Serving as a source of support for minority women on campus is a main focus of Iowa State’s only historically Latina sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma.

Brenda Villarreal, Sigma Lambda Gamma vice president, said the organization’s focus on multiculturalism makes it different from other sororities.

“We want to break down the traditional stereotypes of what it means to be greek,” said Villarreal, senior in elementary education.

A group of students successfully revived the sorority after a nine-year absence from campus. Members of the sorority are currently working to achieve chapter status with Iowa State’s greek national council, said Silvia Delacruz, Sigma Lambda Gamma president.

“We’ve been recognized as an official chapter by our national sorority,” said Delacruz, sophomore in industrial engineering. “Now we’re petitioning for chapter status here at ISU.”

The Sigma Lambda Gamma national sorority was founded in 1990 at the University of Iowa.

A chapter was formed at Iowa State in 1992, but became inactive in 1994 due to low membership.

Delacruz said she attributes much of the sorority’s current success to the close proximity to the University of Iowa chapter.

“The Alpha chapter has given us a lot of support in our rechartering effort,” Delacruz said. “We have a strong relationship with them since we’re the only chapters in Iowa.”

Nina Grant, Sigma Lambda Gamma adviser, said the sorority will be affiliated with Iowa State’s off-campus greek organizations, which include historically black fraternities and sororities.

Grant said the sorority is not exclusively for Latinas.

“We’re a historically Latina-based sorority, but we’re inclusive of anyone who wants to join,” said Grant, program coordinator for agricultural administration. “Cultural awareness is a one of the principles of Sigma Lambda Gamma.”

A group of students re-organized in September 2000 and created a multicultural interest group called “Hermanas Unidas,” which means “united sisters,” Delacruz said. The group developed into a sorority and currently consists of 13 official members.

The sorority has been involved with several community service projects, including “Can Kansas State,” a food drive last November at the Iowa State-Kansas State football game, Delacruz said. The group also performs “random acts of kindness” by handing out candy to fellow students on campus.

“We think these events are a great way to contribute to the ISU community,” Delacruz said. “It’s also a good way to let people know that we are here to stay.”

Delacruz said she sees a bright future for Sigma Lambda Gamma.

“I think our sorority can help create a more positive environment for minorities at ISU by adding a more diverse outlook,” she said.