Lambda Psi
Virginia Tech University
Members of Lambda Psi at April 2005 Induction Ceremony
Virginia Tech’s Lambda Psi Chapter was founded on February 15, 1977 by Dr. Justo C. Ulloa, who at the time was also State Director for Sigma Delta Pi, and who served as Chapter Advisor until 1979. Except for the years 1983-1985, when Dr. Jacqueline Bixler served as Chapter Advisor, Dr. Antonio Fernández Vázquez has been Lambda Psi’s Advisor since 1979. Since its inception, the Chapter has been committed to foster appreciation and interest in lo hispánico, and has initiated over 280 members. Three chapter member/professors have been recognized with the Orden de los Descubridores: Dr. Leonor Alvarez de Ulloa, Dr. Antonio Fernández Vázquez, and Dr. Justo C. Ulloa. The following student members have received SDP scholarships: Michelle Regan (1983), Valerie Van Note (1991), David Bray and Michael Brown (1997), and Elizabeth Mack (2001). Lambda Psi has been named an Honor Chapter four times.
Over the years, the Lambda Psi Chapter has been fortunate to have student members who have diligently given their time and effort in support of Chapter activities. Members routinely maintain our Chapter website (http://www.fll.vt.edu/Spanish/SDP/), conduct tutoring for Spanish students, co-sponsor Hispanic Heritage Month, invite guest speakers, and organize cultural events open to the university community. In particular, the Chapter has established the bimonthly Tertulia Hispánica series, featuring, among others, the following: a presentation on Spanish-American Urban areas by Dr. Joseph L. Scarpaci, Professor of Geography; an exhibition and presentation of the Día de los Muertos by Ms. Marcela Uribe, graduate student, and Dr. Carlos Evia, Assistant Professor of English; a presentation on Argentina by Roxana Magoia, graduate student; two Hispanic dance demonstrations by dance instructor Julia Jabre; and a Spanish guitar concert by José Manuel Cerrato, graduate student.
Recently, the Chapter sponsored a Spanish Creative Writing course with visiting professor/writer Mercedes Salvador Acevedo, and was represented on the Steering Committee in the formation of LASO, the university’s Latino Association of Student Organizations, and the Chapter contributed to the drafting of its bylaws. Lambda Psi members represent our Chapter in the now-constituted LASO. The Lambda Psi Chapter also exhibits and collaborates in the annual Celebration of Holiday Traditions around the World at Virginia Tech.
Perhaps the most challenging undertaking of Lambda Psi has been to develop and organize the Hispanic Achievement Ceremony at Virginia Tech. Held every year around graduation time in May, this special ceremony aims to recognize academic achievements by Hispanic graduating students. Its underlying purpose is to foster appreciation for lo hispánico, and to promote diversity at Virginia Tech. This formal ceremony took place for the first time on May 12, 2005, and was attended by over 100 parents and family members of Hispanic graduating students. Participating Hispanic faculty, administrators, and some 30 graduating Hispanic students attended in academic regalia. Those recognized received the Gesta Hispana medallion designed by Lambda Psi members. Ernesto Lecuona’s “Malagueña” provided the music for the processionals. Dr. Humberto Rodríguez Camilloni, Professor of Architecture and Director of the Henry H. Wiss Center for Theory of Art and Architecture, was the keynote speaker. The ceremony was also attended by two vice-presidents, two directors, and two assistant provosts. University officials and the press called it a “historical moment” for Virginia Tech.