Category Archives: Press Release

President’s Welcome Message

Welcome to La Unidad Latina!

On April 20, 1991, I had the honor of becoming a Founding Hermano of the Iota Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. at Rutgers: The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick. Summer of 2019, I had the privilege of becoming the National President of our beloved Hermandad.

I take the helm at a time of growth and maturation for our organization. Change is inevitable and critical to any organization’s viability. It will not be an easy journey, but it is a necessary one. I am confident we will emerge stronger, more resilient. I have asked our Hermandad to trust me as we embark on this collective journey. “Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy” – Nicholas Sparks

As National President, I have committed my term to be inclusive of:

• Supporting the Board of Directors in successful execution of the comprehensive Strategic Plan developed developed in 2019

• Supporting the effective roll out and implementation of our revised New Member Education (NME) process. I am extremely proud of the work the NME Task Force has contributed to this process. As an organization, this revamp sets us up for sustainability, strengthens our process. As an organization, this revamp sets us up for sustainability, strengthens our relationships with university administration, and identifies opportunities for working collaboratively with our peers

• Focusing on mental health. In short, mental health is something impacting all of us! Whether as individuals, an Hermandad or within our families and communities, we do not often effectively address mental health, and sometimes do not always know how. A Presidential Mental Health Initiative Team will create a toolkit for Hermanos and explore how we can address this issue nationally, regionally and locally

I invite you to peruse our website and join us on our journey. We welcome the company, support and any willingness to partner with us.

Today, we are a brotherhood approaching 3,000. We are diverse, inclusive, and more forward thinking than ever. This does not mean that we can rest on our laurels. There is still much to do and accomplish. Through collaboration and partnership with academic institutions and peer Greek-letter organizations, we can achieve collective impact for the betterment and longevity of our respective organizations, our members, and the communities we serve.

I look forward to working with you.

Respectfully,

Hermano George Bouldin Gates, MBA
National President
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

“All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” – Jim Rohn

In Memoriam…Hermano Manuel Gomez

April 25, 2020

On April 5, 2020, the Hermanos of Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. learned of the passing of Hermano Manuel Gomez (Spring 2010, Beta Zeta Chapter Founder at Johnson and Wales University) as a result of COVID-19. 

It goes without saying the loss of this young life at 28 years of age, during such an unprecedented time, has tremendously impacted his family, friends and our Hermandad.

Hermano Manny was a role model touching the hearts of all he met. Every Hermano having the pleasure of meeting and knowing Manny speaks of his impact, his commitment, his leadership.

Hermanos close to Manny stepped up to assist and provide support to his mother and family in the development of a GoFundMe page and coordination of funeral and burial arrangements. Funds raised surpassed their goal and will provide support and relief to his mother who has also been managing ongoing complicated health issues of her own.

Our Hermandad mourns the loss of our Hermano and sends our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, chapter brothers and friends. We also wish continued peace to his mother.

La Unidad Para Siempre, Manny. We will miss you, Hermano.

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

La Unidad Latina’s 38th Anniversary

February 19th, 2020

La Unidad Para Siempre, Hermanos!

As we celebrate 38 years of Para Siempre, let us take a moment to acknowledge not just our history but our legacy!

Almost 40 years ago a group of men sought to fill a need and gap they witnessed and lived as Latino men pursuing higher education in a predominantly white institution. To provide a safe haven, support and a sense of brotherhood to men of shared experiences. To ultimately be the change they wished to see. Their idea prioritized providing the academic, social and community support Latino students needed to be successful. On February 19, 1982, that dream became more than a reality, it became an action.

Through our highs and lows, our successes, challenges and lessons learned, we have become a stronger organization. Our leadership over the years has brought us to the precipice of continued greatness and tremendous future possibilities. I thank all of our past leaders (National Council and Board of Directors) for their tireless commitment and leadership. We have come this far because of you and we hope you will help in contributing to a sustainable future.

Our future is built and strengthened with each line that crosses. It is guided by Hermanos celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 38 years of Hermandad. That future is sustained by all of us working together, sharing and learning from one another. We must collectively contribute to ensuring a future and leaving legacies that provide a foundation for what’s next.

Today, we are a brotherhood approaching 3,000. We are diverse, inclusive, and still leaders among our peers. This does not mean we can rest on our laurels. There is still much to do and accomplish. We are going through a period of growth and transition; walking through the proverbial fire. We will emerge on the other side renewed, reawakened, and with a broader more encompassing commitment to sustainability.

As we take a moment to pay homage to our Founding Fathers, I urge each of you to also honor your Chapter Founders and all the lines since that have built our organization, taken La Fraternidad across the country, contributed to the Hermanos we are today, and afforded us brotherhood and bonding…Para Siempre!

