Alpha Psi Lambda, a new coed Latino social/service fraternity, has plans to be the first NIU organization to belong to the InterFraternity, PanHellenic and Black Greek Councils.

Bob Cordero, vice president of Alpha Psi Lambda, said the fraternity has five female and five male members. “We’re having trouble being recognized because we don’t have a national chapter and we’re coed,” Cordero said.

There are two other Alpha Psi Lambda chapters in the United States. The fraternity began at Ohio State University in 1985. The second chapter is at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Cordero said the Beta chapter at U of I is an associate member of U of I’s InterFraternity and Black Greek Councils. At NIU, the BGC “seems very receptive to us,” he said.

“A need arises for a specific group that has a common background. There isn’t anything for them most of the time in other Greek systems. We want to bring Latinos and non-Latinos together on the basis of friendship and brotherhood,” Cordero said.

“Our fraternity is unique because it’s more like a family with brothers and sisters. It’s a tight knit group,” he said.

Angel Rodriguez, dean of pledges for Alpha Psi Lambda, said, “You get to know who the other sexes are and their needs and wants.”

Rodriguez said the fraternity has a six-week pledge program without hazing. “There’s no physical strain involved with hazing. All activities are fun, rewarding and teach something about the fraternity. We feel strongly against hazing,” he said.

Cordero said, “We think this organization is going to grow stronger on this campus with the Greek community and the university.”

The fraternity has been recognized by the Student Association and has interest group status.