquired as the final associate. Andres solidified the core and base of the group.

On Novermber 28, 2000, elections were held appointing the first executive board. Positions established were: Enrique Aguayo-President, Herber Cruz-Vice President, Mauricio Chavez-Secretary, Ismael Montes- Treasurer, and Andres Martin as Academics and Community service chairperson.

The new group received numerous visits from founding chapter members of other universities. Ian Bautista of Kansas State University-Phi chapter founder, Jose Cabrales of Santa Clara University-Psi Alpha chapter founder, Rene Lemus of San Jose State University-Lambda Alpha chapter founder, and William Garay of the University of Illinois-Kappa chapter founder. Each individually spoke with the group, sharing their experiences and how Sigma Lambda Beta has not only contributed, but also how it has been part of each and every one of their lives. This only reinforced the group’s desire to be part of such an organization.

Education of the first and founding line in the Northwest commenced on January 6, 2001 at 9:37:12 p.m. under the instruction of Brother Anthony Ochoa and the help of brother Jose Cabrales.

On March 3, 2001 in the presence of:

      Anthony Ochoa (University of Arizona, AZ)
      David Benton (University of Arizona, AZ)
      William Garay (University of Illinois, IL)
      Norvis Huezo (SUNY-Stony Brook, NY)
      Ammar Mufleh (University of Toledo, OH)
      Carlos Gandaria (San Jose State University, CA)
      Nicholas Morales (San Jose State University, CA)
      Rich Ramirez (San Jose State University, CA)
      Martin Rodriguez (San Jose State University, CA)
      Juan Vigil (San Jose State University, CA)
      Carlos Torres (San Jose State University, CA)
      Victor Aguilar (San Jose State University, CA)
      Rudy Lobato (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Jose Cabrales (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Ricardo Mazry (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Ramon Marquez (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Paulo Apolinario (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Dustin Gonzalez (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Paul Corona (Santa Clara University, CA)
      Jose Espinoza (California State University-Dominguez Hills, CA)
      Jesus Farfan (University of Wisconsin-Parkside, WI)

The ship CHICAUSE LIBERALIS crossed at 4:13:05 a.m., placing Sigma Lambda Beta on all four corners of the United States.