to the latest issue of Phiota!

T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F P H I I O T A A L P H A F R A T E R N I T Y, I N C .
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
9322 3rd Avenue
Suite 412
Brooklyn, New York 11209
PHIOTA!
www.phiota.info
Fall 2011
Content
From The Editor
PHIOTA! * Fall 2011
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2
National Management
Francisco Lugo
Executive Director
Jorlui Sillau
Director of Human Resources
As the fall semester comes to a close
around the country, I would like to congratulate
all the brothers graduating this semester.
Finishing college is definitely a milestone
any brother can appreciate but the message
I’d like to leave for those of you still in school
is this: Make sure you are pursuing a degree
that you have an innate desire in and take that
desire, as well as yourself, very seriously.
College was a time for fun I know I’ll never
have again, but it was also a time where I
found out what it was I wanted out of this life.
It’s great to be part of the Phiota! Magazine
staff, not only because of the potential of this
magazine but because I’m doing something
I love. I hope everyone enjoys the articles
we got for you in this issue and I hope that
brothers will come to find this magazine as
more of a tool for connection and insight to
what’s going on around the country.
Keep reading……
Ramsey R. Rodriguez
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 1
Engels Perez
Director of Operations and
Information Services
Bernie Rebollar
Director of Marketing
Rafael Arciga Garcia
Director of Member Services
Alex Molina
Director of Recruitment
Noe Favela
Director of Treasury
Phiota! Magazine Team
Publications Manager
Steven L. Garza
[email protected]
Editor
Ramsey Rodriguez
[email protected]
Designer
Mark Melchor
[email protected]
PHIOTA NEWS ARTICLES
PHIOTA Achievements
Pg. 5
-Awards given to chapters/colonies
CHAPTER AND COLONY
Phi Iota Alpha Photo Contest NEWS
-Check out the the winners
Pg. 12
Northeast Province Pg. 5
West Province
Pg. 11
Midwest Province
Pg. 19
From the Archives ‘Phiota’s Core Southwest Province
-Hosting the Future Major’Pg. 28 -Saturday Nights At LSU
Pg. 20
Crest Redesign -History of our new crest
Convention Recap
Pg. 25
Pg. 24
-What happend at the 79th Conevention
-2012 Convention New Orleans
-Lider of the Year -A Youth Poet from NYC
-Unchained Warriors
-The Official Phiota Buger
-Pan American Outreach
-By Alberto ‘Demasiado’ Elvira
-Distinguished Alumni profile: Dr. Rudolph Maas 1860-1957
The PHIOTA! is a quarterly professional magazine based on the ideals of the pillars of Fi Iota Alfa. It is the official publication
of Phi iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Oldest existing Latino fraternity, established in December 26, 1931 in Troy, New York, with
its roots beginning in 1898. All articles express the opinions of the authors, and not the fraternity, unless stated otherwise.
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 9322 3rd Avenue, Suite 412, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Fall 2011
www.phiota.info
PHIOTA! 2
PHIOTA ACHIEVEMENTS
Presented to
New Chapters
Alpha Nu: University of North Texas
Alpha Xi: University of Texas, Austin
Alpha Omicron: Texas State University
Alpha Pi: Armstrong Atlantic State University
Alpha Rho: Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Alpha Sigma: Georgia Southern University
Alpha Tau: University of California, Santa Barbara
Alpha Upsilon: Lamar University
New Colonies
Aurora University
Boston College
Florida International University
State University of New York Cortland
Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University, Kingsville
Louis Enrique Saavedra
Latino Administrator of the Year at St. John’s University
Alpha Gamma
Outstanding Greek Organization of the Year at St. John’s University
Convention Awards
Alumni of the Year: Peter Rojas
University of the Year: Alpha Gamma Chapter St. Johns University
Undergraduate of the Year: Rafael Martinez
Send awards and recognitions to [email protected]
From Vision to Involvement to Success:
A Golden Era for the Fraternity Begins
As I reflect on how much has been accomplished within the past year, I couldn’t be more proud to
be a Phiota or more proud to be part of our Fraternity during this incredibly exciting time in our
history. The Strategic Vision rolled out during the 2010 Dallas Convention, under the leadership
of then Executive Director Jason Nicolau is now starting to become a reality.
Consider this: today we have 43 chapters and 21 colonies, the most we‘ve experienced at one time.
We expect that many of these colonies will submit to become a chapter within the next academic
year.
This past spring we saw the largest new member class enter the fraternity, shattering previous
years.
During the past year our peers recognized us for the many accomplishments of our members and
the organization as a whole.
One final accomplishment you can be proud of is the overwhelming support we have received for
our National Philanthropy UNICEF; for which we have been able to raise a total of $8,6639.95 in
less than a year. I’m confident we’ll see measurable progress in this area in the months and years
to come.
To sustain this success, we need dedicated alumni willing to lend a few hours a month to mentor
and guide our undergraduate chapters and colonies, to serve on the National Management Team,
and to create Alumni Associations or Chapters.
