Fall 12 - Phiota Magazine

CONTENTS 4

“If Nature is against us, we shall fight Nature, and make it obey.”

- Simon Bolivar -

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Phiota Achievements

Editor

AWARDS WON BY BROTHERS AND CHAPTERS

John Gonzalez Designer Mark Melchor

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Alpha Sigma Chapter

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jorge Girotti

A DAY WITHOUT SHOES

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To submit articles, questions, and/or help with the magazine email us at editor@phiota.org

Color of Phiota BROTHER POETRY

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Alpha Tau Chapter: HELPING DAWGS

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San Fancisco Colony COMMEMORATING CESAR CHAVEZ

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Univesity of South Carolina Colony: THE GROWTH OF A COLONY

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Brother Gary Santos-Walk 150 MILE WALK FOR THE DREAM ACT

18 Convention Recap What did you miss?

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PHIOTA ACHIEVEMENTS Phi Iota Alpha Undergadute of the Year

Daniel Santos,

Alpha Gamma- St. Johns Univeristy Phi Iota Alpha Alumni of the Year

Marlon Boutin,

Alpha Alpha- Louisiana State Unversity Phi Iota Alph Chapter of the Year

Beta Chapter- Stony Brook Univeristy Five New chapters of Phi Iota Alpha:

Alpha Alpha: Louisiana State University

Alpha Phi: Queens College

Alpha Chi: Lewis University

Alpha Psi: Rutgers University -Newark / NJIT

Alpha Omega: Aurora University Five New Colonines

University of Texas–Pan American

New Jersey Institute of Technology

St. Francis College

Georgetown University

Texas Tech University Nominated for 2012 Mid-America Emmy Awards

Bro. Jose Lopez- Alpha Lambda

“Solo quiero Leones en mi regimiento.”

Jose de San Martin To submit achievements, email us at awards@phiota.org

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A DAY WITHOUT SHOES ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER

BY JAMIE GRINCH

Color of Phiota

by Benny Henriquez

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ne Day Without Shoes is a day to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life by going without shoes. Every year, Toms Shoes, a shoe company dedicated to giving a pair of shoes to impoverished people who cannot afford them. For every pair of Toms Shoes that are purchased, they donate a pair to a person in need. Originally, Tom was inspired to do this after a trip Argentina where he witnessed many children without shoes to protect their feet.

For the second year in a row, the Alpha Sigma chapter organized this event at Georgia Southern. Across campus, many students went without shoes as part of the effort to raise awareness. As part of the event, there was a “Poverty Walk” which included different types of terrain which included gravel, rocks, sand, and other harsh surfaces intended to be walked on by participants. After one participant initially walked over these surfaces he exclaimed “I can’t believe kids have to walk on this almost their whole lives. Shoot, we have smooth surfaces to walk on.” Also, participants were encouraged to paint their feet and place their footprint on a banner. Many students and a few teachers from the university participated in this day long experience, and at the end of the event during the day, several students marched down the main part of campus with the banner with the footprints. The chapter looks forward to getting even more people involved on campus next year.

See the color that keeps your heart pumping Your blood flowing everyday that you awaken.

See the color that unites everyone one of us together We may be different, but we are also all the same.

See the color that represents the boldness of standing tall The color that represent the flow and relaxation of everyday life.

See the color that represents the greatness and luxury of being a brother, The color of wealth and the power of kings.

Not only do you see, but you hear Hear the voice of the animal With its mighty roar it scares away intruders But it does not scare away the ones that have tamed it The ones that have become a part of the brotherhood.

Hold this to be true…

Taking it close to your heart And protecting it away from your enemies.

Let us represent the red, white, navy blue, and gold.

Represent the African lion that calls out to each of us.

The pillars that look down to each of us, For they are our protectors to which they fought for what they believed in.

Let us unite in a brotherhood of Pan-Americanism

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Helping DAWG

By Erick Mendoza Have you seen those heartbreaking commercials about abandoned animals on television?

All around the country there are dogs abandoned in the streets by their owners.

With no food or shelter, these animals have to fend for themselves until they are captured

by Animal Control and sent to the pound.

Unfortunately, many of the pounds are overcrowded and due to little county funding many dogs have to be euthanized.

In Santa Barbara the same is true. There are too many dogs in the pound and not enough space or veterinarians to look after the sick and hurt. Many are put to rest. But the Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG) in Santa Barbara is doing its part to reduce the number of euthanizes dogs.

As their mission statement says, “Most of the dogs in our care come from Santa Barbara county shelters. Our primary goal is to reduce the rate of euthanasia in the county shelters by providing the medical care and training many dogs need for a second chance at life.”

