The women of Lambda Theta Nu are looking forward to 2011.

Lambda Theta Nu is celebrating with other chapters nationally their establishment that began 25 years ago at California State University-Chico.

“For me, it started as a networking of ethnic women on campus because we are such a small population and first generation students going to Chico for school,” said Lisa Saldano, one of the 18 founding mothers of Lambda Theta Nu at California State.

Saldano, along with many of the other founding mothers, fought stereotypes to succeed in college.

“My high school adviser thought I was just going to work in the field, get married, get pregnant, whatever; it was the typical Latino stereotype,” Saldano said. “My English teacher was the only person that saw my potential. He helped me fill out the forms and told me, ‘You are going to college.'” 

Today, Lambda Theta Nu has 35 chapters across the country. The Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Iowa State is entering its fourth year.

The six members of the chapter are aiming to impact the ISU community with fundraisers and events, including the Dare to Dream event Thursday night.

“Each year we have set goals that are placed by our Mesa Directiva [Executive Board] at the national level,” said Cynthia Salas, senior in liberal studies and president of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc. at Iowa State. “[The goals] are shaped around our pillars: academics, community service and sisterhood.”

Being a part of a multicultural organization — Lambda Theta Nu — along with other organizations, work to break down walls with stereotypes and other issues.

“We collaborate with the other organizations on campus to bring awareness on issues that affect our community,” Salas said.

Lambda Theta Nu is dedicated to bring awareness to the Dream Act and Iowa Act throughout the semester.

“We will also be collaborating with MAYAS [Mexican American Young Achievers Society] to bring another year of ‘Noche Mexicana,'” Salas said.

Back in 1985, Saldano and the other founding mothers wanted to have an organization where they could share their Latino and Hispanic heritages, as well as have a family away from home.

“Some girls didn’t have real blood sisters, so they didn’t know what sisterhood was about,” Saldano said. “We also wanted to pass students that were struggling in certain subjects, such as learning English as a second language and math.”

Lambda Theta Nu’s National Organization requires all women of the sorority to maintain a 2.5 GPA. Aside from strong academic requirements, many members are recognized as taking initiative by going above and beyond the typical college education.

“As an organization I think we have the highest success rate for women going on to get their masters and doctorate degrees,” Saldano said.

Nationally, students in Lambda Theta Nu work on providing literacy programs as well as community service and youth leadership conferences.

“Being a Lambda is not just something you do, it is a way of life … it’s about caring about your community enough to do something about it,” Salas said.

Lambda Theta Nu will be hosting its Lambda Sisterhood Convention March 11-13 at California State University-Chico. The conventions aim to connect the chapters across the nation and learn more about their history. The women will attend workshops, participate in activities, and compete in a step and stroll competition. There is also a mixer and an awards ceremony.

The women in the Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Iowa State are using the proceeds raised in their Lambda Kisses philanthropy to help send as many women to the conference. Handmade flowers and chocolate kisses will be sold and available for pick up or delivery on Valentines Day. 

A large part of Lambda Theta Nu pride is stepping, which was started in 1989 at the Alpha Epsilon Chapter at California State University-Chico.

“We stroll and step, incorporating the use of Machetes as a symbol of strength with direct cultural ties,” Salas said.

The steps/dances are also to symbolize the culture and strength of Latina women, according to the national website.

Symbolism is a large part of all sororities and fraternities nation-wide. The symbol of Lambda Theta Nu is the rose, with both physical and cultural meanings.

“My father was a rose gardener, which was typical for a lot of us. We also have a wonderful rose garden on our campus. The rose signifies grace, beauty, and the delicate nature of a woman,” Saldano said. “If you try to force a bud open, it ruins the whole thing; it will eventually open to something beautiful. It’s also a gorgeous flower and we love the color of it,” Saldano said.

Because the chapter here at Iowa State is smaller than the average sorority, the women work hard to get their name out and recruit wisely.

“Despite our small numbers, we will not take in members for the sake of having membership,” Salas said. “You do not have to be Latina to join our sorority. If you share our views, mission statement, and you have the qualities we are looking for in future members then you qualify to fill out an application.”

With the first steps to becoming a sorority occurring 25 years ago, Saldano realizes how her actions have impacted a nation of women.

“It really blows my mind,” she said. “I never would have imagined in our wildest dreams the expansion and growth. I’m glad the respect, professionalism, determination and the image are still there for women to continue their education. It almost makes me cry to see the success of these women.”

From humble beginnings, Lambda Theta Nu has grown and affected a community of people nationally and at Iowa State.

“[Lambda Theta Nu] has never tried to change me, they accept me for who I am,” Salas said. “I have learned to love and appreciate friendships in a whole different way.”