By Diana C. Hernandez—
NJCU has a new fraternity on campus, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity. The historically Latino-based social fraternity was founded on April 4,1986 at the University of Iowa based on cultural understanding and wisdom. And was first founded at NJCU in the Spring of 2008.
Alexander “Eleguacito” Purdie, 26, National Security Studies Major, from Jersey City said, “Sigma Lambda Beta has a bond of brotherhood that is indescribable by words, but felt from brother-to-brother. When I was first introduced to these gentlemen, I immediately felt like I walked into a HUGE family. But by their welcome, it seemed like we have been friends for years. Then I learned that they did not have an official entity on campus (back in 2008), and my immediate response was how do we begin?”
Purdie is now the President of SLB and he is dedicated to making the “Los L.O.B.O.S” Colony of NJCU well known on campus.
“We plan to leave our mark at NJCU by just being ourselves. This campus already contains a diverse group of Greek-letter organizations that share common goals and values. We want to bring our philosophies, our principles, our brotherhood, and our experience to the NJCU Greek Senate family.”
SLB has already started collaborating with other organizations in preparation for the 2013, “But our main goal is to give 186 percent so that when we fundraise for a philanthropic cause, host scholarship and cultural awareness, and participate in community services, the campus can say ‘the Betas were here,’” said Purdie.
You can spot SLB wearing their brotherhood color: purple. “I chose to be a part of SLB because they showed me what a real brotherhood is and its incredible how this organization is so diverse across the entire country,” said Leo “Calidoso” Muriel, 21, Business, North Bergen. “I joined because of the bonds that I saw between the brothers on campus. SLB has given me the opportunity to learn about various cultures through their programs and diverse membership,” said Juan “Quimbaya” Trujillo, 24, Sociology, Newark. SLB hosts a leadership institute and a national convention, which rotate on a bi-annual basis. Scholarships are chosen by SLB Foundation and are selected based on recent achievements in scholarship, leadership and community services.
“We believe in the ideals of fairness, opportunity, and equality of all men without regard to their race, culture, or ethnic background. Our biggest goal is to see that all of society can realize the importance of these three ideals,” said Purdie.
SLB is looking forward to partnering with a variety of organizations, especially the clubs. According to Purdie, they have already built great relationships with many members within the Greek Senate and they definitely want to work with the new sorority on campus: Lambda Pi Upsilon.
If any students want more information on SLB email Alexander T. Purdie, President of SLB at APurdie86@ gmail.com.