This is an exciting time to be a Phiota and I hope you’ll take
the time to get involved.
Francisco M. Lugo Carmona
Executive Director
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 4
Northeast Province
Phiota & Hispanic ‘Líder of the Year’ Contender
Determined to Save Son’s Sight
Columbia, Maryland personal fight against blindness, hopeful that cutting-September
2011 edge gene therapies and other areas of promising
research can restore JJ’s vision—and the sight of
MillerCoors
has millions more. Jason, who spearheaded the unique
recognized
Jason ‘Pitching for a Cure’ event at Yankee Stadium in
“Electrico” Ferreira, August, will lead the ‘JJ’s Angels’ team at the Long
(Kappa Fall 1996) Island VisionWalk on October 23 and is chairing the
a
Foundation first-ever ‘Vision for the Future’ dinner gala this winter.
Fighting Blindness
volunteer and owner In addition to receiving recognition for
of numerous Met mentoring Latinos,
Foodmarkets
in Ferreira
bridged
the Greater NY area, as one of the 2011 MillerCoors a
partnership
Líderes for his exceptional contributions to the to
implement
Latino community. The public can visit www. the
Hispanic
MillerCoorsLideres.com from September 12 through Health Festival in
October 31 to vote for Ferreira. If Jason is chosen as Washington Heights, NY, where more than 500,000
the MillerCoors 2011 Líder of the Year, the Foundation attendees have received free health screenings and
Fighting Blindness will receive a $25,000 grant to develop information over the last several summers. The festival
and implement a chapter leadership program within the has raised awareness of available health coverage
Hispanic community in partnership with MillerCoors. for low-income families in the Latino community.
“I am honored to be chosen for this year’s
MillerCoors Líderes program,” said Ferreira, a
Long Island resident. “MillerCoors has made a
commitment to the Hispanic community by investing
in leadership, and I’m grateful to them for highlighting
my achievements and giving me the opportunity
to inspire future generations of Latino leaders.”
“This year marks the 5th anniversary of the
MillerCoors Líderes program, and we couldn’t be
more excited about having such an incredible group
representing true Latino leadership. Each one of them
deserves to win the MillerCoors 2011 Líder of the Year
award – it’s going to be a tough competition,” says Joedis
Avila, multicultural relations manager for MillerCoors.
“We are proud to continue highlighting those who
Ferreira was chosen as one of the 2011 contribute to their communities, while excelling in their
MillerCoors Líderes because of his involvement in careers and serving as role models for future generations.”
the fight for sight and other community initiatives.
Devastated by the unexpected news that his infant Since 2006, MillerCoors Líderes has raised
son was diagnosed with a rare, blinding disease called awareness and highlighted the achievements of national
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), Ferreira has helped and local leaders within the Hispanic community
the Foundation Fighting Blindness raise awareness and through an online public voting program and a
advance promising research toward treatments and national advertising campaign. The program offers
cures for inherited retinal conditions like LCA. Through up-and-coming Latino professionals leadership tools,
events such as VisionWalk, Banking on a Cure, Dining counsel and the opportunity to network through www.
in the Dark, and Pitching for a Cure, he has raised close MillerCoorsLideres.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.
to $100,000 for cutting-edge research that could help
restore his son’s sight and the sight of millions more.
Now, he’s rallying the supermarket industry
and the Greater NY community to help with his
Spring 2011
PHIOTA! 5
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 6
Northeast Province
“A Youth Poet From NYC”
Samuel “Samson” Maldonado
Samson has been writing songs for some time but has been
performing poetry for the past three years. He receives inspiration
from everyday situations and most commonly uses a blend of
issues while twisting happiness and drama to reflect upon life.
Samson has been featured and is also now a part of the Urban
Voices Heard Write-Out Loud Open Mic Showcase [UVH]. He
has also been featured at The SoulSweet Sanctuary in the Bronx.
Samson has had the opportunity to grace the stage at
places such as The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, La Pregunta Arts
Cafe, Inkwells Loser Slam in Long Branch, New Jersey, The Red
Room, 449LA Scat, and Herkimer County Community College
and Humphreys in New Haven, Connecticut, just to name a few.
Samson has also been blessed to have guidance from El Grito De
Poetas, an all Latino poetry group, and has also opened for them. He
has been published on www.retrowrites.com , Pioneer Magazine, and
www.spokenwordnewyork.com. Sam attends Utica College in Utica,
New York where he helped found Open Moments, a poetry oriented
group of diverse young male and female artists at Utica
dedicated to the craft and performance of poetry, rap,
Love Music
dance and song. He was also a 2010 McCafe Poetry
We Met Yesterday
Slam Finalist. On September 18, 2010, Samson along
Today She told Me She Loved Me
side a few other poets opened up for new hiphop
I Told Her How Could It Be Possible
sensation, B.O.B. The confidence Samson brings to any
To Love Someone So Quickly…
stage is what makes him a performer worth watching.
