Santa Barbara
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Tau Chapter
Message From Our President
My name is Jesus Lopez and I am the current president for the Alpha Tau Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated is dedicated to developing in its members an awareness of the common values and traditions of different nations and to prepare them to become active participant in the process of advancing the social and economic conditions of all human beings here and abroad. We are committed and indebted toward the empowerment of Latin American Community by providing intensive social and cultural programs geared toward the appreciation and preservation of Latin-America. The reason why I joined this organization was because it was my home away from home. Being a first-generation Latino student here at UCSB made it difficult to adapt/navigate, however my now brothers were always there for me and I consider them my family. Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated has offered me an extensive network and platform that I can use to give back to my community. Collectively, we will continue to strive to make a change and help wherever we can.
History
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated was established on December 26, 1931 at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This makes us the OLDEST Latino fraternity in existence. We are a national organization, with 82 chapters and 13 colonies spreading throughout the United States. Our fraternal symbol is the African lion and our official colors are gold, navy blue, red, and white. Here at UCSB we were established in the Spring of 2010 with 7 founders, and since then the Alpha Tau Chapter has now grown to 77 members total, with 16 different classes.
Philanthropy
Our national philanthropies are the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). Both organizations are nonprofit. Through campaigns like Trick or Treat for UNICEF and the Tap Water Project we strive to provide food and water for children in third world countries. In addition, we are also involved in Change a Life Campaign hosted by NHI, in which we strive to provide Latinx students with scholarships. Our main goal is to make essential resources accessible in order to enable students to graduate from a four-year university.
Other Information
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Academic accomplishments: Had the highest fraternity GPA for fall and winter of the 2018-2019 academic year, countless brothers on Dean’s List
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Recruitment Chairs Contact INFO: Miguel Hernandez (213- 842- 9097)
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Fun Facts: We are referred to as PHIOTAS
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The oldest inter-collegiate Greek-letter organization established for Latin Americans
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Descended from the First Latino Fraternity and the First Latino Student Organization in the US
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The First Latino fraternity to reach from “Coast to Coast”
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Phi Iota Alpha’s membership includes four former presidents of Latin American countries
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Volunteering hours per quarter: 15 community service hours per quarter
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Cost to Join: 300 dollars
