Lambda Theta Nu

Lambda Theta Nu (ΛΘΝ) is a Latina-based Greek letter intercollegiate sorority founded in 1986 at California State University, Chico.

Formation
Eighteen Latina students at California State University, Chico banded together during what they termed "a time of social struggles for Latinos, particularly those seeking higher education", forming a new sorority on 1986-03-11 which they named Lambda Theta Nu.

The sorority explains that the Founders surpassed the status quo for Latinas of the day by attending college; finding strength in numbers they realized that by coming together they could create a support system of helpful, friendly faces and hone a united voice to be heard, respected and recognized on its merits.

Founding Mothers
Early advocacy for the advancement of Latino and other minority communities remains a central part of the motivation of the sorority.

Purpose
The purpose of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. was set forth at its founding. "[Our purpose] shall be to open doors of opportunity to the Latinas in our community. The primary focus is academic excellence and meeting the needs of Latina women in higher education. Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. also promotes the advancement of Latinas through various campus activities and community services, and provides an environment for personal growth within a unit of sisterhood. Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc.'s priorities, however, will be placed on academic excellence and community service."

Ongoing growth
Lambda Theta Nu has established 44 chapters since it began. Members are chosen on the basis of academic achievement (a 2.6 GPA is required to remain a member in good standing, and academic workshops are required by each chapter.) Along with academics, philanthropy and service are woven into its programming.

Perhaps surprising, and in a nod to the organizations' Hispanic roots, Lambda Theta Nu members regularly perform step dances with machetes to symbolize their culture and the strength of Latina Women. "Strolling" or "Party Walking is another widely enjoyed event, performed in unison to rhythmic beats; the sorority competes for the best step and stroll performances in nationally competition. The sorority explains it was first introduced to step dancing by Delta Sigma Theta, an historically African-American sorority, in 1987.

The sorority maintains a national alumnae association, the National Association of Lambda Alumnae.

In 1998 the sorority was a founding member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).

Symbols
The sorority's colors are silver, burgundy, and white. Its symbol is the rose.

Philanthropy
The sorority's Tijeras National Community Service Program has been a focus of philanthropy since Lambda Theta Nu was formed. Tijeras addresses the Latino communities educational needs by focusing in the areas of Latino leadership and Latino literacy. The National community service program has two components, academic excellence and community service represented by Latina Youth Leadership Conference and Latino Literacy Fund.

Lambda Scholarship
One of the main goals of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. is to encourage and assist Latinas in the advancement of higher education, dedication to community service, and to provide an environment for personal growth within a unit of sisterhood. The organization does not only focus on its active members, but in the overall Latino community. In order to further their interest in helping out the Latino community, as a national organization Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc., has established a National Latina Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is designed with the goal of assisting young high school women pursue their own educational goals. Annually, every chapter awards a scholarship to applicants in their respective community.

In 2020 the sorority announced it was offering $40,000 in scholarship grants to support ten Latina applicants, regardless of membership status in the sorority.

Chapters
Following is a list of Lambda Theta Nu chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in italics.