The Alpha Tau Chapter has been volunteering with DAWG this year by assisting the workers in cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the shelter. Cleaning cages, clearing the roofs, taking dogs a bath, feeding the animals, and walking the dogs are some of tasks volunteers do.

From Chihuahuas to Pitbulls to German Shepherds, the shelter has a variety of dog breeds. But since there is a lack of male volunteers, the bigger dogs are usually not taken out as often as the smaller dogs.

Brothers get to interact with these bigger animals and get to play ball with them.

Many workers have expressed how many of these animals are forgotten by society. It is a rewarding experience to see these animals, which bring joy to many individuals, wag their tail in delight that they will leave their cage to go for a walk or go play. All these healthy animals just need is a good caring home and someone to look after them.

With the devoted work of the community volunteers and the staff, the doors of this shelter remain open to those animals that are at the top of the list to being euthanized.

Currently they are at a maximum capacity, but as soon as on dog gets adopted, they can intake another helpless dog.

Dogs are commonly referred to as “man’s best friend” and the Alpha Tau Chapter is doing is part in giving our four legged animal friends a second chance at life.

For more information or to donate to the DAWG shelter, you can visit www.sbdawg. org.

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Alpha Kappa Pan-American Day Symposium

By Steven Pastores Phi Iota Alpha’s Alpha Kappa Chapter at Villanova University organized its Fifth Annual Pan-American Day Symposium on April 16 in Villanova’s Connelly Center. Our guest speakers were Ms. Varsovia Fernandez and Dr. Silvia NagyZekmi, who both provided their insights into the viability of Pan-Americanism in our hemisphere. Ms. Fernandez currently serves as President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

She explained her views on PanAmericanism as being an unrealistic goal due to the sheer difference among Latin American nations. Dr. NagyZekmi, a Villanova faculty member in the Latin American Studies Department, provided an opposing viewpoint.

The event was wellattended and included Mexican food provided

by La Michoacana, a famed restaurant in nearby Norristown.

Commemorating Cesar Chavez By. Miguel Castro and Raul Hernandez

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he San Francisco State University Colony of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted a collaborative jubilation in commemoration of Cesar Chavez Day on March 28, 2011 with Herman@s Unidos, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., the Delta Tau Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., the Delta Chapter of Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Theta Chapter of Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc. Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated to promote service and activism to the community in honor of Chavez’s life and work for laborers and Latino civil rights. The daylong event at San Francisco State University began with a breakfast for Latino high school students and an inspirational and stimulating speech by guest speaker Professor Brigitte Davila of the Latina studies department. Davila also serves as Program Director of the Latina Studies Community Service Learning Program and has had the opportunity to work closely with community based organizations to support Latinos.

Following Davila was a presentation by the San Francisco colony titled, “Culture Shock,” where they spoke to students about how to handle the transition from high school to college and how to deal with moving away from home. Subsequently, there was a college student panel, in which sophomore Rene Mejia of the San Francisco colony participated. At this point the high school students took advantage to actively engage with members of the panel to get their questions answered about adjusting to college life and the admissions and financial aid process.

The latter part of the event took place outdoors at the Malcolm X Plaza and consisted of Aztec Dancers, food, games, piñata breaking, tabling by student organizations and Mariachi San Miguel in which the father of sophomore Osvaldo Vera of the San Francisco colony is a member.

Although the San Francisco Colony is young, founded in spring of 2011 by Richard Guerra, Raul Hernandez, Rene Mejia and Osvaldo Vera, they have taken initiative to become active leaders in their campus community and promote the ideals of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As of this spring the colony has added two new members, Arturo Arias and Ramon Hernandez.

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THE GROWTH OF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COLONY

Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Visa® Platinum Rewards Card

From founding line to alpha line in One Year

We’re excited to announce a way that you can support Phi Iota Alpha!

On December 10, 2011 a historic event was made in the state of South Carolina.

Phi Iota Alpha became not only the first Latino fraternity on campus, but in the state as well. It was the determination of seven men that wanted to see the latino community uplifted in not only their campus, but city and state. From that date forward the Univeristy of South Carolina Colony proceeded on working to grab the attention of the community by any means necessary.

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When you apply for and use the new Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Visa® Platinum Rewards Card, our issuing bank (UMB) will make a $50 donation to the fraternity. Then for the life of the program, Phi Iota Alpha will receive a portion of every dollar that every cardholder charges! This great new card has no annual fee and a competitively low interest rate making it a smart choice for showing your Phi Iota Alpha pride.

