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History

Chico State

Chico State University

On December 3, 1987, the West Coast of the United States saw a new movement – the beginning of Latino Fraternities. Brought together with the purpose of addressing the shortcomings that Latino Students faced in higher education, Fifteen young men came together to form a student organization far beyond their time. With a vision of Academic Excellence, Community Service, and the Maintenance of the Latino Culture through the bonds of brotherhood, these gentlemen brought an institution onto their campus that has become one of the leading Latino student organizations on the West Coast of the United States.

Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is proud to be the First Latino Interest Fraternity on the West Coast and for two decades, we have become a vehicle for creating the Latino Leaders of tomorrow and as an instrument for promoting the development of Latino males in higher education. Realizing the importance of Academic Excellence, we are a fraternity that emphasizes academic programs that aid in the retention, guidance and overall development of students in higher education so that they may enter the work force with the experience necessary to succeed. Alumni brothers of Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. have gone on to work in a wide array of professions such as engineering, law, medicine, government, high-tech, and business fields.

Fraternal Facts:

Mission Statement “The mission of Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation built on the foundation of respect and brotherhood, is to establish and promote a nurturing environment at the university level and beyond, through academic excellence, community service, and the celebration of the diverse Latino Culture.” (ΓΖΑ Preamble to Constitution, 1987)

Founding Date: December 3rd, 1987

Founding Chapter: California State University, Chico (Chico, CA)

Official Name: Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

Colors: Black, White and Silver

Principles: Academic Excellence, Community Service and the maintenance of the Latino Culture through Brotherhood

Nickname: Gammas

Mascot: The Iguana

Stone: The Obsidian Stone

National Philanthropies: American Diabetes Association, California Academic Decathlon and the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Historical Facts:

National Facts

The Board of Directors was established in 1997, with the leadership of Thomas Velis (San Jose State Chapter)

Steve Olmos, Chico State Chapter, was the first Elected National President

At the age of 21, Alejandro Pineda is the youngest National President to ever serve in that position

The longest National President in Office has been Alejandro Pineda (July 1, 2004 – December 31, 2007)

Jay Singh is the first National Executive Vice-President in the history of the Board of Directors

The Alpha, Gamma and Delta Chapters are known to have the most members sit on Gamma Zeta Alpha’s National Board at five. In a close second is Theta with four.

The Beta chapter was the first chapter to host Gamma Zeta Alpha’s National Conference

The Omicron chapter was the first chapter to host Gamma Zeta Alpha’s Gamma Leadership Conference in 2005

The Beta Chapter and Delta chapter have hosted the most National Conferences at two

Academics

Eta Chapter has the highest graduation rate, 97% Beta Chapter has the most brothers in receiving a Master’s degree, 12

Community Service

Alpha Chapter’s “Work Training Center Thanksgiving Extravaganza” is the longest running community service (18 Years)

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the first and only national prospective membership community service amongst any Latino/a organization (Established 2004)

Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first and only Greek Sponsor of the California Academic Decathlon (Established 2006)

The American Diabetes Association is Gamma Zeta Alpha’s first nationally established philanthropy

Chapter / Expansion Facts

In its 20 years of existence, Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has never had a chapter die or go inactive

Gamma Zeta Alpha’s largest expansion period was in 2000 under Eloy Garcia (Beta Chapter) as the Director of Expansion (UCLA, UC Davis, Stanford, UCSB)

Miscellaneous Facts

The term “Go Gammas” was originally “Go Gammas… You know,” but was translated to “Go Gamma… Tu Sabes”

“Tragos De Amargo Licor” was originated by Founding Father Lalo Lopez from the Delta Chapter

Gamma Zeta Alpha was insured for the first time in its history on September 1, 2004

Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is one of the founding members for the National Association of Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)

Armando Sanchez, Alpha Chapter, is the only brother to have served as an Associated Student’s President

The gamma handshake was originated at the Beta Chapter