Providence, RI — June, 2013

Hermano Dr. Rick Quiles and fellow Hermanos

On March 5, 2013, after receiving an email from Susana Beckwidth Rhodes, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read Rhode Island, stating that Hermano Dr. Rick Quiles was recognized by their Board of Trustees to receive the 2013 Medical Champion Prescribe a Book Award, the idea for Tienes Libros started to come to light. The award would be presented to his practice on May 29, 2013 at the Hope Club located at his Alma Mater, Brown University, to a group of 130 generous donors of this evidence based early literacy program. Dr. Quiles was inspired to return their recognition with a surprise, first-ever, Hip Hop Literacy Video for Reach Out and Read. Another motivation to produce this video was to provide an effective way to address the disparity of education for the children of urban communities.

Hermano Dr. Rick Quiles Performs “I Love It When I Read With My Papi” to promote the Tienes Libros Campaign (special appearances by Hermano Victor Capellan, Deputy Superintendent of Central Falls High School, and Hermano Juan Pichardo, Rhode Island State Senator-District 2)

“These are the communities I serve, and the faces that remind me of my childhood and those of my own children today. I wanted to recognize champions of education such as the Mayor of Providence, Mayor of Cranston, Commissioner of Education Gist and the other cameo appearances in this video because they demonstrated that their hearts and actions were true to this mission. Most importantly, I wanted to begin a movement that spread beyond Rhode Island and showcased the many positive examples of fathers committed to children. These were the images that are not highlighted in mainstream media but that I considered were the most beautiful to me especially since my own father was never fully invested in my own education or guidance”, says Hermano Dr. Rick Quiles.

Dr. Quiles remains truly concerned with the disparity of reading and math proficiency in our urban communities nationwide. He believes engaging all family members, especially fathers, is an empowering solution to the disparity of health care through education. To date, there have been over 3,700 views of the video on YouTube and the video has received positive feedback from viewers in Harlem, NYC, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, California, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Dr. Quiles was also interviewed by Lucia Navarro of CNN Español on July 2, 2013 to discuss his literacy movement and video project. He is a staunch supporter of recommended scheduled childhood vaccines who also realizes the importance of education as quoted in his own bilingual video: “La Vacuna Más Potente Es La Educación”.

New York, NY — May 2013

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated won NALFO’s prestigious National Philanthropic Organization of the Year award at NALFO’s 2013 Spring Meeting in Queens, NY. The announcement was made at NALFO’s 15th Anniversary Crystal Gala this past Saturday May 18th, 2013.

The organization’s goal for 2012 was to not only enhance current service efforts but to also launch transcending philanthropic initiatives. Lambda Upsilon Lambda increased the number of P.A.T.H.E. (Providing Access To Higher Education) events throughout the country, participated in national and community services and charities, and raised funds for La Unidad Latina Foundation to be used for scholarships and grants. For the first time since its inception, the professional Medical Guild of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. and volunteers embarked on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Over their one-week mission in several poverty stricken areas they were able to assist over 1000 patients in need of medical care.

In the face of adversity, Lambda Upsilon Lambda was also able to raise over $120,000 for fraternity brother Jonel Gonzalez who tragically lost seven family members in a car accident. The “Para Jonel” campaign was successful through the generous support of family, friends, celebrities and, most importantly, the NALFO community.

The NALFO National Philanthropic Organization of the Year is awarded in recognition of an organization that has demonstrated excellence in:

• Promoting of Community Service and philanthropic endeavors at the National Level
• Participation of Community Service outside of their respective organizations
• Proven success of national community service programming
• Participation of NALFO philanthropic events

NALFO also awarded two individual Lambda brothers for their philanthropic and community service efforts. Hermano Eric Amador received the Undergraduate Philanthropic Excellence Award and Hermano Keith Garcia received the Unidad Project Award. La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. congratulates these brothers for their excellence in service and leadership by example.

New York, NY — May 2013

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated will host its 25th National Convention (NC) in Las Vegas, NV. On this occasion, members of over 80 chapters and alumni nationwide will convene in Las Vegas to celebrate the organization’s 31st Anniversary and discuss issues concerning Latino Americans in the United States. NC will take place from July 18-21, 2013 at The Palms Hotel and Casino Resort.