She Told Me That “We Fall In Love With Songs
On August 19, 2011, Samson will release his
Instantly”
second book of poetry, “Listen Up Pt 2” at the PeaceLove
Your Heartbeat Is My Favorite Genre Of Music.
Cafe, located at 617 Melrose Avenue (Btwn 151st &
152nd Street) in Bronx, New York. The book release
It’s Been On Repeat In My Pandora’s Box
will be hosted by Latanya DeVaughn and will feature
From The Moment My Ear Drums
Samson and some of NYC’s dopest, young poets: A.
Created A Rhythm With Your
Lyric, SoSoon, Speakers Of The House & Omni Blaize.
Instrumental.
One
Fact
About
Samson’s
Poetry:
He Writes All Of His Poems In All Caps Because
He Believes His Words Create Statements. To
Samson, Capital Letters Help Make A Point And
It Makes Him Standout From Other Writers.
Spring 2011
PHIOTA! 7
Your Song Has Officially Made My
All Time List
Now A Kiss To My Billboard
Will Secure It’s #1 Spot.
Yesterday You Debuted Your Love Song.
Today I Downloaded It Into My Heart’s iPod.
Now I’m Listening To The Sound Of
Your Soul Everyday.
I Am [What I Am]
I Am Motivation
Motivation For Those With Desired Goals
I Am Purpose
A Purpose To Guide Those With Intended Plans
I Am a Man
Who Play’s a Significant Role In My Environment To Set An Example
I Am a Leader
A Leader Who Rules Guides And Inspires Others To Become Whatever There Hearts Tell Them To Be
I Am Teacher
Exposing Knowledge To Those Who’s Minds Are Dumbfounded By Society
I Am a Friend
Showing Love & Advice To Those Whose Pale Hearts Are In Need For Color
I Am a Brother
Both Socially & At Heart I Am There When Needed, Behind You Every Step Of The Way Through This Mountain Hike You Call Life & Right With You Throughout This Journey
I Am Producer
Mass Producing Our Youth To Stay True To Themselves & Never Forgetting Who and Where They Come From
I Am a Tree
Over Looking Upon This Surface To Get a Better View Of The Things We Observe Each Day To Make The Following a Better One.
I Am Lover
Opening My Pool Of Affection So Others Can Swim With My Love So They Can Feel Wanted
I Am a Trendsetter
Transcending How We As People Are Suppose To Act & Should Act Towards One Another
I Am a Unifier
Bringing People Together Through One Important Cause Which is to Discuss & Express Our Feelings & Thoughts About Our Everyday Lives
I Am a Writer
A Poet
A Speaker
A Man Full Of Many Things
You Can Just Say I’m Revolutionary.
But I Don’t Do It For The Fame Though
I Do This So I Can Enlighten People Lives
Paint Pictures Like Every Word I Spit Was Made From a Rainbow
Making This Cold Blooded World, Warm Like a Sweater That We Can Cover Our
Upon Our Souls.
That’s My Reason For Doing This…
Despite That I Am All Of These Numerous Things
Most Importantly…
I Am Human
Now Can You Tell Me What You Are???
I Am…
Peace.
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 8
Unchained Warriors
By: Daniel Prieto
Latin America is a region in the western hemisphere that is comprised of various countries that share many
similarities linguistically, culturally, historically, and politically. Many of these countries’ foundation were built
not only by indigenous populations and Europeans but also by the hands of imported African Slaves from the
western coast of Africa. With the harsh treatment of the slave trade many enslaved blacks revolted against their
slave masters and created revolutions of their own that are not publicized amongst the Latino population here in
the United States. Within this article I will be focusing on two important figures of African descent whose legacy
lives on today in their respective countries. These two revolutionaries are that of Zumbi dos Palmares, a freed
slave of Brazilian descent and Joseph Chatoyer (Satuyé in Spanish) a Garifuna chief who led a revolt against the
British colonial government of Saint Vincent in 1795 which also led to the dispersion of the Garifuna people to the
Caribbean coast of the present day countries of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Zumbi, also known as Zumbi dos Palmares, was born a free black
in the Quilombo dos Palmares in Palmares, Brazil in 1655. Eventually being
kidnapped by the Portuguese, he was baptized under the name Francisco and
was taught the Portuguese language and Latin. Fed up of being under the
vigilance of the Portuguese Missionary, Zumbi fled and in 1670 returned to
Palmares. Growing up in the Quilombo (Portuguese for a free African refugee
settlement) Zumbi sought to enlighten other quilombos to fight for equality.
