Lambda Phi Epsilon, the University's first Asian-American fraternity, introduced its members to the community Sunday afternoon during a ceremony in the Rotunda Dome Room.
The event attracted members of the Asian-American student population, as well as Aaron Laushway assistant dean of students of fraternity and sorority life, Assistant Dean of Students Ajay Nair, andChristine McGill, interim program coordinator for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, all of whom spoke at the ceremony.
The new fraternity, which was officially founded last March, marks the 36th of Lambda Phi Epsilon's 37 chapters nationwide.
Lambda Phi Epsilon is the only Asian-American interest fraternity recognized by the National Inter-Fraternity Council.
Those involved with the launching of the fraternity at the University said they were excited by the historic implications of the group's founding.
"The emergence of ethnically and culturally based organizations is a very recent phenomenon," Laushway said. "Fraternity life is expanding, and Asian-American students are responding."
Lambda Phi Epsilon President Tuan Huynh said he believes this is the appropriate time for the fraternity's inception.
"There is a need for this because it increases awareness about Asian-Americans while promoting a brotherhood bond among men," Huynh said. "I honestly don't know why it's taken so long for this to happen."
As a member of the Multi-Cultural Greek Council, Lambda Phi Epsilon will adhere to its policies and requirements, including rush guidelines, fraternity Rush Chair Cheng Lu said. The group plans to focus on academics and community service in its agenda.
Lambda Phi Epsilon Secretary Vivek Taneja said the fraternity will cooperate with the Cammy Lee Foundation, an organization that recruits potential Asian-American bone marrow donors, to help fulfill its philanthropic goals.
However, unity remains the fraternity's top priority.
"We want to hold onto brotherhood," Huynh said. "That's what makes us enticing to prospective" rushees.
Laushway also stressed the group's unifying purpose.
"Ethnically based organizations seek to celebrate a specific aspect of multi-culturalism within the fraternal bonds of fraternity and sorority life," he said.
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