By: Carlos Villalobos

The U of SC Colony was later contacted by a magazine called “Click”. The magazine is popular among the Latino community in the upstate region of South Carolina. Once the fraternity appeared on the magazine, we received a lot exposure and good press. This allowed us to gain more interest and strengthen already interest on our campus.

All the benefits of a platinum Visa card will be yours, along with the satisfaction of showing your support of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity’s mission every time you use your card.

Applicants under the age of 21 must have an adult co-signer or proof of income to be approved.

On April 14, 2011 the Alpha line of U of SC Colony of Phi Iota Alpha was born. In one short year the colony managed to expand its membership from seven to twelve.

The colony also successfully had two graduates, those being Jesse Arias and Carlos Villalobos. As the colony continues to grow, it hopes with its new members to innovative ways of helping the latino community.

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This program is only open to U.S. residents 18 and over.

Phi Iota Alpha 80th Anniversary Convention New Orleans, LA – July 2012 This year marked a milestone for Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as they celebrated their 80th national convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans has special significance in the history of the organization dating back to the 1929 convention of the Latin American fraternity Sigma Iota where it was decided to begin negotiations to merge with the Latin American fraternity Phi Lambda Alpha in the East.

The negotiations resulted in the formation of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on December 26, 1931.

This year the Hyatt French Quarter hosted Brothers and their guests from all across the United States. The annual convention provided an opportunity for undergraduates and alumni from various induction classes and states across the nation to connect or reconnect with the organization.

The agenda included a UNICEF presentation, career and professional development workshops

by Verizon and Campuspeak, and the awards banquet.

On Saturday the awards banquet was held to honor the philanthropic achievements of alumni and undergraduate chapters. This years guest speakers was Bro. Capt. Peter Morales, U.S.M.C Class of 1989; Logistics Planner for Marine Forces South in Miami, Florida; Served tours in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

It was also announced that Phi Iota Alpha will be going to La Isla del Encanto. The 81st anniversary Phi Iota Alpha convention will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This convention also marks the continued growth of the career expo for Fraternity members.

We would like to thank the many vendors and presenters that came to this year’s convention: Verizon United States Marine CorpsOfficers Candidate UNICEFUSA Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Drug Enforcement Administration Puentes New Orleans - Nonprofit serving NOLA Latino community See you all next year in San Juan!

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T H E P H I O TA 12

Cites Like Haverstraw, Germantown, Kingston, Coksackie, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, Athens, in between others were stops where we stopped to promote the word of the importance piece of legislation. Including College Campuses like Westchester Community College, Vassar College, SUNY-New Paltz, and concluding it tonight at SUNY-Albany for a Rally in preperation for tommorrow’s lobbying day.

Gary Says: This was an important cause as a Latino & as an American Citizen to promote the value of an Education and Most importantly this piece of legislation. To ME, Education is a Right, Not a Privilege. As a future educator I’ve felt I would not be doing the right thing to help my future students in the prospective career of being a Higher Education Administrator, IF I WOULD NOT WALK. My FamIliA including my line brother, friends, and people that I know personally can’t do anything without a nine digit social security number, this leads unfortunately to a block, change has to happen over time and these 153 miles I’ve walked proved that the awareness of this bill has reached an audience and I hope it continues this direction. This NYS Dream Act gives those international students the chance to make a life here with the proper financial assistance of grants, scholarships, loans to reach their educational dreams. I feel humbled, blessed, and honored to have participated in this momentous milestone in my life and hope to continue the work like an advocate.

WALKING FOR A LATIN DREAM

BY BROTHER GARY ‘ECUARIQUENO’ SANTONS-MENDOZA

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rom April 9th to April 16, Bro. Gary SantosMendoza, Don Ecuariqueño participated with other Undocumented youth and allies to walk 153 miles from Washington Heights, New York City to New York’s State Capital Albany, to raise awareness about the New York State Dream Act, a bill to allow Undocumented Immigrants obtain Financial Aid assistance to complete their college education.

The Walk ended with arriving on the April 16 at SUNY-Albany with a day of Lobbying the following day, just in time

for New York Legislatures to come back from their vacations. Over the past 8 Days of traveling him and the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) past numerous conservative and independent cities around

Upstate to advocate and give presentations and promote awareness for this bill.

NYS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, did not include this bill on the NYS 2012 Budget, Reason for the advocacy and urgency of this walk. The New York Dream Act, sponsored in both the Assembly and the Senate, and due for a vote in June.

The other Participants’ families come from a broad international mix -- Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Vietnam, Bangladesh, France, and China, as well as the U.S. 20

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