Much thanks to Julianne Shumko for her article on Latino organizations at BU (BU Hispanic organizations focus on cultural education, Nov. 18). A major oversight, however, was excluding the work of Latino Greek organizations which have existed on campus since 1996. As a founding member of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity at Boston University, I can recall when Latino student activity was an oxymoron, with few organizations in existence and only a handful of students involved.
In fact, Latino student apathy was the very purpose for the creation of the BU chapter of Phi Iota Alpha, whose ten founders sought to energize Latino organizations and their members. Since its inception, chapter members have served on the executive boards of nearly every organization in Shumko’s article, including Latinos Unidos, La Fuerza, Danzon, and SHPE.
Additionally, Phi Iota Alpha drafted the constitution and was a founding member of the Concilio Latino, an umbrella organization which has improved communication and collaboration amongst Latino organizations at BU.
Phi Iota Alpha has also proven itself as a positive force through programming in the Latino community both on and off campus. On-campus events have included such innovative and diverse programming as our Latino comedy nights, Latin Waves boat cruises, Self-Defense for Women workshops, Professional Development workshops, and home-cooked Latino dinners.
Off-campus, the fraternity has been heavily involved in support of Casa Myrna Vasquez (a battered women’s shelter) and the Roberto Clemente Little League, sponsoring and coaching a team of youngsters in Dorchester.
Above all, what makes Phi Iota Alpha worth mention is the link it provides between Latino undergraduates and alumni of Boston University. Within each of us lies the legacy of Latino student activity over the last seven years, and it is both our pleasure and duty to share that legacy with those who are to come.
I am currently planning a trip to visit my brothers this weekend and partake in our annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which provides undergraduates and alumni a chance to give thanks for all the fraternity has done for us, and the community.
Raul Fernandez COM ’00