New Latino fraternity marks historic addition to Chapman’s Greek life

Photo Collage by Emily Paris, Photo Editor

The addition of Lambda Upsilon Lambda makes a significant milestone on Chapman’s campus, highlighting the growing diversity within the university’s Greek life. 

After Chapman's first Latina Sorority, Omega Phi Beta, established in fall 2023 as the university’s first multicultural Greek organization, the Lambda Upsilon Lambda (La Unidad Latino Orange) chapter makes history by joining Chapman’s Greek life roster. 

The fraternity is rapidly expanding on the West Coast, with four new chapters established in the past four years, including two in the spring 2025 semester at Chapman University and the University of San Diego.  

La Unidad Latino Orange is the only Latino fraternity to be chartered at all Ivy League universities. 

According to sophomore mathematics and civil engineering major Daniel Ruiz-Velediaz, a member of the fraternity, the chapter is just beginning its network throughout the California region. 

“Currently, I feel that support for Latinos socially is definitely present on campus, but there is a lack of academic support specifically for underserved Latinos acclimating to Chapman’s culture,” said Ruiz-Velediaz.

The organization’s mission is to promote unity across all cultures and on-campus organizations.

The chance to create a space for Latinos to come together and harness their collective strength towards a shared vision was an opportunity that Ruiz-Velediaz said he couldn't resist.

“This fraternity has given me the chance to be active on campus and has given me and my brothers a voice greater than any we would have individually,” said Ruiz-Velediaz.

Ruiz-Velediaz believes that the connections he has made so far in the fraternity will last decades after graduation. 

“Personally, this entire experience from start to finish has been electric, and I have felt more welcomed by the fraternity than I have ever felt by any other organization, Greek or not,” he said.

On March 20, the founding line of the new provisional chapter of the fraternity was presented on campus.  

Zuley Urieta, a junior software engineering major, was attending the event in support of her friends in the Latino community.

“Bringing this fraternity to Chapman is such a big step and trying to bring the Latino community closer is something really important and necessary today,” said Urieta. “I am really proud of everyone for making this a reality.” 

Josi Herrera, a sophomore film production major who was attending and rushing at the event, hopes that joining this fraternity brings him a new community. 

“I like that there is a community for Hispanics and Latinos at Chapman where we can all gather and mingle,” said Herrera. “I hope that we can all lift each other up. Here at Chapman, there's not a very big Hispanic or Latino community, so I am hoping to make new friends.” 

Kevin Tejeda, a junior chemistry major who was also rushing at the event, expressed his gratitude for coming across the Instagram post promoting the fraternity. 

“At Chapman, there's not many groups on campus that represent our culture, so I got stoked when I saw the advertisement on instagram for this new fraternity,” said Tejeda. “I am really looking forward to joining this program.”

La Unidad Latina Orange celebrates diversity, cultural identity and community service. As the fraternity continues to grow, they remain committed to leaving a lasting impact on Latinx students of Chapman for years to come.