Hispanic students are trying to start two NIU fraternities and a sorority, said a member of the University Resources for Latinos.

Yolanda Trevino said an all-male fraternity, Sigma Lambda Beta, and a co-ed fraternity, Alpha Psi Lambda, were formed last year. Both are chapters of national fraternities.

Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity has 14 members and four pledges, said President Mario Rueda. He said his fraternity is predominantly Hispanic but anyone is welcome to join.

The fraternity will move into the building occupied by Theta Chi, 824 Greenbrier Road, in late summer.

Alpha Psi Lambda President Viky Garcia said her fraternity has 10 members and five pledges and is looking for a house of its own.

Emily Sanchez said she and six other women are trying to recruit the 15 members needed to establish the Hispanic sorority.

Trevino said the purpose of the greek chapters is to promote Hispanic culture.

George Gutierrez, University Resources for Latinos director, said “the bottom line is to help students adjust to Northern.”

Interfraternity Council President Rob Martin said he talked to members of Sigma Lambda Beta about how they can join the council.

To be an IFC member, a fraternity must have at least half the number of members as the average of current IFC chapters, Martin said.

Mary Ronan, University Adviser for Greek Affairs, said the current average is 82 and a fraternity must have 41 members to join the greek system.