Rutgers University - Newark
Beta Delta Chapter
The Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated was founded on April 8, 2008. The founders consisted of six distinguished men of different cultures, all of who have established a reputation of quality and excellence on the campus. However, the journey to bring Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter into existence started three years prior. It was actually in the early part of 2005, three years before their membership education process, that these gentlemen first began working together and creating an unbreakable bond that would unite them even stronger in their future obstacles.
The six gentlemen of the Founding Line of the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter are from different ethnic grounds, which highly symbolizes the idea of multiculturalism within the brotherhood. The cultural representation spread across several continents as it included: Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, England, India, Italy and the Ukraine. These gentlemen: Captain: Brother Wilberto “Invictus” Lopez, Brother Viktor “Carpates” Semenyuk, Brother Ramon “Guaraguao” Rodriguez, Brother Luke “Augustus” Sangiamo, Brother Veer “Satyagraha” Patel, and Anchor: Brother Jose “Lazaro” Colon Jr. set a standard for the future of Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter and created a long lasting legacy from their hard work and dedication. Their Dean of Pledges, Brother Edward “Caonabo” Santos and Assistant Dean of Pledges, Brother Arturo “Mestizo” Chavez, both members of the founding line at New Jersey Institute of Technology, made sure these gentlemen not only were precise and accurate but articulate. They illustrated examples of what a Beta men is and ensured the founders embodied those principles.
The founding brothers of the Rutgers University-Newark Colony, prior to joining the organization, were heavily involved in governing associations and other student organizations. Even after becoming brothers, they continue to partake in an array of different activities and obtain high ranking positions in different organizations on campus. The founders will also be remembered for creating an official interest group for the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter called M.I.N.D. (Men Inspiring New Dreams). It was initially guided under the leadership of Brother JuanCarlos “Antioqueno” Alvarez, who was the sole active Brother of the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Iota Gamma Chapter. He wanted to expand and increase the might of Sigma Lambda Beta within this area. In their hard work and drive to be noticed by other organizations as a force on campus, they raised money for funding and charity, held programs, and co-sponsored events; sometimes numbering many more than many other student organizations combined. This interest group continues today in Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter and is a training ground for future candidates for the organization. M.I.N.D., as its own entity working with SLB, has a record of being one of the top active student organizations under the guidance of SLB Brothers. The organization is creating a precedent that will always be linked to the Rutgers University-Newark Founding Line and shall be continued under their committed guidance through upcoming years.
M.I.N.D. took a very active role on campus and the brothers wanted to show that they were committed even when they were interests. Even after becoming brothers, the founders felt that they needed to showcase the qualities of a Beta men and increase exposure of those positive characteristics within our surrounding communities. They specialized in community involvement and made that their primary focus. They took part in a variety of community help and outreach programs such as Adopt a Train Station Program, numerous blood drives, volunteering at several soup kitchens such as the Petty Church in Newark and alongside NJPIRG at Christ Church in East Orange and also hosting several fundraising social events to raise money and increase awareness of Sigma Lambda Beta. They also felt a close tie to a specific cause, breast cancer. They have participated in multiple breast cancer walks in Newark and surrounding areas, as well as exceeded their goals in philanthropy tables and in collecting monies for breast cancer research and treatment.
On campus, the founders were dedicated to establishing themselves as a Greek mainstay and organizational force that possessed a powerful reputation both academically and socially. They have held numerous business and professional seminars, some alongside other student organizations, which will further strengthen their ties to the campus and community and increase awareness of the organization. They have also hosted a number of various professionals of different careers to educate the student population and discuss important issues such as: recruitment, resume building, designing your college curriculum, and developing relationships in the corporate world. This is a small introduction to the wide array of topics that their programs encompassed and what their program objectives were.
Regardless of the amount of events, programs, community service hours they have covered, Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter shows no sign of slowing down. Even with their continued success rate, the future of the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter has never been brighter then it is now. Six men have established their history, and are already traveling down the path of making Newark an epicenter for Sigma Lambda Beta’s further development. This new Colony has the sincerest intention of bringing themselves, their interests, and their community as far along as limits can be pushed, and beyond. This vision was cemented as was their legacy when a year in existence; the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter won two of the most prestigious awards in the region. With a year’s worth of programming and events, Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter won the North East Colony of the Year award (2008-2009). This shows that within their first year, the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter strived for nothing but excellence and will continue to display that passion through all their endeavors. They say excellence breeds excellence. An example of that is Brother Ramon “Guaragauo” Rodriguez. As a brother for one year in the Rutgers University-Newark Colony, his work ethic and determination has set him apart which cultivated with the award of him being named the North East Undergrad of the Year (2008-2009). One year into the brotherhood, the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter has progressed leaps and bounds and will continue to pursue only excellence.
On December 5th, 2009, the Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter expanded with their Alpha Line. Four gentlemen embarked on the voyage and the ship ended its voyage with the same four gentlemen. These four men also encompassed a rich cultural past and an infinite amount of potential. Their cultural representation included El Salvador, Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana. They were: Captain Brother Rene “Atonal” Henriquez, Brother Juan “Quimbaya” Trujillo, Brother Christian “Canari” Larrea and Anchor Davendra “Yuvraja” Beni. These four men will ensure the future of Rutgers University-Newark Beta Delta chapter and will further their mission of excellence. They hope that with this addition, chapter status may be achieved. The four men also expanded the vision of M.I.N.D. which is now known throughout the campus as honorable and reputable. They also are heavily involved in student life and organizations and have various positions throughout the campus environment such as in Center for Student Life and the Business School.