“All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” – Jim Rohn 

Thank you for all you do for La Fraternidad and our Hermandad! Happy Lambdaversary, Hermanos!

Para Siempre,

Hermano George Bouldin Gates, MBA
National President
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

Statement Regarding the Recent Mass Shootings

August 7, 2019

From the Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Incorporated.

The members of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. are heartbroken over the recent wave of mass shootings, which has led to the deaths and injury of dozens of individuals throughout the country. These tragedies are compounded by the notion that the shootings in El Paso, Texas were racially motivated, carried out by a domestic terrorist with white supremacist ideology that purposely targeted people of color, and specifically Latinos, people he considered “invaders” in these United States.

La Unidad Latina was founded to uplift and empower the Latino community, and we cannot stand by when there are those who want to destroy lives simply because our community exists. We condemn in the strongest terms the ideologies of white nationalism and white supremacy, and the growing anti-Latino sentiment perpetuated by those of power and privilege who are purposely scapegoating Latinos to distract others from tackling the real challenges that face this country.

La Unidad Latina believes that there is more that unites than divides the people of this great country. Our membership includes individuals from almost all 50 states and territories. It includes veterans and active service members, law enforcement, government officials and  first responders. We include teachers, doctors, lawyers and financial professionals, artists and activists, non-profit leaders and entrepreneurs. All make this country great with their innovation and dedication to service and community. Though we may differ by socioeconomic status, politics, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or ability, we call each other HERMANO, because we understand that these very differences allow us to bring our unique experiences and skills to the table, and work together to accomplish our common goals and dreams.

We know the United States will overcome this era of fear and division. We know that our fellow countrymen will come together and see the Latino community, not as invaders needing to be attacked, but as brothers and sisters that should be embraced. We know that true patriotic Americans know to reject the hateful language and ideology infecting our national discourse. We know this because we see the good in people every single day.

Our membership will continue to work toward uplifting our community. We ask that all Americans stand with us, condemn these brutal attacks, and speak out against divisive rhetoric and ideologies. We ask that people pressure their elected representatives to do the work of the people, and make this country safer, not only from enemies abroad, but from enemies within.  We ask that the media recognize White nationalism and White supremacy for the terrorist ideology that it is, and call out those who perpetuate these ideologies, overtly or implicitly.

Our hearts go out to the families of all those whose lives were cut short in these tragic days.  We stand with you, as do the best that is this country. To our Hermanos with family in El Paso, we stand with you, Para Siempre. We ARE America, and America is us.

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc.

Gold Gives Back!

Bronx, NY - September 15, 2018

Bronx, NY – On Saturday September 15, 2018, over 80 Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc gathered at Havana Bronx Cafe to celebrate brotherhood. The purpose of the event was to reignite the fraternal passion within a select group of Hermanos who joined the fraternity in 1982 – 2002.

The luncheon attracted Hermanos from Rhode Island to Maryland, and as far west as Texas. One dedicated Hermano who lives in Australia successfully arranged a work trip to be present for this occasion. In attendance were 6 past National Council Presidents, 4 Past Chairmen of the Board of Directors, and numerous Hermanos who have served La Fraternidad in various capacities, such as chapter Presidents, members of the Board of Directors, National Council officers or on Regional Leadership teams.

The focus of the event was to promote fraternal relevance, and to underscore how the fraternity can continue to play a role in the lives of Hermanos who are now in their 40’s and 50’s. La Unidad Para Siempre does not end when adult life begins and it can continue to inspire camaraderie and connection as our alumni age gracefully. Brotherhood evolves and this gathering was the first of many future efforts to demonstrate how the fraternity can evolve too.

During the event, a new partnership was unveiled. The fraternity, in conjunction with La Unidad Latina Service and Education Fund (SEF), announced a groundbreaking opportunity by recognizing a class of SEF donors as lifetime Hermanos. By donating $1,750 to the newly created “Gold Gives Back” fund, Hermanos will be eligible to receive a Lifetime Hermano designation, regardless of their dues-paying status. This dedicated fund through SEF allows Alumni Hermanos to make tax-deductible donations of $1,750 and to be recognized as Lifetime Active Hermanos of LUL. This restricted fund will be disbursed to LUL by SEF on a grant application basis and will only fund programs and initiatives that serve SEF’s purpose – to fulfill Las Metas of La Unidad Latina.

This announcement was received with such enthusiasm, that approximately $40,000 was pledged to SEF that day. With a sustainable financial operation, the goal is to ensure these grants serve as a catalyst for initiatives to focus on accelerating the growth of seasoned Latino leaders who strive to reach the highest rung of the ladder as community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals or as parents.

Together, LUL and SEF are committed to fulfilling this vision.