Lambda Theta Phi’s historic debut highlights UTC Hispanic Heritage Month festivities

When Mateo Jimenez first toured the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a high school student, he wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to attend. 

Jimenez asked his tour guide if there was a Latino fraternity, and when the answer was no, he decided we would take things into his own hands if he came to UTC. 

And he has. 

Years later, at the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Festival hosted by La Paz—a Chattanooga advocacy group for the Latino community—UTC’s first Latino fraternity, Lambda Theta Phi, will be receiving a proclamation presented by the city of Chattanooga’s Department of Equity & Community Engagement. 

The proclamation, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, comes during Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. 

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and UTC’s festivities will include a lineup of events, activities and educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the range of cultures and backgrounds within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, coordinates the UTC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Chris Stokes, the Office of Multicultural Affairs assistant director, explained the impact that Lambda Theta Phi will have on the UTC community—especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

“As founding brothers of a chapter, the legacy these young men build will be the cornerstone for all future chapter initiates,” Stokes said. “This recognition, among others, will continue to inspire new and lasting traditions of achievement and distinction here at UTC, further adding to the rich and lasting heritage that we celebrate each year.” 

Jimenez, a senior political science major and a first-generation college student, was born in a rural part of North Carolina—where his parents initially emigrated from Guatemala. 

Forming UTC’s chapter of Lambda Theta Phi was a long process according to Jimenez—1,225 days to be exact. 

When he joined an interest group in 2020, he was elated that the fraternity might become a reality. 

“I was like, ‘Oh my God. This is perfect. I always wanted there to be a Latin fraternity at UTC,’” Jimenez said. “Immediately, I was on board.” 

With the chaos that the COVID-19 pandemic brought, the group broke apart. Two years later, though, Jimenez was determined to bring the fraternity discussion back to life.  

“I was able to find some interested students to start the process,” he said. “We submitted paperwork and we went through the whole process. I saw it becoming a reality and I was really, really happy. 

“In May of last year, I was like, ‘Wow, this is actually going to happen.’” 

On Feb. 25, five UTC students, including Jimenez, officially became members of Lambda Theta Phi. 

“It was such an amazing time,” Jimenez said. “I remember crying a lot and I felt very, very happy. I didn’t think I was going to be a member during my undergrad days.” 

Anthony Bracero, a senior cybersecurity major from Clarksville, Tennessee, joined Lambda Theta Phi with his younger brother, Christopher Bracero. 

“Experiencing this with my younger brother and my friends, meeting the brothers, and learning about the organization and the impact that having this organization on campus for Latino students all motivated me to want to become a brother and establish this brotherhood at UTC,” Anthony said. 

For him, celebrating the new fraternity during Hispanic Heritage Month feels especially meaningful. 

“Not only is it celebrating and honoring Hispanic heritage, but it’s honoring our community and showcasing our culture in Chattanooga,” he said. “Preparing for this event means notifying our brothers from across the U.S. about this accomplishment of receiving the proclamation from the city—and planning events and budgets for brothers to attend and connect during the weekend.” 

Christopher, an exercise and health science junior, helps the fraternity with its recruitment, event planning and social media. He said the proclamation is a huge milestone in his personal journey. 

“It definitely means a lot to me because I love everything about my culture,” he said. “To be recognized at an event like that makes me proud to be the person that I am.” 

Jimenez was asked to reflect on his decision to attend UTC and how the presence of Lambda Theta Phi now may make the choice a little easier for some students. 

“I believe this will help future students decide whether or not they want to come to UTC, especially in the Latino community,” he said. “Now we have this new representation, this new opportunity for them that could ultimately get them to come to UTC. I’m so happy to contribute to that effort.” 

Stokes said that the fraternity’s establishment is not only a milestone for the University but also a reflection of the dedication of its founding members. 

“The proclamation is a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of the founding brothers of the Associate Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated, established here at UTC on Feb. 25, 2024,” Stokes said. “Their efforts to engage with the UTC and the Chattanooga community are genuine and their recognition embodies that. Their impact on the community, such as their work with local agencies, is truly commendable. I am truly proud of the members individually and of their collective impact.” 

Here is a list of Hispanic Heritage Month campus events: 

• All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month Timeline, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119) 

• All Month: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, All Day 

• Monday, Sept. 16: Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff –A Celebration of Latin American Cuisine, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Lupton Hall first floor 

• Saturday, Sept. 21: Hispanic Heritage Festival with La Paz, 12-7 p.m., Highland Park Commons 

• Thursday, Sept. 26: Latin Dance Night, 7-9 p.m., Lupton Hall first floor 

• Friday, Sept. 27: Spanish Conversation Table/Mesa de Español, noon, Lupton Hall 239 

• Friday, Sept. 27: MCLL Hispanic Heritage Month Reception with Tomás Q. Morín, 10-10:50 a.m., Lupton Hall 239 

• Friday, Sept. 27: Hispanic Heritage Month Reception with HOLA with Tomás Q. Morín, 2-3 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119) 

• Friday, Sept. 27: Meacham Writers’ Workshop with Tomás Q. Morín, 5-7 p.m., UTC Library Roth Reading Room 

• Tuesday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Oct. 5: UTC Theatre Co. Presents “Blood Wedding” by Federico García Lorca, Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre 

• Saturday, Oct. 5: Fiestaval: A Taste of Latin America, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Miller Park 

• Thursday, Oct. 10: Game Night: Lotería, 7-9 p.m., Lupton Hall first floor 

For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage. 

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