Chapter History
On October 20, 1995 Maria Mendoza and Sonia
Martinez were introduced to a brother of Sigma Lambda Beta, Edwardo Cedillo who was Maria's Minority Aid at the time.
They met to discuss the possibility of establishing a chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma at Michigan State University. They
were able to formulate a group who were Amanda Saenz, America Zarate, Rita Cardenas, Sonia Martinez, and Edwardo Cedillio
for their first official meeting on September 14, 1996. At this meeting they were introduced to the purpose and principals
of SLG by sister Sonia Martinez. During the following weeks they met to discuss meeting times, goals, and ideas.
On October 27, 1996 they wrote a letter of intention for founding a chapter of SLG at MSU. After being recognized by
SLG as an interest group they were known as GIC, Gammitas in Construction. By spring semester 1997, their roots were
firmly planted by six remaining women, Sonia, Rita, Amanda, America, Maria, and Marissa.
Spring/Fall
Semester 1997 GIC participated in the Dia de los Muertos March, Dia de la Mujer Annual Conference, Cinco de Mayo Celebration,
Latino Student Welcome Reception, Mexican Independence Day Festivities, Latin Explosion, and the United States Hispanic Committee
Minority Phone-a-thon. These events continued as annual tradition for SLG. June 22, 1997 GIC was officially recognized
as a colony by nationals of SLG Leadership Retreat Conference in Ohio. September 26, 1997 GIC was inducted at 10:56
pm by Central Michigan University and Sonia Martinez. February 21, 1998 Theta Alpha got chapter status. And
ever since then Theta Alpha chapter has been one of the strongest organizations on MSU's campus thriving for the empowerment
of all women in higher education.