Apprehensive of the ongoing conflict with Palmares, Pedro Almeida, governor
of the state of Pernambuco, attempted to bring about a truce between Palmares
and the Portuguese government. Almeida approached Palmares’ leader
Ganga Zumba and promised him that if he surrendered to the Portuguese
government he would grant all runaway slaves freedom. Zumbi, discouraged
by the agreement, challenged Ganga Zumba’s authority and rejected Almeida’s
proposition. Becoming the new leader of Palmares, Zumbi then encountered
various attacks from the Portuguese government primarily in 1694 from
Domingos Jorge Velho and Bernardo Vieira de Melo who attacked and
dismantled the quilombo settlement. Zumbi was able to escape and continue
the rebellion until he was capture by Portuguese forces. To show the rest of the black population that Zumbi was
not immortal the Portuguese beheaded him on November 20, 1695 in the central plaza of the capital city of Recife.
November 20 is now a national holiday and it commemorates the Afro-Brazilian Consciousness. Zumbi is not only
seen as a national hero but a source of inspiration for millions of Afro-Brazilians who continue to fight against
adversity and prejudices that they face on a daily basis.
The Garifuna are a community made up of Carib and African
descent, the latter stemming from a shipwreck of enslaved blacks off the
coast of St. Vincent who intermarried with the already present Carib
community of the island. A national hero of the island nation of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines and a hero to the Garifuna communities
of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua is that of Joseph
Chatoyer (Satuyé) who was a Garifuna chief who resisted the British
government during the colonization of his native island of St. Vincent.
After various attempts at colonizing the island by the French and the
British, the native population rebelled in 1772.
Chatoyer was able to push the British time after time out of
the mountains, where the community inhabited, causing the
soldiers to retreat. Surprisingly, the war against the British
was put to a halt after the British colonizers came to an
agreement with the indigenous population and signed an
accord with them. This is the first time that the British ever
signed an accord with an indigenous populace. However,
knowing the British were not going to stick with the
agreement the Garifuna continued to fight. Joined now
with French forces, inspired by the French Revolution,
the Garifuna led by Chatoyer continued to fight against
the British in order to claim full sovereignty of the island.
Sadly, on March 14 of 1796 a multitude of British soldiers ransacked Dorsetshire Hill, where Chatoyer was staying
during the night, and killed him in his sleep. The rebellion continued until June of the same year; yet, the French
forces eventually gave up and withdrew from the island surrendering full power to the British government. Viewing
the Garifuna as enemies, the British deported the group to the Honduran island of Roatán, located off of the coast
of Honduras (Honduras was still under Spanish rule at this time). Due to the small size of the island the Garifuna
petitioned the Spanish government to settle in the mainland. With permission granted the Garifuna settled in
the Caribbean coast of Honduras and eventually spread to neighboring countries such as Belize, Guatemala, and
Nicaragua. Today, the Garifuna continue to live along the Caribbean coast of Central America as well as multiple
cities in the United States such as New York City, New Orleans, Miami, and Los Angeles. They have preserved their
culture, traditions, language, history,
and have also influenced the identity of their Central American countries.
These two heroes of Latin
America and the Caribbean have both left
their mark in the history of their respective
countries and in the hearts of their fellow
countrymen. Let us not forget these
resilient warriors of glory who shed their
blood for our history.
Received from the Journal entitled
Phylon: Zumbí and the Republic of
Palmares by Irene Diggs May 23, 2011.
Received from the world wide web
http://www.garifunaheritagefoundation.
org/285.html May 23, 2011.
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PHIOTA! 9
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West Province
The Official “Phoita Burger”
bbq sauce, hot sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles
and onions. All the ingredients hand picked
and selected by the brothers of the Alpha Tau
Chapter. The burger also reflects the preference
of many of the Latino students who attend
Javan’s.
It’s official….Phi Iota Alpha has a
burger named after the fraternity!
The “Phiota Burger” is part of
the Phiota Special offered at
Javan’s, a well known restaurant
conveniently
located
within
walking distance of the UC Santa
Barbara campus in the golden
state of California. The “Phiota
Burger” will be making its debut
this Spring Quarter.
Thanks to the great success of the Javan’s
fundraisers, the Alpha Tau chapter of Phi Iota
Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been able to generate
outstanding funds to our UNICEF Philanthropy
since being founded in the Spring of 2010.
A year later, they are well established on their
campus and earned their chapter letters just this
past 2011 National Convention in Miami. The
news of the “Phiota Burger” is a symbol of the
hard work and dedication this chapter, and the
California region has demonstrated in the last
year. We are sure that we will be featuring their
accomplishments for years to come.
Phiota Convention 31
Day Countdown Picture
Context
Winning Picture
Cover Picture
2nd Place Western Province “Phiota in da House”
Stopping by Santa Barbara? Check in to
Javan’s to try the “Phiota Burger”
The owner expressed that this is a way of
showing his gratitude for the business and the
amazing fundraisers that the Alpha Tau Chapter
of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has brought
to his business. He hopes to see many students
order it and make it a classic at his location. The
brothers at Alpha Tau have a great relationship
with the owner and plan to continue organizing
many more fundraisers in the years to come in
this venue.
