National History
During the fall of 1989, the foundation of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. was commenced by collegiate women who recognized the need to form an organization that provided empowerment to women of all cultural backgrounds. Her humble beginnings were built at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa where their vision was to create a network of academic and social support for Latina women. Under the guidance of Esther Materon Arum and Mary Peterson, the vision came to fruition on April 9th, 1990, as the University of Iowa Panhellenic Council officially recognized the organization as a sorority.
Through the continued commitment and leadership of the founding mothers, the operation of Sigma Lambda Gamma has thrived on many college campuses and provides an avenue for educational excellence to women of many nationalities. Our members recognize the need for togetherness and support among women of varying cultures at the university level and they remain dedicated to the overall success of women in a global environment.
Nu Alpha History
In the fall of 1996, a group of 20 women from the Uni versity of Southern California gathered at the Latino Floor lounge in Flour Tower to establish a strong Latina organization that could provide a social, cultural, and academic network of support.
In the spring of 1997, we became an established organization at USC known as Las Mujeres. On October 13, 1997, we were officially recognized by Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority as a Colony. On September 18, 1998, we were notified that Chapter status had been granted. Thus, the first Latina Sorority at USC, the Nu Alpha Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma, was established. There have been over 128 members since 1998.