Our Mission

We, the members of Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity, strive to promote Asian American Awareness in our surrounding communities through the promotion of Asian American interest activities. Such events, include philanthropic causes, educating the community, and preserving Asian American culture.

Since our inception, Lambda Phi Epsilon's goals have been to exemplify the highest standards of Academic Performance, Social Experience, Service to the Community, and most importantly Brotherhood among its members.

National

Ethnic fraternities first developed as a result of the need to share and celebrate diversity of cultural experiences. In 1916, the first Asian fraternity was founded at Cornell as Rho Psi, which now exists as an alumni club with chapters in New York, Hawaii, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Hong Kong. While the concept of brotherhood and unity isn't new, our dedication and commitment towards promoting it is. A new dynasty has arrived- here's our story...

Traditional Asian campus organizations were often split along lines of national origins. The lack of continuity among the memberships in those organizations meant that at best, student associations provided a circle of friends spanning the years of undergraduate study and at worst, a group of familiar strangers encountered during periodic social functions. The yearly turnover of most organizations' officers made it extremely difficult to pursue any extended project as each new officer core set its own agenda. A solution to this dilemma was the adoption of a fraternal social structure.

Not satisfied with the single Asian fraternity on the campus of University of California, Los Angeles, Lambda Phi Epsilon was founded on February 25, 1981, by principal founder Mr. Craig Ishigo and a group of eighteen other dedicated men. Noticing that Asian fraternities and sororities at the UC campuses were recognized as only service organization due to their memberships focus on Asians and to the exclusion of other ethnic groups, the goal of the founders was to transcend this limitation. The founders hoped to set new and higher standards of excellence for all Asian-interest organizations to follow, while feeling a need to offer a fraternity that would be recognized by the IFC and the Greek system. While the original charter focused on Asian-Pacifics, people from all ethnic backgrounds were welcome to join and support the brotherhood of Lambda Phi Epsilon. Their vision was that the members would eventually become the leaders of their respective communities and bridge the gaps that divided the Asian American community through the affiliation with a common organization. Mr. Craig Ishigo and Darryl L. Mu signed the charter as president and vice-president, respectively.

Unknowingly, their efforts had set the stage for the emergence of the largest organization of its kind.

Psi Chapter: University of Chicago

September 30, 1995: The University of Chicago chapter was founded. On May 28, 2000 we achieved active chapter status and have since become Psi Chapter. Today, Lambda Phi Epsilon is providing Asian-American men on the University of Chicago campus the opportunity to enrich their college experience and to forge bonds of brotherhood to last a lifetime.

Flash to the present: The Lambda Phire still burns bright as our newest members continue to uphold the long history and tradition started by those that came before them. Our chapter at the University of Chicago has become one of the most diverse chapters nationwide. Our young men continue to support the school and local community through service activities and student organization involvement, while finding time to truly experience "college life".

As for our future... we will continue to strive to be "Leaders Among Men" in our community and university. We have our vision and our goal. The only thing that remains to be answered about our future is this; will you be a part of it?

University of Chicago Founding Fathers

Mr. Joseph Chan

Mr. Richard Chen

Mr. Hunter Figueras

Mr. Jesse Hsu

Mr. Johnnie Kuo

Mr. Gary Lee

Mr. Howard Lee

Mr. Timothy Liu

Enduring Legacy

Lambda Phi Epsilon continues to establish and perpetuate Brotherhood and fellowship among its members. Part of that Brotherhood is expressed in our motto "To be Leaders Among Men." We not only seek to bring together a diverse group of men who share interests, concerns, backgrounds and cultures, but who believe that the strength of many are forged into the power of being one.

Grounded on the principles of wisdom, honor, and courage; our Active Division continues to teach young men principles of leadership and strong moral character. Our Alumni Division then provides a forum in which brothers may apply these beliefs and become true leaders of society. It is that unique life long commitment to lead in every arena of life that makes "the Lambdas" the most respected organization of it's kind.