The “Phiota Burger” consists of half a
pound of Gaucho beef with really thick bacon,
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Midwest Province
Phiota’s Pan-American Outreach
As a
student with the opportunity to live and
study in the United States, it always struck
me weird that students, particularly of Latino descent,
aren’t consistently doing enough to help our neighbors
south of the border. Personally, I hold the belief that we
should not only give back to our local communities, but
that it is equally important to stretch that friendly hand
to South America and the Caribbean. I was involved in
multiple organizations as soon as I began my freshman
year at Michigan State University, but they were not
fulfilling that particular desire to work with Latin
American countries.
Things changed after I became a brother of Phi
Iota Alpha Fraternity, Phi chapter. In Phiota (Phi Iota
Alpha Fraternity), I found an organization that placed a
strong emphasis on Pan-Americanism like myself. PanAmericanism can be briefly summed up as the basic
unity of the countries in our hemisphere. My personal
interest was to work with Latin American and Latino
communities both here and abroad.
Our chapter had already been fundraising for
yearly causes in Latin America, but around the Fall
of 2008 we decided to begin physically taking trips to
the countries we fund-raised for. The international
engagement began with a project in which brothers
provided school materials and built a small playground
for an elementary school in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The
following academic year, in the Spring of 2010, we teamed
up with MSU’s ‘Latinos on The Move’ and organized
a similar project in El Salvador. This was my first time
attending our now annual “Aide To The Americas” and
it was truly humbling experience.
Our group worked with a community in
Potrerillos de la Laguna, Coatepeque, Departamento
de Santa Ana, El Salvador. In short, we just referred to
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 19
it as ‘La Comunidad’. This community is located on a
small mountain next to the large and beautiful Lake
Coatepeque. It is a rural community to which most
government help never arrives. The beauty here was that
we would be living in the community while we helped
build the park. Women, men, and even the elementary
school children who the park was built for, aided in the
efforts, showing us the strength and Corazon (heart)
present all over our beloved Latin America. As a group,
we were able to turn a pile of dirt into a playground
with swings, a miniature soccer field, and multiple trees
that children would take care of, among other toys. This
experience renewed all the brothers’ commitment to
ensure we do our part to help those communities that
need it most. Two and a half days later of hard working
from morning until sunset left us with a park that many
of us doubted could even be completed.
This past Spring Break we focused our efforts on
the Dominican Republic. Specifically in the community
of “La Piedra”
located
in
the
Capital
of
Santo
Domingo.
Like in El
S a l v a d o r,
this is a
community
where most
government
help never reaches. We assisted
them through the non-profit agency named the Centro
Cultural Guanin that was working on establishing a
children’s club in the area. Aside from donating money
we raised by way of contributions from our fellow MSU
students; our brothers worked on laying the foundation
for the future building of the children’s center. Once
again community members worked on the project to
better their future.
We left both communities tired, but invigorated
with a renewed sense of why we joined the brotherhood.
Our vision of a more united hemisphere is partially
based on the economic and social mobilization of Latin
American communities world-wide.
social mobilization of Latin American
communities world-wide. Our efforts as a chapter
are small in comparison with all the help needed,
but we want to ensure that we do our part.
We can put all our efforts together, but
Latin America’s current state that demonstrates
helping is a commitment that will last a lifetime. It
is my belief that we as students in the United States
are in a unique position to give back. Our schools
are filled with different types of organizations
to the point that one needs to only look for the
right one to join. Creating your own is another
alternative if you cannot find one who meets
your community goals. Involvement as students
locally, nationally, and abroad is a key piece to understanding how our community struggles are
connected. A broader goal is to hope involved students become involved professionals who ensure that the best interests of underprivileged communities are respected and addressed in any profession they enter.
Hosting
the Φuture
By: Carlos “Suazo” Villegas
In the spring of 2010, there were only six universities in the Southwestern Province of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. Our fraternity is now heading into the fall 2011 semester and to say that our province has had extensive growth would
be an understatement. In one year, Louisiana
State University, Lamar University, the
University of Houston Downtown, Texas A&M,
Texas A&M Kingsville, and the University of Houston were
added to our province. Phi Iota Alpha has always valued quality over quantity and the young
individuals who are leading this new wave of Phiotas in this region are definitely men of quality. On August 6, a
regional meeting between all the newly established Universities was held in Houston, Texas. The topics discussed
ranged from UNICEF, campus involvement, graduation rates, internship opportunities, scholarships, budget plans,
and ways to become
recognized in the
community.
Our
brotherhood
is
reaching
out
to
communities
and
college
campuses
around the nation in
ways no one could
have imagined. With
these schools setting
a small example of
where we are headed
as an organization,
a movement, or just
as young Latinos in
general, I must say
the future is looking
bright.
ince
v
o
r
P
t
s
e
Southw
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 18
o
M
n
r
u
e
o
y Can Bu y
Y
t
a
h
W
8¢
Will give a child a
notebook and pencil to
use in a classroom
48¢
$16.25 Can buy a cold-storage box to
make sure medicines do not
spoil in the heat
$18.18 Can provide 3 bed nets to
protect families from mosquitoes
carrying deadly malaria
Supplies an
emergency
first aid kit
$24
You can help kids who need it most!