The theme at this year’s convention is “A Vision Forward.” The weekend will be filled with business and social events open to fraternity members and community members alike. Some highlights include the Conferences, Awards Gala, “Lambda Expo” – a career fair and vendor exhibition, P.A.T.H.E. school renovation project, SILK Stroll competition and several social events.

Las Vegas is an exciting city with much to offer. Convention attendees will experience many great attractions, outdoor excursions and a vibrant nightlife. From its many shops and relaxing spas to its fine dining and world-renowned shows, Las Vegas has a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Registration and all information regarding National Convention can be found at http://www.LambdaNC.org. For sponsors and vendors interested in participating at convention; and for questions regarding our conferences and events, please contact the Convention Committee at committee.convention@launidadlatina.org.

New York, NY — February 2013

On Tuesday, February 19th the National Leadership of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. successfully launched its new national website to commemorate its 31st Founding Anniversary. Since its inception on February 19th, 1982 at Cornell University, the Fraternity has taken on a role in meeting the needs of the Latino community through cultural awareness, community service, and the promotion of Latino culture and its diverse peoples.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “A Vision Forward,” the new national website will showcase aesthetic, functional and structural enhancements. The goal was to develop a more resourceful tool for all members of the organization while reinforcing their identity to the public. The new website offers quick and easy access to essential material which is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and availability of information.

“We wanted our new website to reflect who we are while highlighting our many accomplishments and initiatives,” said Gilbert Cortes, President of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

Lambda Upsilon Lambda’s new initiatives include the Medical Mission, the Lambda Guilds in Medicine, Law and Education as well as staple initiatives such as Providing Access To Higher Education (PATHE). Information on these and other national and regional events will give visitors greater insight to the organization’s current and future goals. The website also integrates other communication and social networking tools in order to further enhance the real-time distribution of significant news.

The national website is one of many steps La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. is taking towards “A Vision Forward.” In celebration of it’s Founders Day the organization welcomes everyone to visit the new www.launidadlatina.org.

New York, NY — June, 2012

On Wednesday, April 25th the professional Medical Guild of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. and volunteers embarked on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Over their one week mission in several poverty stricken areas they were able to assist over 1000 patients in need of medical care.

The Lambdas in Medicine Guild was formed in 2011 with the goal of uniting professional medical members of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. in order to deliver more efficient care, advocate for the Latino community, and to serve as a resource for Latinos at every level of medical training and practice.

Planning for their first major project as a Medical Guild began in the Fall of 2011 with the recruitment of Hermanos in the field of medicine. “This is an initiative that has never been done before and we are setting a precedent,” Julio Carballo said. As the Director of Alumni Affairs for the fraternity, Carballo stressed the historical implications this mission would have for the fraternity and Latino community as well.

Lambda members and volunteers partnered with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Corazon Del Siervo. Together they visited 5 different towns all across the island and helped over 1000 patients who lacked proper medical care. Carballo recalls many of the harsh conditions they were faced with while visiting certain villages. “We went into villages that had nothing, from no sanitation to dying patients. We gave these people some hope and kids’ especially appreciated the time we spent with them” he said. Several patients who suffered from diabetes and AIDS had not been treated for their diseases or illness for over a year. One of the highlights of the trip was Hermano Vicente Diaz saving a patient’s eye sight by performing a surgical procedure never before done in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Vicente Diaz was recently honored for his leadership during the mission at the 2012 Dream Garden Gala hosted by the Hostos Education Project.

The medical mission came to an end on Wednesday, May 2nd as the group left the Dominican Republic accomplishing many goals and undergoing a life changing experience themselves. The Medical Guild of Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. is planning their second medical mission for 2013 in a location to be announced later in the year. Following their initial trip they will now also call upon non-medical members of the fraternity and volunteers to assist in other areas of need such as education.

For more information on the Medical Guild or mission trip please contact Julio Carballo at julio.carballo@launidadlatina.org.