For more than 60 years, America’s kids have taken to the streets on
Halloween, collecting change to help children around the world who
don’t have enough food to eat, safe water to drink, or medicine to keep
them healthy.
There are so many ways to get involved. Learn more and download
free resources at trickortreatforunicef.org.
You can also donate right now by scanning this Microsoft Tag using a
smart phone or web enabled device.
$86.25 Can provide a bicycle to
get important medicines
to remote places
$500
Can buy 1 water pump to
provide clean, safe water
for a village or school
$600
Provides 1 packet of special
powder that, when mixed
with water, can save a child
from deadly dehydration
$17 Keeps a kid safe from 6
killer diseases
Pays for protein biscuits
for a starving child
$31
Can provide a soccer ball
and air pump so children
in refugee camps can play
together and be kids
Supplies a box of
10,000 tablets that
purify water for kids
to drink
Buys enough lifesaving
high-protein peanut
paste for 400 under-fed
kids for one day
$1
$69
$1,994.77
Pays for a kit to help 50
moms have healthy babies
under safe conditions
See what else your money can buy at trickortreatforunicef.org.
Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
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Southwest Province
Saturday Nights at LSU
By: Miguel “Smygrs”
Bermudez
During the fall, Saturday nights at LSU are practically
sacred, especially when there are home football games
at the storied, Tiger Stadium. What makes the night so
special is the buildup prior, in particular, the tailgates.
The LSU campus becomes the second largest city in
the state with thousands of fans tailgating all over
campus in their RV’s and tents, cooking and grilling
the local favorites- gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and
rice with sausage and, undoubtedly, burgers and hot
dogs. It is the ultimate experience in college football
and, to top it off, as the sun comes down, the LSU
Tigers march into Death Valley, the “Pantheon made
of Concrete and Steel.”
Last fall, one of my experiences of Saturday
night football at Tiger Stadium was one that I will
never forget. On Saturday, November 13, 2010, my
life changed forever. I witnessed true brotherhood,
friendship, and, most important of all, unity. I was
invited to the Phiota Homecoming Tailgate on
campus and at that time I knew little about Phi Iota
Alpha Fraternity Inc. I had learned that they had just
returned to campus and I also personally knew one of
them, Marlon “Verdadero” Boutin.
It was my first semester as a fourth year student,
and I had never seriously considered joining a
fraternity. It was not ‘my thing.’ Arriving at the tailgate,
I felt welcomed all at once. Their hospitable approach,
which matches how I interact with other people, had
a big impact on me. The sense of brotherhood that
I perceived when I learned they had brothers who’d
come from Georgia and Texas to participate in their
prime tailgate of the year was something that I really
appreciated. Overall, I had a great time at the tailgate.
The food was delicious and, unequivocally, the Phiota
Punch too!
After I left the tailgate on route to Tiger
Stadium, I had already made up my mind on pledging
the following semester. The connection that I had
with them that day at the tailgate was very strong and
I instantly knew that I would become a brother in the
future. At the start of the following semester, I recall my
brother, Daniel “Cristiano” Toro, contacting me to hang
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 21
Phiota Alpha Louisiana Roots
By: Carlos ‘Kacike’ Martinez
out.
To their surprise, I was already
committed and didn’t need any recruitment. I told
him, with earnest, that I was going to pledge if given
a bid. Today, I can proudly say that I am a Phiota.
This upcoming Fall I will be welcoming
brothers from across the United States and Latin
America to our Homecoming Tailgate along with my
brothers here at LSU. As chairman of the tailgates, I
look forward to hosting an exceptional tailgate for
my visiting brothers and our local community, so
that they can experience the local culture and the
Saturday night atmosphere to its fullest. This year’s
Homecoming Tailgate will be on November 12
against Western Kentucky, so mark your calendars.
If you would like to join us for that special occasion,
contact me at [email protected]. Below is
the schedule for the 2011-2012 season. For all home
games, tailgates will be planned so RSVP with us if
interested in attending.
DateOpponentTime
Sat, Sep 3
Oregon
7:00 pm
Sat, Sep 10 Northwestern St
7:00 pm
Thu, Sep 15 at Mississippi St
6:30 pm
Sat, Sep 24 at West Virginia
TBA
Sat, Oct 1
Kentucky
7:00 pm
Sat, Oct 8
Florida
7:00 pm
Sat, Oct 15 at Tennessee
TBA
Sat, Oct 22 Auburn
7:00 pm
Sat, Nov 5
at Alabama
TBA
Sat, Nov 12 Western Kentucky 7:00 pm
Sat, Nov 19 at Mississippi
TBA
Fri, Nov 25 Arkansas
1:30 pm
Home games are in bold.
New Orleans, Louisiana. Birthplace of Jazz,
Mardi Gras, and the world famous Gumbo!
What most outside the bonds of the Phi Iota
Alpha brotherhood do not know is that New
Orleans is also the birthplace of Sigma Iota; the
first Latino greek lettered organization in the
United States. Sigma Iota was established on
November 27, 1904 as a secret society for students known as la Colonia Hispano-American
that then changed it’s name to Sociedad Hispano-Americana the following month. It was on
March 12, 1912 that the members decided to
transition themselves from a social club into the
fraternity known as Sigma Iota. On December
26, 1931 these men would take another bold
leap and merge with Phi Lambda Alpha to create the brotherhood of Phi Iota Alpha.
Upon hearing that our 80th Anniversary Convention was being held in new Orleans, nothing
short of excitement filled my heart as a proud
Phiota man. Our history in the city is distinguished and some of our members have left
an impressive legacy still remembered today.
Although Tulane, Loyola, and Louisiana State
University were the base of our operations,
brothers were visible in various areas around the
city. One of the most visible was Dr. Rudolph
Matas; a world renown surgeon who served as
national leader of Sigma Iota on multiple occasions. Brothers would host social events for incoming international students, give out awards
for best Spanish essays, and even coordinate
speeches by prominent Latin American figures.
During the first few decades after our establishment, Phi Iota Alpha was so well organized
that Latin American consuls and university
representatives would routinely attend Phiota
events. Some that stand out include speeches
by renowned Mexican Philosopher and statesman, Jose Vasconcelos, and another by Salvador
Mendieta; the founder and former president of
the Central American Unionist Party. Mendieta
was even initiated into Phi Iota Alpha as an honorary member!
Many of our past conventions have been held in
the city, but this will be the first since the re-establishment of our undergraduate chapters. All
brothers should look forward to this opportunity and be sure to attend as we continue making history in New Orleans. We are also looking forward to the company of our fellow Greek
community as we take another step forward in
Latino Greek history.2
During the 1929 Sigma Iota Silver Anniversary convention; the intentions to negotiate a
merger with Phi Lambda Alpha was publically
announced. An aftermath of the 1936 convention in New Orleans was a public announcement by the fraternity asking the United States
to recognize Puerto Rico as independent and
for the removal of it’s military forces on the island. Three years later at another New Orleans
Phiota convention; we publically announced a
request for the release of Puerto Rican nationalist Pedro Albizu Campos, along with the result
of a passed vote to “co-operate for the union of
Latin American republics.”
What sort of changes or announcements will the
2012 convention bring? I’m not too sure at this
point, but I plan on being there to find out! Our
storied legacy is great to learn from, but fortifying our thriving present and promising future
will be what brings about greater progress in our
ΦamIliA! I hope to see you all in New Orleans!
Southwest Province
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 22
Convetion Recap
MIAMI FLORIDA
On July 21, 2011 Phi Iota Alpha, the Oldest Latino Fraternity in existence,
celebrated it’s 79th Anniversary Convention in Miami, Florida. Phi Iota Alpha We also would like to thank the
Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity, established many vendors and presenters that
for Latino Americans in the United States. It was founded December 26, 1931 at came to this year’s convention:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• United States Secret Service
Over 200 members of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., from all over the
• Metropolitan Life
country gathered together at the Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay for educational
• Verizon Wireless
workshops, motivational speakers, celebrations, sun, surf, and community service.
• Greek Nation
• Sons of 31 LLC
Convention weekend was capped off with the annual convention banquet.
• Inlet Wines LLC
The Keynote speaker was Bro. Tiberio Faria. Mr. Faria pledged for Phi Iota Alpha
in 1 955 at Lousiana State University. Bro. Tiberio was a member of the fraternity’s
Board of Trustees from 2005 until 2007. He is a public Speaker, trainer, translator
and editor, of bilingual
publications in Spanish and English. His latest title is “Our
Espanglish.” A book about the “Lingua Franca” of a very
large part of the Hispanic community in the USA.
It was also announced that Phi Iota Alpha
will be returning to its Southern home of Louisiana in
2012. The 80th anniversary Phi Iota Alpha convention
will be in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Highlights of the annual awards
ceremony included:
Undergrad of the Year:
Rafael “Unido” Martinez,
Alumni of the Year:
Peter “Incendio” Rojas
Chapter of the Year:
Alpha Gamma Chapter
St. Johns University
In addition eight colonies were
chartered as new chapters of Phi
Iota Alpha:
AN: University of North Texas
AX: University of Texas, Austin
AO: Texas State University
AP: Armstrong Atlantic State
University
AR: Rutgers University, New
Brunswick
AS: Georgia Southern University
AT: University of California, Santa
Barbara
AU: Lamar University
Our heartfelt thanks goes to our premier convention
sponsor Verizon Wireless. Verizon Wireless was in
attendance at the 79th Anniversary Convention held an
interactive presentation on “Expansion and Awareness via
Social Media.” In addition Verizon Wireless phones and
tablets were raffled off to convention attendees.
Convetion 2012
New Orleans, Louisana
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 23
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 24
Raices
By: Miguel Castro
Patria Grande
Esperanza de todos
Yo soy Latino and I made it
American tree
Notice the differences
Notice the similarities
Pride is more than appropriate
Diversity is our identity
Derived out of an inevitable
Embrace its beautiful colors
struggle
I refuse to be an abstract entity
Roots deeply grounded in the
that denies the inextricable
history of our people
connection between our panA history that started long before American roots—there is no need
Columbus sailed the ocean blue in to fear the giant with seven league
1492
boots
A history that is deeply embedded
The leaves fall from the tree
in the soil that provides us with The wind blows them left and right
the sustenance of life—We have The anxiety of separation breathes
learned of the armed strife and
heavily
our generation has lived through
Defy the strength of the wind
the weaponless strife of the mind
Lucha day and night
Whistle the song of victory
Pa’lante, Siempre pa’lante
Let us be leaves of substance
Despierta-Rise
Let the blood flow through the
Dig the roots out of the ground
veins
Refresh the memory
Breathe life into the story
Gently brush the dirt off
We are free
Feel the natural shape and
Do not fall far from the tree
architecture
Caress every imperfection
Patria Grande
Let your soul take in the moment
Transcend time and become
one with the organ of the PanFall 2011
PHIOTA! 25
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! 26
From The Archives
Distinguished Alumni profile:
Rudolph Matas 1860-1957
Dr.
By Alberto Elvira
Dr. Rudolph Matas was born in Bonnet Carre, Louisiana, a short distance
from New Orleans, on September 12, 1860. His parents, natives of Spain, his
early childhood was spent in France and Spain. In 1867, his family moved back
to New Orleans. In 1877 he began his medical training at the Medical School of
the University of Louisiana, now known as Tulane University School of Medicine,
receiving his medical degree in 1880 at the age 19.
Dr. Matas was a world-renowned surgical giant. He was the first doctor to
use a vascular surgical technique for aneurism, a suturing method called “The Matas Operation.” He was the first
to understand the need to control the rate of intravenous infusion -- he invented “The Matas Clamp” to regulate
the rate of flow. Dr. Matas performed surgery using spinal anesthesia, a first in the United States. He was the first
to prescribe a pre-surgical regimen for abdominal surgery.
Dr. Matas also became an authority on Yellow Fever, an advocate of Carlos Finlay’s hypothesis that the
Mosquitoes spread Yellow Fever. He saved the life of Major Gorgas, who later cleared the Panama area of Yellow
Fever to prepare for the construction of the Panama Canal.
He is generally referred to as the “Father of Vascular Surgery.” Dr. Matas was a founding member of the
American Association for Thoracic Surgery. The Rudolph Matas Award in Vascular Surgery is considered the
world’s premier award for cardio-thoracic surgery. Dr. William Mayo founder of the famous Mayo Clinic described
Dr. Matas as “The best doctor the world had produced at that time.”
Dr. Matas’ life remained at all times intimately associated with Tulane and Greater New Orleans. He was
the chairman of the Department of Surgery at New Orleans’ Charity Hospital
for 32 years. He taught at Tulane University Medical School for 42 years. At
Tulane Dr. Matas served as the Frater in Facultate of the Tulane Chapter of Phi
Iota Alpha Fraternity. Staying involved in the Fraternity for almost 40 years.
Dr. Matas received decorations from more than fourteen countries.
He presided as president of medical societies here and abroad, including: The
New Orleans Medical Society, The Louisiana Medical Society, The American
Surgical Association, and The International Society of Surgery. The American
Medical Association gave Dr. Matas its first Distinguished Service Medal.
He was named by the New Orleans Times-Picayune as one of the
individuals that defined New Orleans in the 20th Century. Tulane’s surgical
interest group is named in his honor, Rudolph Matas Surgical Society, as is the
Rudolph Matas Health Sciences Library, Tulane’s medical library.
Dr. Matas died on September 23, 1957, at the age of 97, distinguished
brother and physician.
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Visa®
Platinum Rewards Card
We’re excited to announce a brand new way that you can support Phi Iota Alpha!
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.
Enjoy enhanced Visa Platinum benefits and rewards – earn bonus points for FREE airline tickets,
merchandise, cash-back and more at participating merchants. No Annual Fee. Low Introductory
APR on purchases and no balance transfer fees for 6 months. Enhanced Visa Platinum benefits,
including 24/7 Emergency Customer Service, 100% Fraud Protection, Auto Rental and Travel
Accident Insurance and much more. See our FAQ for more information.
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.
This program is only open to U.S. residents 18 and over.
Fall 2011
PHIOTA! A career is not just a
career. It’s an avenue to
making your voice heard.
Your presence known. Your
impact felt far and wide.
At Verizon Wireless, you’ll
see your potential realized.
Your dreams achieved.
To learn more,
visit vzwcampus.com
Careers For Everything You Are
Verizon Wireless is an equal opportunity employer m/f/d/v.